- To learn more, visit https://guncrafterindustries.com/.
- To purchase a Guncrafter Industries .50 GI Glock system on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=guncrafter%20glock.
- To purchase a Glock 20 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Glock%20G20.
- To purchase a Glock 21 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Glock%20G21.
“Why do I carry a .45? Because they don’t make a .46!” is one of the popular sayings among large-caliber enthusiasts, almost right up there with, “…because shooting twice is just silly.” We’ve all seen and heard them – and some of us will even admit to haven said them. Well, folks they may still not make a .46 – but guess what? You can get a Glock in .50! Guncrafter Industries has been making the .50 GI round for over a decade, and first offered their own specially chambered M1911 pistol to shoot it with. For those who would love to have the bragging rights of shooting .50 caliber on a more modest budget, Guncrafter also makes a conversion kit for the Glock 20/21 and 40/41 pistols. Or, if you prefer you can buy the complete gun. The latter will cost you $975 with the stainless steel slide, or $1,035 for the Melonite-coated version. If you already own a Glock 20 or 21 and want just the upper for quick conversion, they can be had for $595 stainless steel and $660 Melonite. Gen4 kits are available but not compatible with pre-Gen4 pistols and vice versa. Our test gun was a pre-Gen4 Glock frame with both the stainless steel and Melonite uppers. It comes with a nine-round magazine of excellent quality. Extra mags will set you back $49.95 each. But that’s nothing compared to filling them – the ammo is not exactly cheap. More on that in a bit.
Seeing the Guncrafter .50 GI touch off a round is a thing of beauty.
CONSTRUCTION AND QUALITY
The first impression given by the Guncrafter Industries (GI) upper, or slide assembly, is that of high quality materials and workmanship. In an age seemingly dominated by knock-offs and quick-to-market parts, it is refreshing—almost surprising—to pick up and hold something of substance. As I turned the slide assembly over in my hand and viewed it from different angles, I could see that this is no mere copy of a Glock slide. There are subtle bevels and rounded edges, carefully milled gripping serrations, and tight tolerances that indicate that this is a carefully milled and fitted assembly—not a mass-produced part. If you are familiar with the components of a Glock then there is nothing new to see here—all the same parts in the same places, performing the same functions. Yet, you can tell that these parts fit just a little bit better and were given more attention to detail. This gave me high hopes, and frankly, high expectations.
Having only a Glock 21 Gen4 for comparison, I had to accept that there would be some inherent differences between the Gen3-ish .50 GI and my Glock. But those differences would be small and for the most part, obvious—like the dual recoil spring/guide rod assembly of the Gen4. Putting both on the scale, I was almost surprised to note only a 0.3-ounce difference. The G21 slide weighed 1 lb., 5.55 oz. and the .50 GI was 1 lb., 5.85 oz. Both the stainless and Melonite versions produced the exact same number. Not sure why I expected a bigger difference, but I suspect it is that sense of extra quality and tough construction. Of course, the parts are essentially the same size with the variation of a few thousandths of an inch here and there. Ballistically, the .50 GI operates at pressures not far above most .45 ACP loads, so it’s not as if a heavier slide is necessary.
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Recoil of the .50 GI round is something be respected but is manageable.
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The 185-grain JHP example on the left was provided by Guncrafter Industries and is the result ofit being fired into ballistic gelatin at 1,200 fps.
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SHOOTING THE .50 GI
As I was loading the magazines, I mentally prepared myself for the experience of shooting the .50 GI for the first time. I try to “roll with it” when it comes to high-pressure loads, like magnums and +Ps. Rather than try to overcome the laws of physics and bend the gun to my stronger will – I have found it much more productive to allow the gun to recoil, using my elbows as shock absorbers. This is how I can spend a day shooting .44 magnum instead of shooting six rounds and going home. As a fictional character who was no stranger to shooting high-powered handguns famously said, “a man’s got to know his limitations.” Levity aside, that’s very true. If I cannot overcome physics and hold a heavy recoiling gun flat while shooting it – why try? Why force that energy into my joints and bones like I would with a competition 9mm load?
