NY Court Rules Against Producing Trace Data

Justice Frederick J. Marshall of the New York State Supreme Court, Erie County, has ruled that defendants in the Williams v. Beemiller, et al. case do not have to produce firearm trace data that plaintiffs sought as part of their “jurisdictional” discovery requests. The judge cited the Tiahrt Amendment in the Nov. 25 ruling.

Justice Marshall’s ruling helps close the door on private individuals seeking trace data directly from FFLs and the admissibility of such information in litigation. Though trace data does not constitute business records, the case serves as a warning to FFLs that their private business records are discoverable, according to NSSF.

Reid Says Gun Control Will Not Pass

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has said again that he does not have the votes to bring a gun control bill to the floor. “I would love to bring it back up, but I can’t do it until I have the votes, and at this stage I don’t have the votes,” Reid told reporters recently. (© FB/IFT)

Sturm, Ruger’s 2nd-Quarter Sales Up

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has reported that second-quarter sales were up 45% and earnings increased 64% compared to the same period a year ago. Said CEO Michael Fifer, “New product introductions were a significant component of our sales growth as new product sales represented $146.6 million, or 32%, of firearm sales in the first nine months of 2013.”

ATK’s 2nd- Quarter Sales up 48%

ATK has reported that second-quarter sales in its Sporting Group – which includes ammunition for law enforcement, military and sporting applications as well as optics, reloading gear and sport-shooting and tactical accessories – were up 48% to $421 million compared to $284 million in the same period last year.

The company said the increase in sales was driven by higher volume in ammunition, sales from Savage of $57 million and a previously announced ammunition price increase, partially offset by a decline in sales in tactical military accessories. ATK reported that its overall net income for the quarter was up 42%.

Interstate Handgun Sale Act Introduced

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) has introduced the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (HR 3335) to allow for the out-of-state sale of handguns to law-abiding citizens. While current technology makes the ban on interstate sales of handguns an anachronism in modern times, it stands zero chance of passage in the Democrat controlled Senate.

Excise Tax Revenue Up to Record Levels

The latest Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection report released by the Department of the Treasury indicates that firearm and ammunition manufacturers reported tax liabilities of $224.3 million in the second calendar quarter of 2013, up 40.3% over the same time period reported in 2012.

This 2013 second-quarter total surpasses the previous highest quarter reported (1st quarter 2013) by 12.6%. The report, which covers April 1, 2013 through June 30, 2013, shows that $64.6 million was due in taxes for pistols and revolvers, $82.5 million for firearms (other)/long guns and $77.2 million for ammunition (shells and cartridges). Compared to the same time period in 2012, tax obligations were up 23% for pistols and revolvers, up 43.3% for firearms (other)/ long guns and up 55% for ammunition.

Canadians Need An I-94 Number to Buy Guns

Nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States are admitted under different classes/categories. Canadians are considered non-controlled aliens and commonly admitted under class/category V (Visitor for business or pleasure). Nonimmigrant aliens receiving an I-94 number are normally entered under categories E and K.

The issuance of an I-94 number is a manual process (may include a small fee) and not necessary for visitors of business or pleasure, including Canadians. For firearm sales, a nonimmigrant alien must possess an I-94 number. Therefore, for a Canadian to purchase a firearm in the United States through an FFL, they will need to obtain an I-94 number.

Responsible Persons on an FFL

Neither the Gun Control Act (GCA) nor its implementing regulations specifically define the term “responsible person.” ATF derives its interpretation of that term from 18 U.S.C. §923(d)(1)(B), to mean an individual who has the power to direct the management and policies of the business entity for which the federal firearms license is being applied. Reference the March 2006 FFL Newsletter:

An existing responsible person (RP) under the applicable federal firearms license must request the addition of the new RP in writing. Written correspondence can be addressed directly to the appropriate Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) examiner on letterhead or by email. The addition of a new RP does not have to be submitted on a Form 7.

Photographs and fingerprint cards (FPC) must be submitted in addition to all required personal information. If the RP being added to the license is currently an RP on an existing license, no new photographs, or FPCs need to be submitted, but a new background check must be completed before approval of the addition can occur. However, don’t expect ATF to notify you if the new RP is approved – it won’t. ATF will only notify you if the RP is disapproved. To find your FFLC examiner, visit www.atf.gov/files/contact/service-centers/fflc-distribution-map.pdf. Corporate account examiners and a staff directory can be found at: www.atf.gov/contact/service-centers/index.html.

To delete an existing RP under the applicable license, each licensee must also request this deletion in writing to the FFLC.

Transferring Firearms from FFL to Personal Collection

If your business is a sole proprietorship, no ATF Form 4473 or NICS check is required to transfer a firearm from your business inventory to your personal collection.

However, the acquisition and disposition (A&D) record must reflect the disposition of the firearm from business inventory to personal use, and the date of such transfer. Note that if you wish to dispose of the firearm prior to it being held as part of your personal collection for one year, you are required to re-enter the firearm into the A&D record, complete an ATF Form 4473, and conduct a background check on the transferee. However, if the firearm is maintained in your personal collection for one year or longer from the date the firearm was transferred from the business inventory, you are not required to comply with the provisions of §478.102 or 478.124. Reference 27 CFR 478.125a.

An ATF Form 4473 and NICS check is required when a corporation, LLC, or partnership holding a federal firearms license transfers a firearm to one of its officers (or partners in the case of a partnership) for his or her personal use. The disposition of this firearm must also be recorded in the A&D record.

Report Deaths of FFL Responsible Persons

The Federal Firearms Licensing Center reminds all licensees of the requirement to report deceased responsible persons (RP) to the FFLC within 30 days, so the RP can be deactivated in FFLC’s system.

The deactivation of a deceased RP may lead to the right of business succession. Certain persons other than the licensee may secure the right to continue business with the license at the same address on, and for the remainder of the term of, the current license. Upon expiration of the license, the successor would be required to apply for a new license if they wish to continue operating. (A successor cannot renew the existing license.) The guidance for Right of Succession (27 CFR 478.56) is also located on the face of the license. In the case of a Corporation, only a legal corporate entity may continue to be licensed.

If after the death of an individual the corporation is dissolved under state law, the entity no longer exists and may no longer be licensed. For further information or clarification on how the deactivation of a deceased RP may affect your license, please contact ATF Customer Service at (866) 662-2750.

New E-Check Claimed to be Improved

The FBI NICS E-Check has been upgraded and is now said to provide a much more user-friendly experience.

The biggest obstacle many FFLs identified with the old version of the E-Check was that it was difficult to set up on additional computers. Additionally, the old version of the E-Check was not compatible with many browsers.

The new E-Check 2.0 allows you to access the system from any computer or any browser. The FFL and/or manager receives administrative controls, which includes the ability to create and modify accounts. The E-Check 2.0 does not require a digital certificate to be downloaded to your computer. This makes it easier to use from any browser using a computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc. You will log into FBI NICS E-Check using a user name and password similar to how you log in to most on-line accounts.

NFA Paperwork

ATF has become aware of fraudulent misuse of paperwork associated with National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms.

ATF strongly recommends that you never give anyone a copy of the applicable form that is to stay with your NFA firearm. In addition, please be aware that there are several areas to inspect if you are examining an NFA form for transfer. The ATF NFA Branch assigns a control number to every transfer, which is stamped on the applicable NFA form. Also, the serial number for the firearm is included in the tax stamp that is affixed to the applicable NFA form.

Should you suspect any misuse of NFA approved forms, please contact your local ATF office. A listing of the offices may be found at: www.atf.gov/content/contact-us/local-atf-offic.

Note on FFL Responsible Persons

The Federal Firearms Licensing Center reminds all licensees that an ATF Form 2.5330.20-Certification of Compliance with 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) (COC) is currently required for each and every responsible person (RP) every three years, when submitting your renewal application (as indicated in Part C, question 6 on the ATF Form 8 Part II).

The Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) information is required on all renewals as well. The CLEO information should be entered in Part C, question 4 by the RP completing the renewal form. The CLEO should not complete any part of the application and should not sign the application. The RP completing the renewal should sign the renewal, thereby certifying that all of the information provided is true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge, and that a copy of the application has been provided to the CLEO, as required.

The failure to complete the COC and CLEO information on renewals generate the most returns from the FFLC, which ultimately delays the issuance of the renewed license.

Court Rules Sheriffs Cannot Participate In Suit

A lawsuit seeking to overturn two new Colorado gun-control laws remains alive despite a judge’s ruling that county sheriffs cannot participate. The lawsuit will move forward on behalf of other organizations that support gun rights, which had joined 55 of the state’s 64 sheriffs as plaintiffs.

Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger ruled that the sheriffs, in their official capacities, do not have standing to challenge the laws. They can join the suit as individuals, however.

The lawsuit seeks a decision from Krieger that the laws are unconstitutional. One of the laws bans magazines with capacities of more than 15 rounds. The other imposes fees and requires background checks for private transfers of firearms. The laws took effect July 1. (© FB/IFT)

Facing the Recall Music, CO Legislator Resigns

Sen. Evie Hudak (D-Westminster, Colo.) became the latest target of recall elections, resigning her seat in the Colorado Legislature just days before opponents were expected to turn in signatures to try to oust her from office.

She was targeted for her support of strict gun-control legislation, which did not sit well with much of her constituency. By resigning, Hudak ensured that Democrats would keep their narrow one-vote majority in the next legislative session, because a committee from the Democratic Party will appoint her replacement. If recalled, voters could have replaced her with a Republican.

November NICS Stats Down Over 14%

What will likely turn out to be an unprecedented gun sales slow-down continues with the November 2013 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,308,100 is a decrease of 14.2% compared to the NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,525,177 in November 2012.

For comparison, the unadjusted November 2013 NICS figure of 1,805,759 reflects a 9.6% decrease from the unadjusted NICS figure of 1,997,703 in November 2012. NSSF-adjusted NICS for November 2013 is the second highest on record — an 18.8% increase over November 2011.

Plastic Gun Ban Signed Without Schumer’s Trick

A 10-year renewal of the so-called “Undetectable Firearms Act” has been signed into law, without the polymer magazine ban trick Sen. Schumer (D-NY) attempted to insert into it.

Just before the Senate recessed in late November for two weeks, Sen. Schumer abruptly called for unanimous consent for a one-year extension to the Undetectable Firearms Act. Up to that point, all discussion in both the House and Senate were for five or 10 year periods.

