Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit Review

First Impressions of Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit

The Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit promises to transform your everyday Glock into a compact, accurate carbine. META Tactical claims this kit is the most responsive and compact platform on the market. The bullpup design and accessory options certainly caught my eye, prompting me to see if it lives up to the hype.

For years, I’ve been searching for a way to extend the effective range and stability of my Glock 17 without sacrificing its compact nature. My primary goal was improved accuracy and handling for both range training and potential defensive situations. The Meta Tactical Apex Carbine Conversion Kit seemed to offer that perfect blend of pistol familiarity and carbine performance.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the kit’s solid construction and aggressive aesthetics. The materials felt robust, and the bullpup design was surprisingly compact. The weight was noticeable, but not unwieldy, suggesting a balance between durability and maneuverability.

I considered other conversion kits, but the Meta Tactical kit stood out due to its true bullpup design, ambidextrous controls, and M-LOK compatibility. Kits that simply added a stock to the rear of the pistol didn’t offer the same level of compactness or balance. I was definitely excited to see how this performed on the range.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit took place at an outdoor shooting range. I focused on accuracy at various distances, from 25 to 100 yards. The weather was clear and mild, ideal for sighting in the platform and getting a feel for its handling characteristics.

The transformation of my Glock was immediate and dramatic. The bullpup design shortened the overall length, making it incredibly maneuverable, while the added stock provided a stable platform for more accurate shots. Recoil felt noticeably reduced compared to the pistol alone, thanks to the increased surface area against my shoulder.

Getting used to the trigger linkage took a few magazines, but after that, operation became smooth. One initial issue was finding the optimal cheek weld, as the built-in cheek rest required some adjustment to align with my optic. The ambidextrous charging handle and mag release were intuitive and easy to use, even with gloves.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable platform. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, experiencing no malfunctions directly attributed to the kit itself. The only issue stemmed from the mentioned magazine compatibility reported by other users.

The finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear even after being transported in various range bags. Cleaning and maintenance are relatively straightforward, requiring only occasional lubrication of the trigger linkage and basic wipe-down of the exterior. It disassembles easily.

Compared to simply adding a brace or stock to the rear of my Glock, the Meta Tactical kit offers a far superior shooting experience. The bullpup configuration makes it substantially shorter and more balanced, and the improved ergonomics lead to noticeably better accuracy and control.

Breaking Down the Features of Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit

Specifications

The Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit boasts a bullpup design crafted from Chrome Moly. This ensures both durability and rigidity while maintaining a reasonable weight. It is designed specifically for the Glock 17 Gen 5.

The kit itself adds approximately 3 pounds to the overall weight of the Glock. However, the weight distribution is excellent due to the bullpup configuration. It features a 6-position adjustable stock to accommodate various shooter sizes and preferences.

The kit retains the Glock 17’s magazine capacity (typically 17 rounds, depending on the magazine). It is compatible with most aftermarket Glock 17 slides and optics-ready slides (without an optic mounted on the slide itself). The M-LOK accessory system and Picatinny top rail allow for extensive customization options.

Performance & Functionality

The Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit dramatically improves the accuracy and stability of the Glock 17. The increased sight radius and shoulder stock make it much easier to achieve consistent groupings at longer distances. The recoil is noticeably reduced compared to shooting the pistol alone.

The main strength of this kit is its compact size and maneuverability. The bullpup design allows for a carbine-length barrel in a shorter overall package than traditional carbine conversions. The trigger linkage system is reliable and provides a decent trigger pull, though it’s not quite as crisp as a dedicated AR-15 trigger.

A minor weakness lies in the magazine compatibility. As indicated by user feedback, certain magazines, especially those from KCI, ETS, and Amend 2, may exhibit feeding issues. Genuine Glock magazines or other high-quality aftermarket options are recommended for optimal reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit is impressive. The Chrome Moly construction feels solid and durable, and the finish is resistant to scratches and wear. The bullpup design is well-executed, creating a balanced and ergonomic platform.

The kit is generally user-friendly, though there is a slight learning curve associated with the trigger linkage. Once mastered, however, operation is smooth and intuitive. The ambidextrous controls are a welcome addition, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters.

The built-in cheek rest is a nice feature, though it may require some adjustment to find the optimal position depending on the shooter’s face shape and optic choice. The grip is compatible with most AR-15 flat-top A2 style grips, allowing for further customization.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and observations, the Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit is built to last. The Chrome Moly construction and robust design should withstand years of use with proper care. The finish is durable and resistant to corrosion.

Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The kit disassembles easily for thorough cleaning. The trigger linkage should be lubricated periodically to ensure smooth operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit offers a high degree of customization. The M-LOK slots on the handguard allow for the attachment of various accessories, such as lights, lasers, and foregrips. The top Picatinny rail is ideal for mounting optics.

The kit is compatible with most AR-15 pistol grips, giving users a wide range of options to choose from. As mentioned earlier, magazine compatibility can be a factor, so it’s best to stick with high-quality Glock magazines or other reputable brands. Suppressor compatibility may also vary depending on the specific suppressor model.

Pros and Cons of Meta Tactical Glock 17 Gen 5 Apex Carbine Conversion Kit