Side-by-side, the .50 GI (left) is slightly shorter but certainly more rotund than the .45 ACP (right). Pressures of the .50 GI are similar to a +P .45 ACP.
So, with that thought process in mind, I faced downrange at my target and raised the sights to eye level. Feels like a Glock 21… same sight picture… trigger feels the same… BANG! Hey, that wasn’t so bad. I’ve shot .45 loads that felt this hot. Okay, this is going to be fun!
One of the reasons the gun shoots as nicely as it does is due to the 24-lb. flat-wire recoil spring that Guncrafter uses. That soaks up a whole lot of energy as the slide starts to cycle, and unlike a traditional round-wire spring that has a resistance curve, a flat-wire spring has linear resistance. What this means is that it is applying its maximum strength against the force of recoil from the first instant and evenly through the stroke. Another reason is the Glock frame itself, and all the same benefits that it gives us generally. The polymer frame flexes to absorb some of the recoil. The width of the G21 frame spreads the energy out over a wider surface of your hand than something like a 1911 would. Have someone slowly swing a baseball bat to you and catch the thick end with one hand. Then reverse it, and using the same swing, catch the narrow handle. Feel the difference?
The .50 GI can be purchased as a conversion kit, or as the full pistol as seen here.
After spending part of the day shooting this pistol off-hand from about 12 yards, I was convinced of a few things. It’s fun to shoot. Not the “I’ll pretend it’s fun in front of my buddies” kind of fun, but I mean shooting a hundred rounds or more by yourself fun. It seems pretty accurate. Given that I am always the weakest link in the accuracy formula, the .50 GI puts ’em pretty much where you point it. It seemed to like a tight six o’clock hold and kept the hits within shooter error distance consistently. Perhaps most importantly, it just plain works. Not a single malfunction of any kind all day. The feel of the cycle is sound and deliberate. I’m betting the mean time between failures is very low for this gun.
Guncrafter Industries is the only known supplier of ammo, but they offer a nice variety.
AMMO & ACCURACY
Guncrafter Industries provided several variants of its ammo with the pistol – ranging from 185-grain hollow point to whopping 300-grain flat nose. All copper jacketed. All of the ammunition bore the Guncrafter Industries brand name. Some searching on the Interwebs indicates that your choice for ammunition would be to buy GI or roll your own. If you want to make your own handloads in .50 GI, Lee makes the dies, and GI will sell you the components.
Manufactured ammo runs from about $1.50/round to $2.50/round depending on bullet weight and configuration, with the hollow points being the most expensive. That’s understandable if you take a close look at them—they are meticulously manufactured. The cup of the hollow point bullets looks like it could serve as a candle holder during a power outage and the expansion pre-cuts travel below the case rim. This substantial cost, while certainly not prohibitive, would definitely keep this gun from becoming a plinker!
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The components are basic and familiar. The spring is a 24-lb. flat-wire type for maximum recoil management.
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The conversion kit includes the full slide assembly and one nine-round magazine.
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From a rested position at 25 yards, the results were varied with the 275-grain and 185-grain loads performing the best. The 185-grain load produced a three-shot group that would make anyone proud, at just a hair over ½”! The available ammunition is diverse not only in weight and configuration but also in velocity. The 300-grain bullet walks down range at just 700 fps (though still producing enormous energy), while the lightest 185-grain load splits the air at 1,200 fps. That energy, combined with its accuracy and performance in ballistic gel, makes it a round to be taken seriously. Defending the homestead with this would make one sleep well.
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The pistol the author tested did quite well with the 275-grain load.
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It also shot well with the lightest 185-grain load.
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CONCLUSION
Side by side with the Glock 21. Can you tell which is which?