His scam was to have the bill expire again during the Senate’s lame duck session in 2014. At that point, Schumer and his compadres on this effort (which included Patrick Leahy (D-VT) who, like Schumer, proclaims himself to be “pro-gun” to constituents) could tack on the gun-control expansions that their vulnerable Democrats in rural and western states would not support in an election year, The Washington Times reported.

Schumer and some Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, such as Leahy, had been trying recently to expand the scope of the so-called “plastic gun ban” ban to include millions of existing and non-threatening polymer magazines.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Alabama Republican who is on the Judiciary Committee, objected to Schumer’s request and asked the bill be done in regular order.

Schumer protested not moving immediately. He said on the floor that, “What makes us need to do this rather quickly is that a few months ago someone in Texas published on a website a way to make a plastic gun, buying a 3D printer for less than $1,000.” He’s referring to Cody Wilson who printed a plastic gun which he calls “The Liberator.”

The Times reported that current federal law states that a firearm has to have 3.7 oz. of steel in it — after removing the grips, stocks and magazine. With the invention of 3D printers, a few people have technically abided by the law by adding a non-functional steel clip to the firearm. Even though Wilson has a federal manufacturer’s license, which exempts him from the law, he added a piece of steel to his gun to make it compliant. The Democrats then attempted to create a non-existent political controversy for public relations purposes.

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal put out a press release Friday that falsely blamed Sen. Sessions for blocking the bill permanently. Mr. Blumenthal theatrically stated that, “Delaying these protections simply puts innocent American lives at risk.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, was outraged by the games being played by Democrats. “Congressional Republicans support a lengthy extension of the ban on firearms that cannot be picked up by metal detectors,” the Iowa Republican said in a statement. “Rather than working with us, they sought to move their inadequate bill just before the Senate adjourned, intending to make Republicans object. Democrats have knowingly mischaracterized this debate.” The statute has actually been led by Republicans in the past. It was originally signed into law in 1988 by President Reagan. The GOP congress passed it with strong bipartisan support in 2003, and President George W. Bush signed it.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

The Company

In the world of the police and military small arms and accessories, B&T is a well-known and a highly respected manufacturer. For the last twenty three years the company has produced suppressors and weapons for Law Enforcement, Special Forces and internal security. This small but dynamic and highly innovative company is located in Thun, Switzerland. B&T suppressors are used by virtually all major European arms manufacturers and if one of the major OEMs in Europe deliver a weapon with a suppressor it is more likely than not a B&T suppressor. B&T is regarded as the world’s leading suppressor manufacturers with B&T products being used in more countries worldwide than any other.

Though the company started out in 1991 building suppressors, they now also produce weapons for law enforcement and the military. Some of the weapons produced by B&T include the MP9, APC9, SPR300, APR308 sniper rifle and the new APC556 and APC300 carbines chambered and qualified for the .300 Whisper cartridge. There are several more products in the works but that is perhaps for a later time.

Application of the Veterinary Pistol 9mm

The VP9 may have it roots in the Welrod but it has in reality a completely different purpose than its predecessor. The abbreviation VP9 stands for Veterinary Pistol 9mm. The intended purpose of this weapon is the quick and humane dispatch of sick and wounded animals.

The operator’s manual that B&T is preparing with the gun has diagrams of where to aim exactly on certain animals to ensure a swift and painless death. The brain cavity is placed in much different places on different animals, i.e., the point of aim on a horse is different than on a pig, which is different than on a cow. A veterinarian will know this but this weapon may also be used by a law enforcement officer or an animal control officer who may not be familiar with a particular animal’s physiology for a proper and humane euthanasia shot.

Veterinarians often use an injection to euthanize sick animals, but there are many cases where this cannot be done without risk. This is especially true with larger or more dangerous animals. Of course, a normal firearm, in such a case, can be used, but for a vet who is not experienced in dealing with weapons, a single shot and easy to use weapon presents a significant safety advantage. In addition, the integrated silencer is also a safety benefit. It not only prevents hearing damage of those present, but will also ensure that other animals in the area are not panicked. The reduced sound of the gunshot will also greatly aid in communication between the people present. Hearing also will not be encumbered by hearing protection.

Another salient point is the appearance of the weapon. The VP9 looks more like some kind of tool than a weapon. The handle (magazine) disappears completely in the hand and the otherwise characteristic trigger guard is missing. It doesn’t look scary in the mind of the good citizens in the area or other unrelated third parties. The sound of an unsuppressed gunshot could create unwanted attention or anxiety. The low report that is muffled and disguised will alleviate this. Additionally, the lowered velocity of the 9mm FMJ has a much lower risk of doing greater damage if exiting the head of the animal.

The Suppressor

Normally a weapon is constructed and the silencer is then adapted to the weapon itself. In this case with the VP9 it was vice versa. The B&T suppressor designers were able to draw on the wealth of their suppressor experience in the company and the optimal suppressor was designed and constructed first. Only afterward was the appropriate weapon developed to be put behind the suppressor.

The suppressor itself has a diameter of 35 mm and a length of 154 mm. At the rear end, it has a threaded socket for mounting on the barrel. The connector is located in the rear of the suppressor by a 35 mm long expansion chamber, which we can refer to as the second expansion chamber. In front of this there are three further chambers; each chamber being 17 mm long. The chambers are separated from each other by synthetic discs 6 mm thick. These discs are pre-cut in the center crosswise in order to allow a projectile to slip through the suppressor, while the remaining gases are trapped behind. This system works extremely well for sound reduction but what is really interesting is when one opens the action of the VP9 for a follow up second shot there is actually a slight jet sound as the trapped gases escape. This indicates how tight the system is contained and how well it functions in gas retention.

Although the synthetic discs maximize the sound reduction, these have a short service life as the reduction capacity will decrease after about ten shots. One can expect to fire a maximum twenty rounds with the operational field suppressor before changing the discs are required. It makes little sense to train with these types of baffles as one would be forced to change the baffles regularly. To encourage practice, B&T offers a training suppressor system. This baffle system is made of alloy and though is not as dramatic in sound reduction it is still well below the 140 dBA. (dB measures sound pressure levels that are unweighted. dBA levels are “A” weighted according to the weighting curves that approximate the way the human ear hears.) It is virtually maintenance free and can be shot for thousands of times. It is practically identical to the external dimensions of the operational baffles but consists of four different pieces and corresponds to the well-known and widely used Impuls IIA suppressor – the same suppressor that B&T sells to most of Europe’s pistol producers.

The Suppressor’s Performance

Many times statements made by some producers about the sound reduction of certain products often seem rather ambitious. Suppressor reduction claims always needs to be treated with extreme caution; not to mention the general public is “tainted” by cinema and television in terms of the sound a suppressed weapon will produce. In reality, the method of measuring sound reduction is governed by a Mil-Std (Military Standard). The only serious and scientifically recognized method of conducting this type of testing is governed by Mil-Std-1474 D. When measured according to this test protocol, the actual report of the VP9 is well below 129 dBA when using standard FMJ ammunition. This corresponds to noise of an air rifle. As a matter of fact, the sound of the operator manipulating the action makes more noise than the report the weapon produces.

The Gun

The receiver of the weapon itself and various attachments actually forms different components of the system. The first part of the system is the receiver. It is in cylinder form and produced of standard ordinance grade steel that is 130 mm long and 32 mm in diameter. The barrel is threaded and screwed into the recess of the receiver. The barrel is quite short being 50 mm long and has fifteen holes evenly drilled around the diameter of the barrel. The only part that extends from the receiver is the threaded part of the barrel that is about 10mm in length. This barrel design will ensure that the gas pressure of a standard velocity 9mm projectile is reduced to below 300 meters per second. The reason for this configuration is quite simple: it will ensure that the operator will not be dependent on subsonic ammunition to achieve the maximum results regarding noise.

The locking system is somewhat like a bolt action rifle. It has two locking lugs not unlike a standard Mauser system. The locking lugs each have 30 mm² area. To unlock the system, take the bolt head at the end of the weapon between the thumb and index finger and turn the lock 90 degrees to the left. Then pull the bolt to the rear until the action is open. To load the weapon for the next shot, simply push the bolt closed and turn the bolt head 90 degrees to the right to lock the bolt in battery. A fresh cartridge will be fed from the magazine and chambered as the bolt closes. There is a red line on the top of the bolt and receiver that should be lined up. Repeat the process to eject the spent case and to reload a fresh round.

The magazine functions as the handle grip of the weapon. This feeding device has a molded handgrip applied directly onto the magazine. The extension that the magazine fits into extends 28 mm below the contour of the receiver. This extension could be called the trigger assembly as the trigger feeds into it as well. It also contains the magazine release and safety. The safety is activated by pushing the knob from left to right.

The Magazine

One of the design considerations of the weapon application was that it be as compact as possible. To fill this requirement, B&T has utilized the single-row magazine of the SIG P225; though this magazine has been modified to accept a capacity of only 5 rounds. This plus one in the chamber gives the operator 6 rounds in total. The magazine is further modified by having a polymer grip shroud that functions as a grip. Standard P225 magazines without the shroud cannot be used. The operator can see how many rounds are left in the magazine by observing the holes on the side. Height of the weapon with the magazine inserted is just shy of 114 mm. The height minus the magazine is only 63 mm. The weapon can be fired without the magazine inserted.

The Accessories

It can be expected that the weapon could be used during hours of darkness or at least at twilight. It is for this reason that the VP9 has a NATO Accessory Rail that can be mounted on the tube of the suppressor. This will enable the operator to mount either a light or a laser or combination of both. There is also a rather nice transportation box made of leather which is more like an attaché case. Inside, the foam is cut out for all the accessories. There is another bag that that can be worn over the shoulder or around the waist. There is a flap at the muzzle end so the weapon can be fired while still being in the case. When the weapon is disassembled it fits nicely into the case as well.

On The Range

During the preparation of this report B&T was in the process of conducting firing tests of the VP9 in one of their in-house shooting ranges. In this test there were a total of 500 shots fired from the test weapon to see what potential problem might develop in either accuracy or functioning. Every stoppage was analyzed and logged so that it could be discussed with engineering to see if there was the need for some modifications in the design. Such tests need to be completed during the development phase of the project before it gets turned over to production. This is an important part of the development because despite the entire CAD design process and simulations these experiments provide valuable insights to the actual performance of the product. With a weapon like the VP9 it is not required to do a 20,000 round torture test to see what failures may or may not develop as with a select fire weapon like the APC or MP9.

