First Impressions of Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set
The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set promises a complete solution for building a Gen 3 Glock 17 or 22 compatible pistol. It includes everything from the slide and barrel to the lower and upper parts kits. This set aims to provide a reliable and affordable way for enthusiasts to build their own full-size pistol.
I’ve been building and modifying firearms for over a decade, and I was looking for a cost-effective option to assemble a Glock 17-style pistol. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered decent quality and reliability for range use and potential home defense. The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set seemed to strike that balance.
The kit arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The initial impression was of solid, if somewhat basic, components. The slide felt substantial, and the barrel looked well-machined. I was initially excited, but a little apprehensive given some of the mixed reviews I had seen.
Compared to buying individual components from different manufacturers or purchasing a complete factory Glock, this kit offered a significant cost saving. I had considered a complete slide from Brownells and a separate lower parts kit, but the Patmos Arms set was more economical. My initial excitement waned slightly when I noticed the slide had unexpected cutouts at the barrel end, a stylistic choice I wasn’t particularly fond of.
Overall, my first impression was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and the components seemed decent enough for a budget build. The aesthetic surprise of the slide cutouts, however, left me a little concerned about potential compromises in quality or performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing was done at an indoor shooting range. I assembled the Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set onto a Polymer 80 PF940v2 frame. The first few magazines were a mixed bag of successes and failures to fully cycle.
The pistol felt somewhat “chunky” in its cycling. It seemed dependent on the specific magazine being used and how well it was lubricated. After about 20 rounds and liberal application of oil, the cycling smoothed out noticeably.
The biggest issue arose immediately after assembly: the recoil spring guide rod. While fitting the slide onto the frame, the guide rod snapped. This sent the spring flying and broke off the retaining ring. I had to fabricate a replacement rod using an 8-32 screw and some ingenuity to get the pistol operational.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial break-in and the recoil spring rod replacement, the Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set held up reasonably well. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it at this point. There are no additional failures to report beyond the initial break-in period.
The Nitride coating on the slide shows minimal wear after repeated use and cleaning. The barrel, too, appears to be holding up well with no signs of excessive wear or corrosion. Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward, typical of a Glock-style pistol.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock pistols, the Patmos Arms kit falls short in terms of out-of-the-box reliability and refinement. However, after addressing the recoil spring issue and allowing for a break-in period, it has proven to be a functional and relatively accurate firearm for range use.
Breaking Down the Features of Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set
Specifications
The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set is designed as a complete upper and lower parts solution for Glock 17/22 Gen 3 compatible frames. It features a 9mm Luger chambering and is intended for full-size pistol builds. The set includes a Patmos Arms Judah 17 Slide, a Patmos Arms 17 (9mm) barrel, a complete lower parts kit (minus the locking block), and a complete slide parts kit with blackout sights.
The slide is CNC machined from 416 Stainless Steel and features a Nitride coating for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. The barrel is also manufactured from 416 Stainless Steel with a Nitride finish. The kit is compatible with Glock Gen 3 Full Size (G17, G22 – requires locking block), Polymer 80 PF940v2, Polymer 80 PFS9, Zev OZ9 Full Size, and Lone Wolf TWF or TWC Full Size frames (requires locking block).
- Caliber: 9mm Luger.
- Slide Material: 416 Stainless Steel with Nitride Coating.
- Barrel Material: 416 Stainless Steel with Nitride Coating.
- Sights: Black Out Iron Sights.
- Compatibility: Glock 17/22 Gen 3 compatible frames.
Performance & Functionality
The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set performs adequately for a budget-friendly build. Once broken in, the pistol cycles reliably, but it initially exhibited some “chunky” cycling. Accuracy is acceptable for its intended purpose, making it suitable for range use and recreational shooting.
The main weakness is the initial unreliability and the sub-par recoil spring guide rod. The strengths lie in its affordability and the overall quality of the metal components. It meets expectations for a budget build but falls short compared to higher-end or factory Glock pistols.
Design & Ergonomics
The slide features front and rear serrations for improved grip when racking. The build quality is generally decent for the price point. The weight is comparable to a factory Glock 17.
The pistol feels comfortable in hand when assembled on a compatible frame. There isn’t a significant learning curve, as it functions similarly to any Glock-style pistol.
Durability & Maintenance
With the exception of the initial recoil spring guide rod failure, the Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set appears to be reasonably durable. The Nitride coating on the slide and barrel should provide long-term corrosion resistance. Maintenance is straightforward, involving routine cleaning and lubrication.
Replacement parts are readily available due to its Glock compatibility.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set does not come with any additional accessories beyond the included parts kits. However, being Glock compatible, it accepts a wide range of aftermarket accessories, including sights, triggers, barrels, and guide rods. It’s fully compatible with most Glock 17 Gen 3 accessories.
Pros and Cons of Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set
Pros
- Affordable price point for a complete parts set.
- 416 Stainless Steel slide and barrel with Nitride Coating for durability.
- Compatible with a wide range of Glock 17 Gen 3 frames and accessories.
- Front and rear slide serrations for improved grip.
- Acceptable accuracy for range use.
Cons
- Recoil spring guide rod is made of weak plastic and prone to breakage.
- Initial cycling can be “chunky” and require a break-in period.
- Slide aesthetics (cutouts) may not appeal to everyone.
Who Should Buy Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set?
The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set is perfect for budget-conscious builders and hobbyists. This product is ideal for those who enjoy assembling and customizing their own firearms. It’s also suitable for individuals looking for an affordable Glock 17-style pistol for range use or recreational shooting.
Those seeking a refined, out-of-the-box reliable firearm should skip this product. It requires some initial tinkering and potential part replacement to achieve optimal performance.
A must-have modification is a replacement recoil spring guide rod, preferably made of metal. Upgrading the sights could also improve the overall shooting experience.
Conclusion on Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set
The Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set offers a budget-friendly entry point into the world of Glock-style pistol building. It’s not without its flaws, most notably the fragile recoil spring guide rod and the initial cycling issues. However, if you’re willing to invest some time and potentially a few extra dollars in replacement parts, it can provide a functional and reasonably accurate firearm.
The price is justified for what you get, especially if you enjoy the process of building and customizing. However, keep in mind it is not a drop-in, ready-to-go solution like a factory Glock.
I would recommend it to experienced builders comfortable with troubleshooting and modifying firearms. If you are a novice looking for a hassle-free experience, this might not be the best choice. If you are on a budget and comfortable doing some extra work, the Patmos Arms Judah Glock G17 9mm Full Size Parts Set offers a decent value. Buy it with the expectation of needing to replace the recoil spring guide rod.