The .50 GI is far more than a FrankenGlock. The quality of the slide and barrel are superb in both design and construction. The fit and function seem as flawless as the original Glock assembly they replace. I could not make this gun jam or misfeed. Accuracy of the .50 GI is very respectable, especially in the lighter and faster bullet, and the ballistic stats simply scream home-defense. I like that it is available as either a full pistol or as a conversion kit. The price is not out of line with custom work that is more common and less re-defining, such as simple coatings or engravings. With the .50 GI you are literally taking the Glock to the next level.
Down sides – there are a couple. First off, though the pricing is certainly justifiable and reasonable, it is an extravagance. Add in the cost to buy ammo or even the components to reload it, and it is an expensive gun to shoot no matter how you slice it. Lack of commercially available ammunition means that you are not only bound to using GI’s brand but if GI should cease to be, so will your ammo supply. Honestly, I think for the folks that would be interested in the .50 GI, this writer included, those down sides are obvious and insignificant. Whether you would want the Guncrafter .50 Glock pistol to defend hearth and home, or just to get your man card stamped at the range, it delivers. And whether you purchase the full pistol or conversion kit, you still have a Glock frame to which any number of available uppers can be mounted. It also accommodates the rich world of Glock parts and accessories. My Blade Tech holster and mag pouch for Glock 21 fit the gun and magazines just fine. Glock or aftermarket sights are interchangeable too, and even your custom back plate will slip right on. Whether your interest is in having the most stopping power you can get in a manageable and reliable handgun, or just another range toy with bragging rights, the .50 GI is legit and top quality. So, if you want a Glock pistol that will stand out from the crowd, definitely five this one a look.
- To learn more, visit https://guncrafterindustries.com/.
- To purchase a Guncrafter Industries .50 GI Glock system on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=guncrafter%20glock.
- To purchase a Glock 20 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Glock%20G20.
- To purchase a Glock 21 on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: https://www.gunsamerica.com/Search.aspx?T=Glock%20G21.
A good eye for detail will find many subtle qualities, such as the beveling on the slide.
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Left to right: .45 GAP, .50 GI, .45 ACP – shortest to tallest.
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The author’s holster and mag carrier for Glock 21 worked perfectly with the .50 GI.
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The Guncrafter .50 GI Glock puts out a solid chunk of lead for some serious defensive firepower.
can you use a 45 gap from for this conversion
Can you tell me we is considered to be the top of the line for Glock
Would rather have a top of the line canik
The Rowland .460 is far superior to this overpriced and under-powered alternative to a .45 ACP. Don’t waste your time or moeny on the .50 GI, when the .460 Rowland has 2X the energy.
The 50 GI has less power than the 10mm by a significant margin. I guess if you want a bigger caliber hole it meets your criteria, but it lacks the pure power of the 10mm.
Since this an after market conversion, of a caliber Glock does not carry, will it not void the warranty on the pistol if something goes wrong with it? Also, with the price tag for just the conversion one could buy a complete pistol with magazines while a completed .50 GI pistol costs as much as two pistols and accessories together. What will be next a .60 or .75 caliber conversion? When practical becomes impractical and with those having more ‘Cents’ than Common Sense, you’ll always find someone who’ll want to be the first kid on the block to own it but rarely takes it out to shoot or loses interest in it over time.
IN 2008, THE FIRST YEAR THE 50 GI BECAME AVAILABLE .HAMILTON BOWEN CONVERTED A RUGER VAQUERO TO 50 GI WITH ALL THE FIXNS’. I RAN 300GN SPEER JACKETED FP OR RCBS 300 CAST LEAD BOTH AT 900 FPS. KILLED 2 MEAT ELK AND ONE BOAR. THAT WHEN HUNG ME & ANOTHER OLE’ HUNTER YOU ALL KNOW COULD NOT REACH AROUND. HONEST 525LBS ON THE SCALE. ONLY THE BOAR TOOK MORE THAN ONE SHOT.THE 50 GI IS A USEFUL ROUND. IN THE RUGER LIGHT, NOT TOO HARD ON THE WRISTS. IS IT A SW 500, HELL NO. BUT WHO REALLY NEEDS A SW 500 EVERY DAY ??