The author was present during this test and fired the weapon quite a bit and can state that after about 200 rounds one could feel the fact that the grip is not an ergonomic miracle. The fact that the gun is a bolt action pistol, there is no opposing recoil force to mitigate the recoil impulse. However, in training, only about 20-30 rounds would be necessary as distances would be so short and in service, use would only be one or two rounds at a time.

Precision

The barrel length of the VP9 is only 50 mm, of which 16 mm of that is the chamber, so actually the barreled part is only 34 mm. In addition, the bullet must still pass through the 4 polymer discs, so with respect to the precision one cannot expect too much. It isn’t a sporting gun… On the other hand, one must understand that such a weapon will rarely be fired at distances more than 5 meters. We conducted a test by shooting at a target at a distance of 10 meters. The primary concern was to determine the accuracy; a laser aiming module was mounted. There was no Ransom Rest possible. We shot a 5 shot group at 10 meters with both the training suppressor and the field suppressor. The groups were: 37mm with the training suppressor and 48mm with the field suppressor. The difference with the synthetic discs is evident. For a closer distance of say 5 meters the accuracy would be half for a head shot of an immobile yet wounded animal.

Conclusions

The B&T VP9 is a very interesting product that meets a wide variety of applications. In this sense it seems to be more of a tool than a weapon. In conversations with some of the B&T employees they would sometime refer to it as the “Device.” The two weapons used in these tests are pre-production samples, one of which has already been shot more than 500 times. So it is not possible to say anything regarding the surface treatment. In the past however everything that B&T has produced has performed well so there is no reason to expect the production series will not perform as well. Another point that takes a bit of getting used to be that to eject an expended shell and before chambering a second round one must turn the device 90 degrees either to left or right so the round can be ejected. With a little training it goes quite fast but it does take some getting used to.

This is surely is an interesting item and let’s just hope that where such devices are not considered legal, the legislation soon changes. It makes sense in terms of animal welfare and to protect the hearing of users and bystanders.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that federal law does not allow a person to buy a gun for someone else – even if both are legally eligible to own firearms. The 5-4 ruling on so-called straw purchasing came down in the case of Bruce James Abramski, Jr., who bought a Glock 19 handgun in Collinsville, Va., in 2009 and later transferred it to his uncle in Easton, Pa.

Federal officials brought charges against Abramski because he assured the Virginia dealer he was the actual buyer of the weapon, even though he had already agreed to buy the gun for his uncle.

The high court ruled that the federal background check law does apply to Abramski, rejecting Abramski’s argument that since both he and his uncle were legally allowed to own guns, the law shouldn’t have applied to him.

“We hold that such a misrepresentation is punishable under the statute, whether or not the true buyer could have purchased the gun without the straw,” the court ruled.

Writing for the majority, Justice Elena Kagan said the federal government’s elaborate system of background checks and record-keeping requirements help law enforcement investigate crimes by tracing guns to their buyers. Those provisions would mean little, she said, if a would-be gun buyer could evade them by simply getting another person to buy the gun and fill out the paperwork. Kagan’s opinion was joined by Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is often considered the court’s swing vote, as well as liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor.

In dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia said the language of the law does not support making it a crime for one lawful gun owner to buy a gun for another lawful gun owner. He was joined by the court’s other conservatives – Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.

Abramski had been convicted for knowingly making false statements “with respect to any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale” of a gun, 18 U.S.C. §922(a)(6), and for making a false statement “with respect to the information required… to be kept” in the gun dealer’s records, §924(a)(1)(A).

The court reasoned since the dealer could not have lawfully sold the gun had it known that Abramski was not the true buyer, the misstatement (by Abramski) was material to the lawfulness of the sale.

Background

The question to be resolved in this case, was whether, as the ATF declares in Form 4473’s certification, those statutory provisions criminalize a false answer to Question 11. a. – that is, a customer’s statement that he is the “actual transferee/buyer,” purchasing a firearm for himself, when in fact he is a straw purchaser, buying the gun on someone else’s behalf.

The petitioner was Bruce Abramski, a former police officer who offered to buy a Glock 19 handgun for his uncle, Angel Alvarez. (Abramski thought he could get the gun at a discount by showing his old police identification, though the government contends that since he had been fired from his job two years earlier, he was no longer authorized to use that ID.)

Accepting his nephew’s offer, Alvarez sent Abramski a check for $400 with “Glock 19 handgun” written on the memo line. Two days later, Abramski went to a dealer to make the purchase. On the Form 4473 he falsely checked “Yes” in reply to Question 11.a. asserting he was the actual “transferee/buyer” when, according to the form’s clear definition, he was not. He also signed the certification acknowledging his understanding that a false answer to Question 11.a. is a federal crime. After clearing the background check, the dealer sold him the Glock. Abramski then deposited the $400 check in his bank account, transferred the gun to Alvarez, and got back a receipt. Federal agents found that receipt while executing a search warrant at Abramski’s home after he became a suspect in a different crime. A grand jury later indicted Abramski.

Abramski then moved to dismiss the charges by arguing that his misrepresentation on Question 11.a. was not “material to the lawfulness of the sale” under §922(a)(6) because Alvarez was legally eligible to own a gun. And he claimed that the false statement did not violate §924(a)(1)(A) because a buyer’s response to Question 11.a. is not “required …to be kept in the records” of a gun dealer. The District Court denied those motions. Abramski then entered a conditional guilty plea, reserving his right to challenge the rulings. He was sentenced to five years probation.

The Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit affirmed the conviction. But it also noted that of the three courts to have addressed the issue, one agreed with Abramski that a misrepresentation on Question 11.a. is immaterial if “the true purchaser (here Alvarez) can lawfully purchase a firearm directly.” The U.S. Supreme Court decided to review the case principally to resolve the Circuit split about §922(a)(6).

The Supreme Court looked at Abramski’s original claim, that a false answer to Question 11.a. is immaterial if the true buyer is legally eligible to purchase a firearm. (The National Rifle Association and a group of 26 states joined Abramski as amici in making this argument).

Additionally, Abramski made a new and more ambitious argument, which he concedes no court has previously accepted – in that, he alleges that a false response to Question 11.a. is never material to a gun sale’s legality, whether or not the actual buyer is eligible to own a gun. (The NRA and the 26 states did not join Abramski on this argument).

On his first point, Abramski argued that the dealer could have sold him the gun even if he had truthfully answered Question 11.a. by disclosing that he was a straw buyer, because all federal firearms law cares about is whether the individual standing at the dealer’s counter meets the requirements to buy a gun. This argument is based on the federal regulation of licensed dealers’ transactions with “persons” or “transferees,” without specifically referencing straw purchasers. Dealers are prohibited, for example, from selling firearms to persons in certain categories, such as felons, the mentally ill, drug addicts, etc. Abramski thus argued that since Congress (when drafting the regulations) did not make mention of “straw purchasers” or “actual buyers,” it “is not illegal to buy a gun for someone else.”

In its opinion the court declared that Abramski’s reading would undermine and virtually repeal the federal gun law’s core provisions. Thus criminals could employ strawmen with impunity. The record-keeping provisions as well would serve little purpose if they did not reveal the real buyers’ of firearms.

The court also found that by concealing that Alvarez was the actual buyer, Abramski prevented the dealer from transacting with Alvarez face-to-face and thwarted application of the federal firearm’s law requirements. Alvarez however underwent a background check with a dealer in his home state.

Abramski noted that until 1995, the ATF took the view that a straw purchaser’s misrepresentation counted as material only if the true buyer could not legally possess a gun. The majority of the court disregarded this point, noting that only the voice of Congress mattered and nothing Congress did has supported Abramski’s view that straw purchasing for a non-prohibited person was legal.

The Dissent

In the dissent, Justice Scalia joined with chief justice Roberts, and justices Thomas and Alito to note that under §922(a)(6), it is a crime to make a “false…statement” to a licensed gun dealer about a “fact material to the lawfulness of” a firearms sale. While Abramski made a false statement when he claimed to be the gun’s “actual transferee/buyer” as Form 4473 defined that term, that false statement was not “material to the lawfulness of the sale” since the truth – that Abramski was buying the gun for his uncle with his uncle’s money – would not have made the sale unlawful.

The dissenters also wrote that no provision of the Gun Control Act prohibits a person who is eligible to possess firearms from buying a gun for another person who is eligible to possess firearms, even at the other’s request and with the other’s money.

The justices found the government’s contention that Abramski’s false statement was material to the lawfulness of the sale depends on a strained interpretation of provisions that mention the “person” to whom a dealer “sells” a gun. The government contended that Abramski’s uncle was the person the dealer sold the gun to and that Abramski prevented the dealer from running the background check on the real buyer, checking his ID, etc., though this was later done.

The dissenters found that the uncle was not the person who bought the gun, but that it was Abramski who fulfilled all federal requirements albeit providing a false answer to question 11.a. They note that a vendor sells an item of merchandise to the person who physically appears in his store, selects the item, pays for it, and takes possession.

The dissenters also rejected the heart of the majority’s argument in its claim that unless Abramski’s uncle is deemed the “person” to whom the gun was “sold,” and that the Gun Control Act’s identification, background-check and recordkeeping requirements would be “rendered meaningless” as an overstatement. They opined that the purpose of crime prevention might be served more effectively if the requirements at issue looked past the “man at the counter” to the person “getting the gun,” to ensure he is eligible to possess firearms.

The dissenting justices also listed scenarios in which the government regards the man at the counter as the “person” to whom the dealer “sells” the gun:

Guns Intended as Gifts. In the government’s view, an individual who buys a gun “with the intent of making a gift of the firearm to another person” is the gun’s “True Purchaser.” (ATF Federal Firearms Regulations Reference Guide 165 (2005). The government’s position makes no exception for situations where the gift is specifically requested by the recipient. So long as no money changes hands, and no agency relationship is formed, between gifter and giftee, the Act is concerned only with the man at the counter.

Guns Intended for Resale. Introducing money into the equation does not automatically change the outcome. The government admits that the man at the counter is the true purchaser even if he immediately sells the gun to someone else. And it appears the government’s position would be the same even if the man at the counter purchased the gun with the intent to sell it to a particular third party, so long as the two did not enter into a common – law agency relationship.

Guns Intended as Raffle Prizes. The government considers the man at the counter the true purchaser even if he is buying the gun “for the purpose of raffling it at an event” in which case he can provide his own information on Form 4473 and “transfer the firearm to the raffle winner without a Form 4473 being completed or a background check being conducted” on the winner. 2005 ATF Guide 195.

The government concession that the statute is operating appropriately in each of those scenarios should cause the majority to reevaluate its assumptions about the type and degree of regulation that the statute regards as ‘meaningful,’ the dissent stated.

What the just-listed scenarios described show is that the statute typically is concerned only with the man at the counter, even where that man is in a practical sense a “conduit” who will promptly transfer the gun to someone else, wrote the dissent.

Noting that compromises had to be made in the Gun Control Act’s provisions to enable it to pass, the dissenters surmised “perhaps those whose votes were needed for passage of the statute wanted a lawful purchaser to be able to use an agent.”

ATF

The dissent next turned its attention to ATF, noting that for decades, “even ATF itself did not read the statute to criminalize conduct like Abramski’s. After Congress passed the Act in 1968, ATF’s initial position was that the Act did not prohibit the sale of a gun to an eligible buyer acting on behalf of a third party (even an ineligible one). (See Hearings Before the Subcommittee To Investigate Juvenile Delinquency of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 94th Cong., 1st Sess., pt. 1, 118 (1975).

“A few years later, ATF modified its position and asserted that the Act did not “prohibit a dealer from making a sale to a person who is actually purchasing the firearm for another person” unless the other person was “prohibited from receiving or possessing a firearm,” in which case the dealer could be guilty of “unlawfully aiding the prohibited person’s own violation.” (ATF Industry Circular 79-10 1979, in (Your Guide to) Federal Firearms Regulation 1988-89 (1988) p. 78. The agency appears not to have adopted its current position until the early 1990’s. See U.S. v. Polk, 118 F. 3d 286, 295, n.7 (CA5 1997).“

Thus, the ATF read and interpreted the Gun Control Act in a manner consistent with Abramski’s argument for a period of about 25 years, it was noted. “It is especially contrary to sound practice to give this criminal statute a meaning that the government itself rejected for years,” wrote the dissenters.

On another point, the dissenters note that the list of information required to be kept in a dealer’s records does not include whether the transferee is buying the gun for an eligible third party. The majority argued that since federal regulations requires dealers to retain Form 4473’s, any false answer on that form, even one that is not enumerated in the regulations (such as Question 11.a.) “pertains to information a dealer is statutorily required to maintain.”

Thus in the majority’s view, if the bureaucrats responsible for creating Form 4473 decided to ask the buyer’s favorite color, a false response would be a federal crime!

The statute punishes misstatements “with respect to information required to be kept,” not with respect to “information contained in forms required to be kept.” Because neither the Act nor any regulation requires a dealer to keep a record of whether a customer is purchasing a gun for himself or for an eligible third party, that question had no place on Form 4473-any more than would the question whether the customer was purchasing the gun as a gift for a particular individual and, if so, who that individual was, the dissenters note.

Note on Abramski Case

Though not mentioned in the preceding article, the Abramski case originated when Abramski bought a handgun in Virginia, in 2009 on behalf of his uncle using his uncle’s money and later transferred it to him in Pennsylvania through a firearms retailer after a background check of the uncle. Thus, Abramski did not just “give” the gun to his uncle, but sent it to a dealer in the uncle’s home state where it was transferred by the dealer after a background check.

SHOT Show to be at Sands Through 2020

NSSF and Sands Expo and Convention Center have extended their agreement so that the SHOT Show will be presented at the Sands Expo through 2020.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

The Doors of ATF Cooperation Are Opening Once Again?

Many of you have experienced the silence from ATF over the last couple of years. The kind of silence we are referring to is the silence that occurs when a new President takes office and the various offices of the government sit back and wait to get their orders. The first term was quiet but we all know now that this administration is doing an end run on congressional approval to get the legislation that they want; primarily through executive orders.

What was once a healthy and productive relationship with the industry turned silent. Whenever the anti-gun party takes the head seat then things quickly go south on Capitol Hill. Like many government agencies, ATF gets caught up in the politics of the day and in most situations the best interests of the community are not always served. Unfortunately, many of the senior executive staff begin to listen very closely for the little bits of information that trickle out of the Department of Justice giving some type of indication as to how they should set the stage for the coming years. This presidency has been no different and organizations like the NFATCA have suffered the wrath of this political backlash in a number of ways.

The one thing that we always try and remember is that deep inside ATF there are still many good friends of the firearms community, as well as many who simply want to get their jobs done “Right.”

Remember that the firearms industry is a great place to work and, once you retire, given that as an option, creating a lot of enemies in the private sector for politically expedient factors might not necessarily be the best strategy. There are many examples where that type of transition has worked extremely well. Let’s always keep those doors open.

On June 18, ATF convened an industry meeting at its headquarters in Washington D.C. as a forum for new announcements, changes to regulatory issues, and many tidbits of good news on issues like transfer times for NFA. This meeting served as a level playing field where both ATF and the industry could sit and discuss a number of issues. As with many other controversial issues that had come up during the year, e.g., P41, a lot of good healthy guarded discussions ensued at that meeting. It was the first time in nearly two years where we sat and discussed issues of mutual interest and directions forward. I came away from that meeting thinking, “Things must be changing.” How they are changing we still don’t know but it was certain that this was a good opportunity for us to begin discussions again. In that meeting were powerful men who represented some of the largest manufacturers in the country. Cautiously optimistic was the term of the day. At the conclusion of that meeting ATF had agreed to begin the process of updating the NFA Handbook and taking a good hard look at the Firearms Technology Handbook, a project in the making for nearly three years.

Although the meeting lasted over an hour, all representatives from every major branch of ATF were present and presented an overview of the highlights of things they were individually working. This news represented improvements to process or updates to the activities within the branch. This was information that we all used to share on a regular basis and it looks now as if they want to come to the table again and invite industry to enter into discussions on activities, issues, and the things that we can work on and contribute together. This is a far cry from having sat in front of previous representatives who boldly told me, “We don’t need any input from the industry.” The meeting was upbeat and was well received and perceived as the first in series of events that brought our regulators and the industry back to the table to work together.

At the conclusion of this meeting there were additional meetings set to follow up on initiating joint actions on issues such as the NFA Handbook and exploring the work on the Firearms Technology Handbook. Although ATF had taken title and ownership of the NFA Handbook, I had almost given up hope that any further progress would be made on this resource. Over the last few years the NFATCA and ATF have collected numerous issues with the text and clarification that badly needed to be updated. Very soon we will solicit comments from the industry on update information and comments for the next revision of this important document. The NFA-TCA will also keep you updated on the progress on the Technology Handbook. At this writing, the draft of the document entails nearly 300 pages of information accumulated by many hours of work with the Firearms Technology Branch. This initiative will be exciting and will draw questions and input from the industry. Watch the NFATCA web site as we work down the path of completing version one of this tremendous resource of information.

I might suggest to readers that the one thing that you will want to pay particular attention to is the NFACTA web site. We will post regular updates on our forum and the web site to keep you informed. We will also ask for your input on issues like the NFA Handbook and the FTB Handbook. We have not quite figured out how to get a 300 page document out for comment yet, but believe me we are working on that. I know as many of our readers digest this information you will take the same position that most of us at that meeting had, and that again is being “Cautiously Optimistic.” It is a start of a potential new beginning and we can’t afford to ignore the offering. Once again we will keep you posted and keep our fingers crossed.

Thank you for your continued support as we push forward. Come visit us at www.nfatca.org.

Innovative Grip Adds Picatinny Rail To Your 1911 Pistol

Recover Tactical is proud to announce the release of the new Recover CC3 2-in-1 grip and rail adaptor for the 1911. The patented design of the CC3 fits all standard size 1911 guns and can be easily installed in about three minutes without a gunsmith. Launched to the public at SHOT Show 2014, the Recover CC3 was designed by world renowned Israeli weapons designer Tamir Porat (Porat also designed the IWI Tavor assault rifle). The CC3 grip is manufactured in Israel on the same manufacturing line used by many leading gun manufacturers. Produced from the same high-grade polymer used by many polymer gun manufacturers, the Recover CC3 will not scratch or damage your gun. Weighing in at only about 80 grams (2.8 oz) it will not significantly change the weight of your gun or the thickness of the handle. The CC3 offers a great value for gun owners who want to add a rail to their 1911 but don’t want to buy a new gun. It is a truly functional and universal rail accessory that won’t break the bank. The Recover 1911 grip and rail system is currently available in black, desert sand and olive green and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Retailing for only $49.99, the CC3 is the easiest and most affordable way to add a full Picatinny rail to any standard sized 1911. For more information or to purchase the Recover CC3 grip, visit www.RecoverTactical.com.

New Bushnell Elite Long Range Scope

Bushnell, an industry leader in high performance sports optics for 65 years, has introduced the Elite Long Range Hunting Scope (LRHS). This 3-12x 44mm configuration, the inaugural offering in the Elite Tactical Hunter product line, showcases the integration of technology and functionality from the acclaimed Bushnell Elite Tactical series in a scope designed specifically for the long range hunter.

The LRHS is the first hunting riflescope Bushnell has offered with a first focal plane reticle. The new G2H milliradian-based reticle is designed to give hunters the ability to range targets at any magnification setting. The G2H reticle has .5 mil hash marks with eight mils of holdover and six mils of windage adjustment. In addition, the center of the reticle features a Vital Bracket that has a diameter of two Mils at any range, equivalent to 7.2” at 100 yards. Constructed with a forged aluminum one-piece 30mm tube, the scope has an overall length of 13 inches and weighs 26 ounces. The LRHS features low profile, tactical-style turrets calibrated in .1 mil clicks with 10 mils of adjustment per revolution. Equipped with the RevLimiter zero stop mechanism, the elevation turret is designed to allow the hunter to “dial up” and then quickly return to the preset zero without the possibility of dialing past zero. In addition, the scope features a rubber-armored fast focus eyepiece and side parallax adjustment to retain a crisp, clear sight picture at any range.

The Elite LRHS is argon purged to provide 100 percent waterproof and fog proof performance, while the patented RainGuard HD water-resistant coating provides a permanent exterior barrier against the elements. When moisture hits the RainGuard treated lenses it beads up and scatters less light, giving hunters a clear view in conditions that would render untreated optics unusable.