I can down-load my Smith to these levels if need be, I don’t need to spend all this money for another weapon, the only advantage I see is the semi-auto feature but if you are hunting with it you should be able to drop your animal with one or two shots, if not, you shouldn’t be out there.
Here’s your sign er…. Man card tom.
Something dosen’t sit right about two men tying to give a boar a reacharound.
Definitely a cartridge for reloading since the price is quite high for the ammo. Lee sells the dies for $75. Don’t know if there
are any recipes out there for the powder/bullet weight. I was surprised to see the case length a bit shorter than the .45ACP.
I think I keep my G21SF as a .45ACP. Good video , Thanks!
Well, looks like I need to update my reply to the proverbial “why do you carry a .45?” with: ‘it’s because I can’t afford to own and shoot a .50!’.
Hope Santa left you all firearms under the tree this Christmas! 🙂
No, but lot’s of ammo!
… Can’t wait for Glock “BULLY” one megaton nuclear semi to come out !! No sites needed and “Recoil Insurance” included.Great all purpose collection piece!!
Pure novelty.
If you really want to delve into serious 50 caliber handguns, try the S&W 500 or the Desert Eagle. In my view, the Glock 21 (yes I own one) is better left as a .45.
To each his own though!
Isn’t the price way more for those? This seems like a great way to get into 50 for a reasonable price!
That guy has the gun handling skills of an orangutan.
There’s always someone thinking there better than someone else. Why aren’t YOU out there then showing us “how it should be done” instead of criticizing him ?
Because we’re here laughing at your orangutan-like English skills. It’s ‘they’re’, not ‘there’.
I can’t imagine the chaos that would ensue if we didn’t have online spell checkers?
“There is” vs. “They are”, sorry Pete, you lose this round of Grammar Nazi.
You’re butt hurt. Idiot. Haha.
“I’m betting the mean time between failures is very low for this gun.”
I believe you meant to say the MTBF is very HIGH with this gun. If MTBF is LOW it means it has FTF or FTE MORE often than it should. i.e. a MTBF of 5,000 rounds is pretty good for a modern handgun, a MTBF of 1,000 rounds is not, because, on average, one could expect a malfunction every 1,000 rounds vs. every 5,000 rounds.
Good, informative article otherwise, just wanted to be clear on statistical terminology.
Fun to fool with I’d love one.
I’d reload of course and try to design a cast blunt 325-340 grain rock I could throw at 650fps or so. The British were fans of what I call the bulldog concept of hurling a large chunk of metal at your enemy going just fast enough to almost penetrate them.it put a lot of scary dudes in their graves.
Robert Pauzer, of Houston, Texas, came up with this concept some years before this example,
but was unable to make the business sustainable. And the .50 ACP died along with his .50 BMG rifle.
While .50 is impressive, for the ballistics and ammo availability, I’d go with the Glock 40 in 10mm.
Agreed, don’t see enough advantage to the .50 GI over 10mm to justify taking a chance on a “wildcat” clambering.
Have to agree. Less hassle and cost and nominal performance is nothing to sneeze at. 200 grain bullet at 1200 fps for the 10mm
But with guns and cartridges? Heck look at everything out there that performs essentially the same. It’s all fun. Actually with defensive handguns past the point of “adequate” power its all about speed and accuracy. Shot placement.
Agree with John T.
I love my 20 10mm (accurized) for steel, hunting and carry.
I love my Glock 40 MOS 10mm, and have always been a 10mm guy. That said, I wonder if Guncrafter will ever produce a 6″ slide conversion… Sure would be fun.
Oh, I thought he ment “to Heaven said them” , some battle cry from an old British novel I have not read yet?….
After seeing the Glock .50 Cal. at work, I can’t wait for the Glock “Bully” one megaton nuclear semi to come out !! Having a suppressor for it would be great also!!