Every product in the Elite series is not only covered by the Bushnell limited lifetime warranty, the entire product line is also backed with the one-year, no-risk Bushnell Bulletproof Guarantee. The Elite LRHS 3-12x 44mm riflescope has a retail price of $1,499.99. For more information about Bushnell and its complete line of sports optics, visit www.bushnell.com.

New .22 Suppressor From SureFire

SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of high performance illumination tools, suppressors, and tactical products, has begun shipping its new SF Ryder Series Suppressors – debuting with the SF Ryder 22-A. Built to the same exacting standards as the Fast-Attach models, this ultra-lightweight and rugged rimfire suppressor is optimized for .22 caliber pistols and rifles. The SF Ryder 22 features a unique pig-nosed baffle design that provides superior sound attenuation while still making it easy to disassemble and clean. Each baffle is Red Mil-Spec hard anodized to minimize finish erosion and makes carbon buildup easier to spot when cleaning. Built-in spacers also help reduce carbon buildup between the suppressor tube and baffle stack, and each baffle is numbered and indexed to make re-assembly simple. The ultra-lightweight SF Ryder comes in at a mere 3.1 ounces due to its fluted body design and rounded edges. A stainless steel threaded interface ensures the Ryder removes as a single unit, and its single-point cut 1/2 x 28 threads provide a secure attachment to any .22 pistol or rifle with a 1/2 x 28 thread pitch. At only 5.4 inches in length, and 1 inch in diameter, the SF Ryder 22 will not weigh down the host firearm or obstruct your sight picture. The SF Ryder 22-A comes with an assembly/disassembly tool and suppressor pouch. Retail price is $469 and is available for purchase through authorized SureFire Suppressor dealers. For complete product information visit www.surefire.com/ryder22.

New TFO Handgun Sights from TRUGLO for Glock 41 and 42 Pistols

TRUGLO, Inc., manufacturer of the world’s most advanced line of fiber-optic sights and accessories for the shooting sports industry, introduces its newest additions to the Brite-Site TFO (Tritium/Fiber-Optic) family of handgun sights for the Glock 41 and Glock 42 models. These new sights offer revolutionary innovation with TRUGLO’s patented combination of TFO (Tritium and Fiber-Optic) technology delivering an enhanced sight picture 24/7. Rapid target acquisition is achieved with TFO technology by utilizing existing ambient light to illuminate the sight picture during bright lighting conditions and then utilizing the tritium component to illuminate the fiber-optic during low light or no light conditions. The TFO technology offers an uninterrupted, consistent sight picture for the shooter when other sight systems fall short. The low profile sight housings are constructed from CNC-machined steel. The technical design protects the fiber while concealing its view from the target. The TFO sights fit in standard holsters and are designed to be snag-resistant and dependable. Each set is available in a green front sight /green rear sight combination or green front sight / yellow rear sight combination. For more information on TRUGLO’s New Brite-Site TFO (Tritium/Fiber-Optic) sights for Glock 41/42 models, please visit www.truglo.com.

New Bad Guy Shoot-N-C Targets From Birchwood Casey

Practice is important to handgun shooters, especially with the rapid rise in the number of concealed carry holders and the small handguns on the market. Birchwood Casey’s new Bad Guy Shoot-N-C Target gives shooters instant feedback, providing a bright chartreuse “halo” around each shot, making it easy to adjust your hold. The Bad Guy Target has a black background with the bad guy outlined in orange for great visibility. It measures 12”x18” and is self-adhesive, making it easy to mount on any solid target backing. They are supplied with target pasters that can be placed over bullet holes to extend the life of the target. Shoot-N-C Bad Guy Targets come in packs of five with 75 pasters for $15.20 and 12 packs with 180 pasters for $30.30. They can be purchased individually in multiples of 100 for $2.30 each. Visit www.birchwoodcasey.com for more information.

DeSantis Introduces the Road Runner

DeSantis Gunhide, a division of Helgen Industries, Inc., introduces a new holster, The Road Runner. The Road Runner is a casual running, concealment holster that can be worn under or over your garments. It is what they refer to as a “hide in plain sight” holster and DeSantis invented the concept. The gun pocket can be accessed from either side making the Road Runner ambidextrous. It is lightweight and well-padded on the body side. The outer pocket has room for keys, wallet, ammo or whatever you may need. Like all DeSantis products, the Road Runner is made from very durable materials for a lifetime of use. It is meant to fit most autos and revolvers. Retail price is $39.99. You can visit them at www.desantisholster.com.

It can only be purchased from RAS Engineering or one of its retail outlets.

The SS is based on the Kel-Tec SUB-2000, a blowback operated pistol caliber carbine that feeds from commonly available pistol magazines. It is mostly plastic to save cost and weight and can be folded in half at the breech for transport or storage. The SUB-2000 has maintained market presence since its introduction in 2001. The basic SUB-2000 is a recreational sporting arm. The SU2000-SS is a professional grade, 9mm only, PDW that uses Glock pistol magazines and there are no iron sights. The SS weighs 4.6 pounds and measures 14”x7” when folded. The unit is 26-inches long and 10 inches tall when deployed with an optic attached. The barrel is 6.5-inches long and has the muzzle threaded 13x1mm left hand. The stock is 1-inch shorter than that of a standard SUB-2000. The Red Lion forearm can swivel 180 degrees to place the optic below the barrel, allowing an optic to be fitted to the gun and remain there when the SS is folded. This forearm features 4 detents in the articulating joint that return a noticeable “click” to ensure proper location of the optic. The forearm is locked into position by a large knurled nut near the receiver. To fold the gun, the trigger guard needs to be pulled downward, and the front half of the gun will unhook, and swing over the top of the butt stock. The SS lacks a mechanical detent to keep the gun locked in its folded state. With practice, the SU2000-SS can be deployed from a collapsed condition in less than 3 seconds. The suppressor is an Advanced Armament Evolution. The Evolution was chosen to compliment the SS for its size and effect and is the largest suppressor that will fit into the forearm assembly. For any given length, a wider suppressor proves more effective. The SS is not available without this suppressor. The SS is assembled from choice components, but should not be considered a “parts gun.” It is a balanced weapon system and nothing about the design is arbitrary.

To become properly acquainted with the SS we needed to shoot it. An Aimpoint T1was installed to the forearm rail and gave it a quick laser boresight. At 25 yards, 3/4-inch groups were printed. Off-hand at that distance we could hold our shots inside 1.5 inches with little effort. The SS greatly improves the 9mm’s capability. The gun was fired with several different brands and bullet weights of 9mm. Federal’s “9mm Suppressor Subsonic” 124 grain was totally quiet… we’d call it “Hollywood quiet” and this was the same ammo that printed the 3/4” groups. This ammo was so well suited for suppressor use, even while shooting indoors; we could hear the bolt slam against the breech as the gun cycled. We performed timed discretionary drills with the SS beginning with the gun collapsed and concealed and with the gun held at the low ready. When “snap” shooting the SS at an IDPA target at 25 yards, “A” zone hits just seemed to happen. The gun points instinctively. Drills beginning with a concealed SS were enlightening. We were able to draw, deploy, aim and fire the gun, in 3 seconds. That’s good enough for government work as they say – it inspires confidence. The weapon functioned perfectly for 99 rounds, and only failed to eject number 100. We know that a suppressor causes more fouling and particulate to enter a gun’s mechanism, especially in a blowback operated gun. So the 1% malfunction could probably be defeated by a preemptive strike with a bore mop.

This gun has great potential to find its way into the professional market. Every police car and motorcycle should have one onboard and every armored vehicle and every armed security detail should have one. Additionally, every Special Forces unit should have it in the armory. While that’s a lot of “Should haves,” it certainly is a remarkable weapon system. The advantage of a truly silent, concealable, compact, semiautomatic, with the accuracy of a rifle, cannot be overstated. The SS fills a role yet to be fully realized. We’d like to coin the term “aggressive defensive” for the role the SS will play. It is indeed a defensive weapon; suppressed to conceal the users location from an assailant. It is highly concealable; to remain out of sight; and keep its user from becoming the first target of a gun wielding madman. It can deliver 29 rounds of 9mm very quickly, and accurate enough to make deliberate hits on a target inside 100 yards. The SS can turn a “guy in crowd” into “guy that saved the day” in 3 seconds. With the ever growing frequency of “armed crazies” on our streets, a weapon of this sort, in the hands of law enforcement, could mean the difference between another shooting tragedy and a swift decisive resolution. In short, it’s as concealable as a pistol, and as effective as a rifle. It punches above its weight.

The end result of Seifert’s effort is so much more than the simple sum of the parts involved. He has brought us a little piece of James Bond’s arsenal. The SS can be carried in a briefcase, a purse, backpack, fanny pack, lunch pail, maybe even your cargo pants. You’d expect the wow factor of the SS to come at a compromise. You would expect accuracy or reliability or handling must suffer somehow, but you’d be wrong. It’s beyond good. The SU2000-SS is undoubtedly the leanest, lightest, and coolest pistol carbine made. It forces one to ask the question; why, then, are all other pistol carbines so big and heavy? It’s not to make them more accurate; this one is superbly accurate. It’s not to ensure quality and reliability; this one is reliable and seems indestructible. Big and heavy seems exactly what you don’t want in a defensive arm. By exclusion then, this is exactly what you do want. It really achieves the most with the least.

RAS Engineering
Melbourne, FL.
(321) 544-5141
RASE223@MSN.com

Gun Mountain, LLC.
180 Cassia Way, Suite 507
Henderson, NV 89014
(702) 564-0948
http://www.gunmountain.com/

What is the difference between the more classical hammer fired handgun designs and the striker fired variants now taking over preponderance of serious use by LE and military units around the world? This is a valid question we can use to explore what the SIG P320 offers to its users as well as how handguns have evolved over the last 100 years. Firearm evolution is a slow tedious matter at times with breakthroughs and improvements coming in bits and pieces influenced by a multitude of factors such as manufacturing techniques, metallurgy, cartridge improvements, technology, market forces and countless other factors as experienced in individual countries and cultures. From the turn of the late 19th century semiautomatic handguns were typified by hammer fired steel frames and most likely single action in that the exposed hammer was cocked rearward when ready to fire. The Mauser 1896 “Broomhandle” and Browning 1911 serve as good examples of this. In the 1930s, double action hammer fired handguns arrived in force typified by the German P38 up to the Beretta M92 now serving U.S. military forces.

In the 1930s, the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) hammer fired handgun genre arrived in the form of the German P38. Its arrival was just as revolutionary as the striker fired Glock’s arrival 50 years later. The Walther P38 was spawned by the German military desiring a replacement for the classic Luger. The Luger’s tight tolerances, intricate interplay of many parts and unreliability when exposed to trench conditions were causes of this; not to mention the Luger’s high cost and low production capability due to the need for extensive hand fitting. German military planners requested the new handgun design be simple, with as few parts as possible. In addition, component interchangeability, ease of disassembly/assembly and reliability was also required. The P38 design concepts held sway until the 1980s until the advent of polymer framed striker fired handguns displaced those types. The function of the DA/SA trigger mechanism is similar to a DA revolver. The DA/SA trigger will cock and release the hammer when the hammer is in the down position, but, on each subsequent shot, the trigger will function as a single-action. On most DA/SA pistols there is the option to cock the hammer before the first shot is fired if time or situation permits. This removes the heavy pull of the double-action. The DA/SA hammer down carry on a live chamber with either safety engaged or not combined with longer heavier DA trigger pull reminds one of the revolver’s trigger, which was a much more familiar and considered inherently safer and less prone to accidental discharges. The DA/SA handgun design is still going strong today with numerous models being produced by multiple manufacturers. Excellent examples are the SIG Sauer variants being used by many police departments, federal agencies, and military units. While other early examples of DA/SA handguns are possible to find, the Walther P38 is considered by most the first widespread successful rendition.

While examples of striker fired handguns predate 1982, this date is critical in that this is when the Glock striker fired handgun entered service. Though this is an article on the SIG Sauer P320, there can be little debate that semiautomatic handguns were redefined by the 9mm Glock 17 in terms of capacity and polymer construction. Polymer framed striker fired handguns are inherently lighter, thinner, and simpler due to the limited number of parts needed to make the gun. There are less large steel parts needed, such as a hammer in more traditional designs, thus there are less parts to break. This makes the gun easier to maintain, and more reliable. The relative quick adoption of striker fired weapons for LE use bears out this truth. The striker-fired weapon works without a standard hammer or firing pin that we can visible see in the first modern semiautomatic pistols. Instead, the firing pin, or “striker”, sits captive under some spring tension inside the slide while the gun is not being put through the firing process.

The P320 shares many of the design features of an earlier SIG offering the P250. Many felt the SIG P250 was a benchmark in handgun development when it appeared. Quite a bold statement that time will have to validate when viewed backward in future years. The SIG P250’s across the board modularity in terms of grip sizes, frame interchangeability combined with various slide lengths, multiple trigger positions, and caliber swapping heralded the next wave of high capacity polymer framed handguns. Gun culture members are by nature conservative and view new offerings skeptically until proven via use. The P250 found its reception somewhat cool in the U.S. market. The P250’s adaptability to individual shooter needs seemed too good to be true and the hammer firing mechanism affected a not very user friendly trigger. Time elapsed with SIG evaluating what could be done different to attract users. SIG knew its P250 concept was valid with its modularity, but turned to a striker fired design to breathe life into platform.

The P320 is currently available in 9mm (tested herein), .40 S&W, and .357 SIG with a .45 ACP variant in the works. The heart of the SIG P320 is the fire control mechanism or chassis. (For clarity sake, SIG refers to it officially as the frame assembly.) The chassis is considered the pistol and bears the required serial number marking. The chassis is the key component allowing for the SIG P320’s modularity. The fire control chassis fits into a grip module. Grip module sizes are labeled as “Full” and “Carry.” It is obvious to see the reasoning behind the titles. The grip modules are further adaptable to individual preference with three different grip circumference sizes available – large, medium, and small. An optional tabbed trigger safety complements the P320 modular package if required to meet certain agency specifications with the smooth trigger face standard. Rounding out the P320 ergonomic package are ambidextrous slide levers and the ability to switch the magazine release to either side of the frame.

The SIG P320 features a trigger pull measuring approximately 6 pounds. The key with the P320 is it is the same trigger pull every time. Overall, the P320’s trigger is an asset with its consistency. Anyone that dedicates the time to familiarize oneself with it will not be disappointed as it is similar to other striker fired weapons on the market. The fire control chassis aids in reducing the number of parts in the P320. The chassis contains the trigger mechanism, hammer, and slide catches. The slide assembly does not interact with the grip module, but is guided/operates along the chassis integral steel rails located on both sides of the chassis front and rear. The fire control chassis is easy to swap between grip modules without requiring any tools. Rotate the takedown lever and remove the slide. Remove the takedown lever by turning and pulling simultaneously. This frees the fire control for removal by pulling/pushing it upward while drawing the hammer backward allowing for the trigger to move into a position for it to move from the trigger housing. You are done. Reinsert into another grip module in the reverse order of direction. The SIG Sauer operating manual details this in only two pages; most of which is largely graphics. An important nuance pointed out in SIG literature is that the P320 can be field stripped without requiring either tools or needing to pull the trigger. Anyone who is familiar with what concerns law enforcement administrators knows this is an often heard gripe against some of SIG’s competitors for safety or logistic reasons.

The SIG P320 Full model weighs 29.4 ounces without magazine and measures 8 inches in length, 5.5 inches tall, and 1.4 inches in width with a barrel length of 4.7 inches. For comparison’s sake, the P320 Carry model weighs 26.9 ounces without magazine and measures 7.2 inches in length, 5.1 inches tall, and 1.3 inches in width with a barrel length of 3.9 inches. The P320 come equipped with SIGLITE night sights with a Nitron finish on the slide. Both the Full and Carry P320 models feature an integral accessory rail dust cover. Magazine capacity of the P320 9mm Full size is seventeen rounds and the 9mm Carry fifteen rounds. Two metal magazines arrived with the P320.

It is best to think of the SIG P320 line-up of handguns as a “system” stretching from the Full to the Carry model. Every P320 shares a lineage back to the fire control chassis and similar striker fired trigger pull. Another key to the P320’s success in getting accepted will be its minimal operating controls, high cartridge capacity to size ratio, and relentless reliability. While the P320’s grip size may change based on user preference, the position of the slide and magazine releases will instantly be familiar. Simplicity should not be confused as lack of refinement. SIG Sauer reliability and solid performance is well regarded in the weapons community. Ideally, personal defense or service handguns should not be complicated by required manipulations in order to bring them to bear. This is a hallmark of most striker fired handguns with the P320 no exception.

The SIG P320 9mm was tested at the range first by verifying sight zero and then firing several magazines rapidly at various steel man targets. This quickly shows if any reliability issues exist as well as getting a feel for the trigger pull and reset. Further testing consisted of strings of fire against steel plate racks and popper targets at 7, 15, and 25 yards. The sights were zeroed in for 25 yards using the classic 6 o’clock hold. While a carry pistol’s reliability must be beyond reproach, carry ability is just as important considering the hours spent with the weapon holstered. The SIG P320 will find compatibility with most holsters made for the previous P250. In fact, the P320 arrived with a SIG Sauer Kydex holster that had P250 inscribed on it. A variety of Galco leather holsters are available for use with the P320 as well such as the Yaquii slide, Side Snap Scabbard, Stow-N-Go IWB, and Concealable Belt holster. The important point is blending retainage with accessibility. Remember the defender is reacting to an attack and must overcome the reactionary curve. Flexibility is the key to effective carry practices with Stow-N-Go IWB, Yaqui slide, and Belt slides all a part of a concealed carry practitioner’s repertoire. Galco magazine carriers and gun belts are not to be underestimated in importance either.

The SIG P320 tested herein was chambered in 9mm. Black Hills Ammunition, Hornady, Speer, Winchester, and Federal ammunition was used for range T&E. The SIG P320’s ergonomics and handling characteristics are quickly appreciated. No malfunctions with the SIG P320 were experienced while test firing over 500 rounds during range visits to Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). Loads fired spanned 115gr to 147 grain with hollow points and FMJ bullet types utilized. The SIG P320 was also put through its paces by shooting a course designed for a LE competition held yearly at EVTC. Multiple targets are engaged from three different positions with mandatory magazine changes between firing positions. This gives a good benchmark for time and accuracy by being able to compare it to the average times posted by numerous competitors and their different weapons. Even under the induced stress of drawing against a timer and engaging multiple targets, the SIG P320 performed smoothly with the trigger conducive to accuracy or speed of placing multiple hits on target.

While appreciating firearm development trends, any future retrospective does nothing for us in the present if the SIG P320 does not perform in the here and now. The SIG Sauer P320 features mean nothing if it does not perform up to the standards SIG is famous for. It is truly a worthy handgun that is finding appeal with federal agencies and law enforcement departments based on its flexible modularity catering to shooters of all shapes and sizes. This is a dream of many law enforcement administrators attempting to pick one handgun model that suits every individual and job description in a department.

Sites of Interest

SIG Sauer, Inc.
18 Industrial Drive
Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 772-2302
www.sigsauer.com

Galco International
2019 West Quail Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85027
800-874-2526
www.usgalco.com

The Bullseye Camera System comes as a complete unit, ready to use. In a nutshell, what it does is provide the shooter with a real time view of his target so that he can see, close up, where his bullets are striking the target. It does this by means of a remote wireless target camera, set at the target location, which allows a close up view of the target from your shooting location up to 1 mile away. The unit sends the video wirelessly to any wireless device including a laptop, iPhone, iPad or Android device.

The Bullseye Camera System comes complete in a fitted, hard plastic secure carrying case that includes everything you need except the device you want to view the video on. The system consists of a weatherproof camera that also has night vision, a 5 hour rechargeable battery with charger, router, antenna, connecting cables, tripod and thumb drive with included Bullseye Target Manager Software. The system is available in four editions; the Standard and the Long Range Editions as well as Elite Editions of both that include a Windows based laptop.

To set the system up you merely open the case, unfold the tripod, mount the camera to the tripod, plug in three USB cables, pivot the antenna into the upright position and turn on the battery pack. The system can be set up in a matter of minutes and the battery will run the unit for 5 to 6 hours – plenty of time to sight in several guns. The battery pack has a micro USB port and can be charged from the included charger or from any USB port.