The ballistics are nowhere near impressive enough. The reason the gun didn’t recoil that bad is the bullet isn’t any heavier than a 45acp and isn’t going much faster…physics. Why spend so much when cheaper (and better) options exist?
I’m just very comfi with the 357mag & the many different loads from wadcutter to ++P. just my 2 cents.
We all have our flavors
Some guys like old muscle cars and some like those rice rockets that sound like a leaf blower. I like my jeep wrangler wind bludgeon. Flavors
So true. Part of what makes America great…choices!
Shaddup ya old white fart
Getting your “man card” stamped at the range.
My idea of getting my “man card” stamped is to put multiple bullets through the same hole or hitting the X on the NRA 50 yard small bore target at least half the time.
I’m sure someone can shoot better … but the squirrels will never be able to tell the difference.
Considering I can walk through a brick wall after a few shots from my S&W 500, I’ll pass on this one!
LOL! I still carry my venerable S&W 3″ Trail Boss .44 Mag with me on every hike, with 300+ grain loads. I can run it very accurately with fast follow up shots, and with a Simply Rugged pancake holster no one even knows I have it on. For me it is a very comforting companion in bear country or psycho city! 😆
My .458 SOCOM, with an 8″ barrel, 300gr lead tip hollow point, 1605 fps, 1800 lbft of energy, concealed carry in a stealthily converted tennis racket case, wearing a “Wilson” hat and jogging clothes……no bad guy knows what lurks. Hope they never do either!
Can you send me pictures of it. Thanks
Sure……where do I send it?
You want more then there is .460 Rowland. 1911, glock, xd all conversions and ammo available just google it.
Looks to me like the bullet will have poor terminal performance (certainly poorer than most would be expecting) due to the terrible sectional density of the bullet. This is just a toy to show off at the range.
Meanwhile, back not too long ago, Robert Pauzer took a break from his .50 BMG semi-auto rifle, [ gas operated]
and developed a 1911 model concept he called .50 ACP. Wish he had been able to market the both.
Paul W.
I have a 460 Rowland conversion 5 1/2 inch barrel with recoil 22lb spring and a compensator and it has more horse power than 50 Glock any day. And it cost less than a 50 Glock conversion kit.
I also have a 400 Cor Bon in a 6 inch barrel with a 22lb recoil spring and it has more horse power than a 10MM. The Barrel cost was $57.00 and recoil spring. I reload my 45 ACP brass and have my 1911 45 ACP by only switching barrels.
For goodness sake his spell check added that when he mistyped the word. Annoying it may be but also as much annoying when I read comments to gleam some decent perspective and all I see is a bunch of wannabe English teachers. Now I’ve added myself to that list of wasted (off topic) comments.
The word is, “glean”. There. Your off topic comment attracted another.
Back on point, one more glock for the guy who just has to have one of every model.
Actually this is conversion of Glock to .50 GI caliber which Glock does not make, because it is not popular. You could just buy G20 10mm which have more power than this .50 GI.
The words gleam and gleen are synonyms. When used as meaning to reflect upon perspective the term gleam is used. Know what you’re talking about before you correct somebody and then try and be smug about it. BTW you proved the point I was making!
physician, heal thyself… seriously…
Great concept… but not for me. If my calculations are correct, 185gr @ 1200 fps = 592fpe. Atomic Ammo makes a 45 ACP +P 185gr load that produces over 600fpe. PLUS, an easy alteration to other 45’s is to 45 Super. Yes, heavier recoil springs are available for not just the 1911, but also many Glocks, as well as many Springfields. 45 Super, as made by Buffalo Bore is a QUITE potent round requiring minimal expense to convert to (Starline makes new brass too). 45 Super not enough? Try a 460 Rowland. It can elevate “old slabsides” & likely other 45’s to 4″ revolver 44 Magnum power. Not knocking the “bigger bore”, more power game. Just suggesting less expensive ways to the more power side.
AL, shame on you for raining on the parade of the .45 v. 9mm debate fan club? This would have given them something to LIVE for again in their dreams, LOL? Yeah, it’s cool, but I’ll stick with the smaller diameter rounds for obvious professional tactical reasons. Like the Buffalo 10 mm ‘Heavy Ammo’ with flash suppressed powder which is a 180 g JHP @ 1350 fps which is over 720 Ft. lbs. on average out of my modestly tricked 20 C which carries 16 rounds, with readily available ammo under about a buck and a half each with my discount , which I never leave home without if I’m going somewhere in the city where there is even the slightest possibility of an ‘incident’.
I am a big bore fan and would love to have one of these but it is VERY cost prohibitive!!! When the price comes down, “way” down I will probably pick one up. Shooting large caliber “anything” is fun! Isn’t that why the Desert Eagle 50ae was so successful (talk about an impractical gun!). With all the options everyone mentioned no one said any thing about the 45 Super!?? To convert a 45acp all you have to do is buy the brass change the recoil spring and throw in a buffer!! That’s it! Now you have a “41 mag” power semi-auto pistol for around $15. If you don’t reload you can buy ammo from Corbon.
“I’m betting the mean time between failures is very low for this gun.” I think you meant “very high”… a high MTBF means it is more reliable. Also, I don’t understand how a flat wire spring performs any differently than a round wire spring; the physics of spring compression should be the same. The force exerted by the spring increases as it is compressed proportional to the spring constant, “k.” The maximum force is when the spring is fully compressed.
You got me on the MTBF – I said it backwards! Thanks for knowing what I meant. As far as the spring goes, I am not an engineer nor do I know the properties first hand, however I try to listen when I’m in a room with smart people – and some very smart people have educated me that there is a difference. I have no dog in the fight, but I am giving information that I understand to be accurate and reliable.
Don, the reason the flat wire spring is purported to be better is the fact that it can be made to fit the guide rod with a tighter tolerance than the wire wound spring thereby reducing spring bend, sag and possible binding making them more consistent shot to shot. The fact that it is flat also aids in reducing any binding. They have also tested to last longer and can have more coils which means less stress. It might not really matter beans to any of us as both work but that’s some of the reasoning behind it!
I’m not smart enough to understand the physics of flat vs round coil springs, but I can definitely say my own experience is that flat springs are more reliable, more durable, and smoother shooting.
Only “$1.50/round to $2.50/round ” ?
Heck, I’ll take two cases!!!
Or you can buy a 100rds of brass and find or make bullets to your taste.I’ve pondered the 50 glock for sometime and it’s something I’d love to fool with if I had the excess cash I’d be getting one.
But a glock 30 suits my defense needs and I have it now.
Still 50 call glock,,,,,,,yep
OR, being an old fart, I guess I’ll just incur the wrath of all and stick with my two Glocks, 19 & 17. Not sure how I’ll survive. 🙂
I believe many folks’ old favorite comment about carrying a .45….because there isn’t a .46 caliber – has been up-ended with the advent some years back, of the potent hunting round: .460 Rowland ~ which WILSON CUSTOM, can provide for us.
Doesn’t it use .452 bullets like the 45acp? I think so but am not sure.
I’d like to see the lighter round loaded with Lehigh Defense Max Penetrator. They leave double the wound cavity of a hollowpoint.
Guys will you stop the glock/1911 are cramp discussions. Glocks have shown to be great guns that last a long time and 1911’s have stood the test of time for good reason. I own both but prefer the 1911 but would have no problems going to the Glock. If you like what you have and can hit the target then God Bless you and be happy with your choice. Modern ammo has also blurred the line of calibers enough to start more arguments. Save the arguments for you wife about how much time you spend at the range. Have a few different caliber handguns so in the event you cant find any ammo for one you’ve got the other.
BTW Glocks are still ugly. LoL’s!!!