Once the camera is set up and the system turned on, you position the camera off to the side and back a few feet from the target. It just needs to be far enough away from the target that you don’t risk hitting the unit with a stray bullet. If you use a laser boresighter before you head to the range your first round should at least be on the paper. The camera has a small red laser mounted on its side to position it so you don’t have to make another trip down range after setting up your laptop, tablet or phone. Just turn the laser on and center the laser dot on your target. There are also some other camera features that are worth mentioning. The camera has 60 infrared LEDs that give it incredible night vision for viewing from up to 30 meters from the target. Having this feature, you can use it when zeroing in your optic coupled with a night vision device. The camera’s lens is hand focus-able to give the sharpest view of the target possible. It also has a sliding sunshade to prevent unwanted glare. With this done it is time to head back up range and start shooting.

With your firearm set up at the shooting bench you can then use your laptop or other wireless device to connect to the wireless Bullseye Camera System. With a laptop you just plug in the included thumb drive and the included software takes over. You may have to go to the wireless settings on the device and connect but it usually connects by itself. Once it connects you have a live video view of your target. For iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android devices, you can download the software free of charge from either the App Store or Google Play. When using a Windows based laptop you actually get a lot more information on the screen. The software allows you to add shooter profiles that keep track of who is shooting, at what distance, what firearm is being shot, type of ammunition and even ballistic information of loads associated with the target groupings. The user can also add notes to each individual shot. All this information can be saved along with the images of the target.

The unit beams live video back to your device but once you fire a shot and hit the space bar (on a laptop) or touch a certain button on your touch screen (on a phone or tablet) it is saved as a still image. The software then takes over and the last shot is shown FLASHING on the image. You never have to remember which hole in the target was your last shot. Each image is saved and shown as a row of photos across the bottom of your screen. You can either click on or touch previous images to review them. This “flash shot” feature alone makes the unit a must have accessory but the shooter can also change the color of the flashing bullet holes. So if there are multiple shooters a different color can be assigned to each shooter and all the shooters can use the same target. In fact, you can use one target all day long and still see the last shot fired. This also works with archery (a flashing image of the arrow) and shotguns (where all holes from the last shot flash). You know instantly what difference your sight adjustment made. You can also number the bullet holes so you know in what order they were fired. At any time you can switch back to a live video view of your target.

If all these features aren’t enough the system can work with any target. It doesn’t matter if it’s paper, cardboard or steel. In fact the shots show on anything you fire at. While testing, one of the shooters missed the target and the bullet struck a piece of concrete block that was downrange. The bullet took a chunk out of the block but there was still a flashing image of where the bullet hit.

You would think that this system is only for shooters that have a very deep wallet – but that’s not the case. The Long Range Edition unit such as the one that was used in our test retails for just $549. For less than the price of a case of most center fire ammunition you can own one of these state of the art units. It comes with a 1 year warranty and the user can purchase an innovative new warranty that the company calls their Downrange Protection Plan. For just $29.95 the Bullseye Camera System owner can have a warranty that will replace any part of the system that is damaged during use for 2 years. This plan even covers the unit if it is hit by a bullet.

In this author’s opinion, the Bullseye Camera System is a must have for any serious recreational shooter, hunter or even tactical shooter. The system makes sighting in firearms fun plus the “cool factor” is off the charts.

Introduction: Serial Numbers

According to company literature, the first Glock pistols imported into the U.S. came in January of 1986. These guns had serial numbers beginning with a two letter alpha prefix of “AF” followed by a three digit number. This means for every two letter combination, there were up to 1,000 pistols produced with numbers from 000 to 999. As of this writing, current new production Glock pistols bear serial numbers with a four letter and three number combination, a testament to the brand’s success and longevity over the past quarter century.

Most firearm manufactures who employ sequential serial numbering systems would not guarantee the sequence of numbers exactly matches production order but on the longer time frame they generally follow that trend. That is to say, a firearm bearing the serial number ABC001 may not have been completed prior to the same model numbered ABD001 but it’s a fair assumption that they were made around the same time and that EFG001 came later. Notable exceptions to the standard serial number structure are firearms ordered with specified serial number ranges and formats for law enforcement agencies and commemorative models.

Using this assumption as a framework, this article will seek to identify changes in individual Glock cosmetic and design features and identify their sequence in the model history. While a strict serial number sequence is an inexact assumption, an accurate time line of importation for serialized firearms can be dated through records available from Glock.

Overview of Glock Generations, Terminology and Associated Models

Because of the nature of the firearms manufacturing industry, terminology can be inexact due to the influence of non-anticipated design changes, marketing language, and customer terminology not originating from the manufacturer. In some cases, this post production vernacular sets the standard for terminology in use by most. This stands to reason given that the number of people buying, using, and writing about the firearms far out numbers those within the company that might otherwise like to control the terminology. This is how distinct Glock generations came to be understood.

Glock pistols are categorized into four distinct generations (with a 4th ultimately being officially acknowledged by the gun’s markings). The first generation guns had a relatively uniform grip texture around the entire handle of the frame behind and below the trigger guard and consisted of the original Glock model 17 and a few scarce early model 19 pistols. The second generation guns had rectangular checkering on the front and back grip surfaces and can safely be counted on to include the models 17 through at least 24.

Third generation guns are described as those with finger grooves superimposed on the front strap checkering and an accessory rail forward of the trigger guard on models large enough to incorporate this feature. The addition of a slight “thumb rest” at the upper edge of the grip is also among these third generation features and this particular feature relates to U.S. importation criteria.

Finally, 4th generation Glock models incorporated rectangular checkering throughout the grip surface, a smaller grip with back strap extensions, a reversible magazine release, and the slide/recoil spring assembly was updated to include a dual spring for all models. The new slide and guide rod assemblies are not back-compatible with earlier models.

While these categories are useful, the details in some cases can muddy the waters. Several models of Glock firearms were made bearing the 3rd generation finger grooves but no associated accessory rail. Guns of this type are rare and typically described as transitional or “Generation 2.5.” For the collector or firearm examiner wishing to evaluate this firearm, it’s safe to say that guns of this type were produced in relatively low numbers and for a short period of time. The early versions of the subcompact Glock 26 and 27 pistols (9mm and .40 S&W) produced around the same time had finger grooves on the front strap of the pistol that were devoid of checkering that eventually appeared on later 3rd generation versions of those models. The slightly larger subcompact models 29 and 30 (10mm and .45 ACP) were always made with the checkered finger grooves but eventually produced with the previously omitted accessory rail. The earlier non-railed versions of the Glock 29 and 30 frames were made for a longer period of time than the early smooth finger grooved versions of the model 26 and 27 frames.

All models produced during the various generations were made consistently with the features of that generation. For that reason, early models like the Glock 17 will have versions from each of those generations. The Glock model numbers appeared sequentially although some models like the select fire 18 and the .380 models (25 and 28) are less common due to NFA and import restrictions.

Generation 1 Glock Features

The Generation 1 guns are an exclusive club consisting of only the model Glock 17 and a very few of the earliest model Glock 19 pistols. (The Glock 18 is the select fire version of the model 17 and while 1st generation versions exist, because of their rarity and distinct internal geometry they won’t be discussed in this article.) A long-slide version of the 17 known as the 17L was also produced using 1st generation frames but the slides are interchangeable and the frames are indistinguishable with other model 17s. These will be described hereafter as belonging to the standard frame size designed for pistols chambered in 9mm Luger, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .380 ACP, and eventually the .45 GAP (wide frame guns came later). The model 17 is categorized as a full sized pistol while the 19 is considered to be a compact in size. Both models were almost exclusively chambered for 9mm Luger although a few special exceptions have been known to exist (e.g.-9x21mm in Europe).

The first Glock pistols imported into the U.S. came with serial numbers beginning with two letters followed by the typical three numbers and a “US” suffix indicating they were for export to the United States. The two characteristic proof mark logos appeared on the frames, slides, and barrels while additional markings, such as a three letter manufacturer’s code and a pentagon appeared on the barrel only.

The official serial number in the United States is the one appearing on the frame which includes the “US” suffix. These numbers appear on a metal insert on the bottom of the frame just ahead of the trigger guard. The early versions of these were black in color and the “US” appears to be in a different font than the alpha-numeric characters that make up the rest of the numbers. These black serial number plates were used in the early Generation 2 Glock 19 pistols in the same serial number ranges as their Generation 1 Glock 17 siblings.

Glock pistols have always had two cartouches on the top and bottom of the right side of the grip. The upper cartouche on the generation 1 pistols reads: “GLOCK, INC., SMYRNA, GA.” while the lower marking read “US. Pat. 4,539, 889”. Each of these is a single line of text that appears with embossed characters over a smooth background surface in the polymer of the frame surrounded by the existing texture.

The model 19 had another feature change from the 17 to add points towards those required for importation into the U.S. The otherwise smooth trigger of the model 17 was replaced with a serrated version. All Glock pistols the size of the model 19 or smaller were fitted with serrated triggers for importation, although it’s not uncommon for their owners to prefer the smoother trigger and retrofit the parts since they are interchangeable. Another key difference between the models 17 and 19 is the geometry of the barrel lug and matching locking piece inside the frame. They are positioned differently which is why barrels are not interchangeable between the full sized and compact frames. This distinction remains in subsequent generations and models/calibers.

Generation 2 Glock Features

Because the Glock 17 preceded the Glock 19, there was initially no need to distinguish the two frames by markings. In fact, the very first Glock 19 pistols (1st generation) were actually made from Glock 17 frames that were trimmed to accommodate the smaller slide and magazine. An apparent mold mark on the left front corner of the trigger guard was eventually used for a marking location indicating which frame was being produced. This subsequent mold mark consists of a circular cartouche with the number 17 or 19 depending on the frame (earlier model 17’s had no such mark).

As has been described above, the main change that constitutes the generation 2 models is the retexturing of the grip surface. This rectangular pattern grip checkering on the front and back of the grip is often referred to as “grenade” checkering. Early generation 2 pistols were model 17’s and 19’s that retained the two single line grip cartouches on the right side, the 17/19 mold marks on the left, and Austrian proof marks of the generation 1 models, but not all had the silver colored serial number insert plate.

Around 1990 and about half-way through the two-letter serial number ranges, Glock started importing the models 20 (10mm), 21 (.45 ACP), 22, and 23 (both .40 S&W). By this time, the Austrian proof marks and the 17/19 mold mark were no longer present. The models 22 and 23 are essentially the .40 S&W versions of the 17 and 19 respectively; however, the more powerful cartridge forced a design change that added an additional pin to retain the locking piece in the frame. Some rare and early versions of these pistols may not have had the additional (3rd) pin. The models 20 and 21 were the first of the wide frame sizes made to accommodate the 10mm Auto and .45 ACP cartridges, respectively. All of these models are 2nd generation or later with both locking block pins in their design.