Why does Glock insist on making proprietary rounds? The 45 GAP and now this 50 GI, the commonly found 45 ACP and 50 AE are too easy to acquire and reload, so make something special for Glock. Another reason I have multiple gun brands and will not become a fan and make my “precious” a Glock.
uh…did you read the article? glock didn’t make this round, nor the gun/slide. gun crafter industries did.
and the .50AE is a completely different round than this .50GI round. it is way longer, and way more powerful, and would never fit in a glock (or any other pistol other than the enormous (and somewhat ridiculous) desert eagle.)
and yes, the .45 gap is a stupid round. that we can agree on.
If only it were a .499 cal. It is not viable for concealed carry (at least not legally) since it is .50 cal and not allowed in all states. Though I am a bigger is better person, newer technology and research has shown little difference in lethal effect between the more common auto rounds (9mm, 10mm, .40 SW, .45 GAP, .45 ACP, .50 GI, etc). I’m leaning toward 9mm most of the time for my handguns because of the overall performance, availability of quality ammo, weigh, and capacity. Over power in the 10mm was a problem when it was first introduced. The tendency of overpower rounds to pass through softer targets (people for instance) reduces energy transfer and makes them less effective. Newer bullet designs and better powder loads have alleviated most of these issues (FMJ ball ammo is the exception in all calibers).
Except for legal limits and ammunition capacity, it really is just an emotional preference.
One other thing to remember is that when the SHTF if by invasion, what would the most common round being used by other countries around the world. My guess would be the 9 mm. That means no matter what country invades the US, the 9mm can be taken from anybody that still has a fully loaded weapon and is lying on the ground Tango Uniform.
I’m generally a good speller and good with punctuation, but my typing leaves a little to be desired since I have severe arthritis.
So I save my fingers for pulling triggers.
Commonality (NATO), ammo pricing (allowing more economical, frequent practice), mag capacity (thug cowards run in packs), and lightning fast split times make 9mm my overwhelming choice for training and carry. Using top grade defense ammo, such as Federal HST, 9mm is a devastating round. FBI just figured that out.
That said I still own several .45 ACP handguns from HK and Nighthawk, and LOVE shooting them. One thing is for sure, even with modern ammo, 9mm MAY expand, but .45 ACP NEVER shrinks, no matter what it’s passing through! 😆
“to haven said them”? Come on, let’s get a proof reader that knows English. That’s like a very smart person ruining everything he says by saying “I seen”. That said, the more firepower the better. Thanks, Glock.
Lot of money just to say you got a 50 cal.! A good Colt Commander .45 is my weapon of choice ! Kills them just as dead without waisting a whole lot of money ! Do I want a a one of a kind for self defense, Hell no !
Doc, out !
And once again we have the answer to a question, nobody really asked. Its a toy, thats about it. Does it do anything other much cheaper calibers do? From the ballistics I have seen, its not any better than the much cheaper to shoot 10mm. The 460 Rowland, is way hotter. Sure there will be those who will buy one to say ‘look I have a 50 cal’. For it to be a viable thing, it needs more pressure. Other than that its simply a 50 vs a 45.
The conversion slide is more than a new Glock. And only one company makes ammo, and doubt that will ever change. Even handloading is expensive.
Well said.
In my earlier comment I neglected two of the most important aspects. Train and Shot placement. Sorry about that.
Since reading the article, I’ve been doing as much research/comparisons on this caliber as I can. Muzzle energies and velocities do not exceed the 10mm from what I’ve found. The system looks cool, but as stated earlier, .460 Rowland out performs this round. It is always fun to have a large caliber to shoot, but for my money I would convert my G20 to a .460 Rowland. Just an observation. Wound channel/cavity and penetration seem to be much greater on the .460. I have two extra G20’s in my safe. I plan on converting one to a carbine. I love the 10mm round. It has served me very well in combat situations, just like the .45 has done for other people for many years. I think this comparison has lead me to the .460 Rowland. And no I’m not changing all my 10mm to other calibers or configurations. I stated the two G20’s were extras. Still, this looks like a well made system.