Prior to reaching the end of the two-letter serial number ranges, a second line was added to the upper cartouche on the grip of the pistol which now read:

MADE IN AUSTRIA
GLOCK, INC., SMYRNA, GA.

Right around the time of the roll over from two-letter serial numbers to three-letter series, the internal parts of the pistol changed from being mostly black in color to silver. This feature is not always a reliable one to consider because older guns receiving factory or armorer upgrades often have newer silver colored parts including some early upgrades to pre-EH### pistols that required an enhanced trigger bar that would increase the sear/striker engagement. These improved early trigger bars had a “+” stamped on the top rear portion near the area of striker engagement. While this upgraded trigger bar had a distinct shape, this author has seen at least one example of an earlier shaped part that has a bronze/gold color.

Shortly after the change from two-letter to three-letter serial numbers, a second line was added to the lower cartouche on the grip with two additional patent numbers. The next internal upgrade in this approximate chronology was angled cuts made to the interior of the frame to relieve the back two corners where the locking piece sits. Without this modification, those two corners were prone to the initiation of vertical cracks in the polymer due to the repeated impact of the corners of the metal locking piece to the frame. The relief cuts seemed to prevent the occurrence and could also be added to older models after the cracks had begun (essentially removing the cracks in the process of making the cuts at their location).

As with other internal upgrades, because these were often done by the factory after production, their presence tells less about the age of the pistol than their absence. Hypothetically, were the people at Glock, Inc. to discover an old batch of early generation 2 serialized frames; they would surely complete these upgrades before assembling them into pistols to be sold as new. Likewise, pistols returned to the factory as trade-in towards new models might also have similar upgrades.

The list of generation 2 changes above can be described sequentially based on the assumption of the serial numbers being sequential although this may not strictly be true. A more accurate description would be to say the changes listed here occurred during a watershed period during the middle of the second generation. The change from black internal parts to silver upgrade parts, the locking piece relief cuts, and the addition of a second line of text of the lower cartouche are all relatively contemporary changes roughly coinciding with the change from the two-letter to three-letter serial number range. Also in this time frame, the spring and guide rod assembly was upgraded to a one piece unit.

A few years later, in 1994, Glock began importing the model 24, which is essentially the 2nd generation equivalent of the 17L described earlier chambered in .40 S&W. With the exception of custom marked guns, all model 24’s and all subsequent model numbers have at least three letters in the serial number range. Some time later the angle of the right rear surface of the ejection port was changed from a 90 degree angle to something slightly larger. This change occurred between the introduction of the model 24 and the subcompact models 26 and 27 in 9mm and .40 S&W respectively. What this means is that one may encounter a model 24 with the earlier 90 degree ejection port angle but all models 26 and later had the newer geometry.

The early model 26 and 27 pistols were the first to incorporate finger grooves in the front strap of the grip; however, these were not checkered like those that came before and after. It may be easiest to regard the models 26-28 with the smooth front strap as generation 2 because they are like the proto type for the generation 3 changes and appeared prior to the addition of the accessory rail that fully defines generation 3 guns. These first subcompact pistols incorporated the “thumb rest” feature at the top of the grip so they could be legally imported into the U.S. market. On the other hand, the large frame subcompact pistols, models 29 and 30 (chambered in 10mm Auto and .45 ACP respectively) were always produced with checkered finger grooves on the front strap and their ultimate upgrade to having an accessory rail occurred much later so it may be best to classify all of these in generation 3.

Generation 3 Glock Features

Generation 3 Glocks incorporated all of the feature changes listed above and changed very little in the years to come. A few early models of the .357 SIG pistols were made with finger grooves and no accessory rail (a.k.a. “generation 2.5”) but these can be considered rare. Additional models added after the switch to generation 3 included the 29 (10mm), 30 (.45 ACP), 31-33 (.357 SIG), 34 (9mm), 35 (.40 S&W), and the slim frame model 36 which was unique in that it was a .45 ACP pistol with the slide dimensions of the 9mm and a single stack frame that was even thinner! The models 37-39 were later introduced in the .45 GAP cartridge. These guns used the standard 9mm sized frame with a wider slide similar to the 10mm/.45 ACP models.

Towards the later years of the 3rd generation, some special versions of existing models were introduced along side the standard models. Versions of several models described as having a Rich Texture Finish (RTF) were made that incorporated a distinct texture on all surfaces of the grip and cosmetically unique slide serrations. These were not commercially successful and subsequently produced in smaller numbers.

Some of the larger 10mm/.45 ACP models were made with “Short Frames” (SF) that had a grip back strap/palm swell that was reduced in size. These models arrived around the same time as the addition of the accessory rail on the subcompact versions (29/30) and were marked on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard with a short cartouche bearing an “SF” embossed on the smooth polymer.

One smaller subset of these models is the Glock 21 SF with the larger 1913 rail built into the frame instead of the usual single notch accessory rail. These were made in anticipation of design features requested for a new U.S. Army service pistol competition. This particular model was made with a new ambidextrous magazine release that was very different from the previous designs. This system captured the magazine with a thin paddle on the forward interior of the magazine well and would not function with older magazine designs. For this reason, all subsequent magazines were made with this additional forward cutout, although the military competition never happened and these design features have not been repeated on subsequent models.

Around the time of the SF models, the serial numbers on Glock frames dropped the “US” suffix and all slide, frame, and barrel numbers were identical. This occurred before the arrival of the 4th generation designs or the U.S. made Glock pistols that appear to all use the longer four letter plus three number serial number structure. At present, both 3rd and 4th generation pistols are being made in the U.S. and Austria. The only technical difference between the two seems to be in the metal finish – the Tennifer process used in Austria has been replaced by a Melonite process for U.S. made handguns. It remains to be seen if this difference will distinguish the two products in the open market.

The pistol relies upon proven locked breech short recoil principles. There is no barrel bushing and the One Pro relies upon angled camming surfaces for unlock. The barrel hood butts solidly into the slide. There is a positive firing pin block or drop safety. The tall sights seem dated and while they offer a good sight picture a more modern handgun would probably use low profile sights. Just the same, the overall fit and finish of the pistol is excellent and few if any handguns surpass the feel of quality although a few equal the One Pro. The sights ride in a wide dovetail and there is a nicely turned rib that runs along the top of the slide. The machining of the slide is first class and clearly took considerable time to execute. This is not a handgun designed to be produced economically, but a handgun designed to promote excellence.

The frame is nicely finished with the front and back strap each nicely checkered to aid adhesion. The trigger guard is conventional and the trigger is rounded rather than hooked as in other CZ clones. The trigger guard will accommodate gloved hands. The grip frame is engineered to accept a ten-round magazine. The One Pro is a 10 +1 or 11 round .45 ACP pistol. This is quite an engineering feat. The grip frame is no larger than a 9mm CZ 75, as an example, and considerably smaller than a Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun. However, the single bone of contention with the One Pro comes with this grip frame. The bevel at the front strap is not comfortable for all shooters compared to the original CZ 75. The grip panels are skimpy for the frame and seem out of place on such a well-made handgun. The grip panels are roughened for abrasion and do the job but little else. The grip frame is slightly recurved near the base, perhaps in a portion of the Divine Angle. The grip frame isn’t uncomfortable but the angle of the bevel could have been more rounded.

Ergonomically, the decock lever, the magazine release and the slide lock are all within easy reach without resorting to shifting the grip on the handgun. The pistol has a good heft and a good natural point. The One Pro is heavy but sets well in the hand. This weight serves in good stead when firing heavy loads. While lighter .45 caliber handguns are not painful to fire after a few magazines the jolt of recoil begins to take its toll. The One Pro is comfortable to fire in extended training sessions. As an example, the powerful Speer 200 grain Gold Dot +P was used in the One Pro and the recoil was not severe, in fact, downright comfortable. Yet this load breaks 1,000 fps in the One Pro’s 4.5 inch barrel. The pistol is well made of good material and seems smooth in operation but the true test of the handgun is in firing.

When firing the One Pro a consideration was the trigger action. The double action mechanism of the One Pro is the lightest and smoothest I have tested in any handgun. The double action trigger compression was measured on an electronic scale and the trigger breaks at 5 pounds 11 ounces. This is lighter than many single action triggers. Yet, when the trigger is pressed the trigger both cocks and drops the hammer with less than six pounds of pressure. There was some concern that the action might not be sufficient to crack all primers, but this was not the case (some brands of ammunition use harder primers than others). The One Pro never failed to ignite the primer. The single action trigger compression is less than three pounds. When using such a light trigger action the compression felt like a finely tuned target handgun. This pull weight is far too light for a service pistol, in my opinion. The shooter that wished to use such a handgun for personal defense would be advised to adhere to this handgun and no other and to train hard and then fire the pistol often. During the firing test on more than one occasion the author doubled, firing two shots when I intended to fire a single shot, with the single action press. After some acclimation the trigger was mastered sufficiently to rate it controllable. In off-hand combat firing the light trigger isn’t really an advantage as the light press sometimes causes even a trained shooter to clutch the trigger. When firing for groups off of the benchrest the situation was different. The good sights and light trigger action aided in obtaining excellent accuracy. Firing at 25 yards from a solid benchrest, the One Pro sometimes delivered five shot groups hovering around an inch. Almost always human error intervened and the average groups opened to 1.5 to 2.0 inches. Just the same, the One Pro is a very accurate handgun. An observation was made that the single action trigger of the One Pro is free of the modest backlash often exhibited by CZ 75 type trigger actions.

When running combat drills the One Pro showed excellent results. Drawing and engaging targets at 5, 7 and 10 yards, hits were well centered. The transition from double action to a single action trigger presented no difficulty. When performing speed reloads the tapered high capacity magazines allowed rapid replenishment of the ammunition supply. The pistol functioned well with CCI Blazer ball ammunition and brass cased American Eagle ammunition. 230 grain ball loads strike just above the point of aim. This is a good service setting, with the slight off-set easily accounted for at close range. The pistol is dead on with this zero at 50 yards and will probably prove accurate at extended handgun range.

All told, the One Pro is an interesting handgun with much to recommend. It is accurate, reliable, and well made of good material. It is an excellent handgun on every count. While there are less expensive handguns, there are few with the pride of ownership and heritage of this handgun.