I need this gun like i need Root Canal!
“and some of us will even admit to haven said them.” “Haven” said them?? How about “having” said them. Sheesh.
I even looked that up to be sure there hadn’t been a new word invented I missed! Hahaha
Thank you, LCDR! I noticed that in the abbreviated write-up already: quite embarrassing.
Man, you guys are tough! If it takes my next article longer to hit the net, and you miss out on crucial early info, it’s because I’m spending an extra day proof reading! Honestly, with what seems to pass for acceptable written communication these days – I’m glad you folks are holding us to a higher standard!!
No shit !! In this, the age of the text message, I would NEVER have thought such a large number of grammar and punctuation authorities existed. Nice to know the libtard institutions of higher (literally) learning (aka colleges) are cranking out so many highly educated English majors. Damn shame so few took any courses on reading comprehension – it’s quite shocking how many readers caught such trivial bs (no informational bearing), but completely missed important components, such as Glock has nothing to do with the manufacture of the weapon, the conversion-kit or the ammo. Micro-managing nitshits.
And forgive me, I thought I clicked link, but obviously hit reply. This was in general response to alot of reader comments and in specific response to a comment made by the author of the article. Lord knows some of the professional proofers read my initial comment and found it to be out of place.
Good grammar has absolutely nothing to do with being a Liberal or a Conservative. It’s being able to communicate your thoughts effectively in the shortest amount of time. Typos and poor grammar all make the consumer of information re-read the passage over and over to discern the meaning and intent of the author, all because the author or proofreader wouldn’t take the time to proof their work. And then, as if to add a final insult, they expect us to take their work seriously.
Velocity of the different bullet weights? Muzzle energy? Where are the ballistics in this article? Do they surpass the 10mm?
Proprietor ammo from Guncrafts will make ammo impossible to obtain. Must be a reloader.
Ammo cost will keep this from ever catching on. I personally think that the best 45acp self defense round is the Federal HST which is about 70 cents per round. So for half the cost of this you get a more than adequate self defense round. I am not saying it’s a bad idea, just an expensive one.
Agreed on the HST round, it is simply magnificent–perfect expansion and consistent penetration through just about anything. As for $0.70/rd for .45 GST, I suggest WikiAmmo, Slickguns, and patience. I buy both 9mm and .45 ACP HST factory ammo for $0.45/rd to $0.55/rd on a regular basis online.
Better accuracy, greater bang for the buck, and still can use regular 45 acp ammo to hold down shooting and target practice, great customer service, realistic pricing. 460 ROWLAND conversion beats all others hands down. I have one and would not give it up for anything else. Like having a 40,000 cup 44 magnum on my hip with 13-15 back up shots.
Didn’t Glock offer the .45 GAP because their pistols could not stand up to the 45 Colt auto round ? What’s to say the Glock will stand up to the 50 auto. All polymer frame pistols have a limited round life. I’ll stick with my old fashion steel frame COLT Government Model Series 70 in 45 acp.. I don’t like polymer frame pistols made anywhere.
You may not like polymer pistols but you should not let ignorance be your guide. My G17 has 106 THOUSAND rounds through it and functions fine. 106 cases of 115 and 124 grain ball ammo and the only issue is that the frame is worn smooth in a few places and the edges of the slide are quite bright.
What a piece of crap those Glocks are.
I have a Glock 21 converted to a 460 Rowland, 40000 cup, and Glock has no problems what so ever. Considering it is shooting in the 44 mag range, approx. 38000 – 42000 cup. Another nice thing about the 460 is that it can shoot regular
45 acp ammo, so can save money at the range. Due to the extended length of the 460 it will not fit in a normal 45…All this
in my polymer pistol…………………….Great backup for hunting….
No it was so Glock would have their own 45 round. Also allowed for a smaller frame for persons with smaller hands. Same horsepower and accuracy as a regular 45, the Glock 39 makes the greatest compact big bore concealed carry.
I could see it as a bear gun but I would fear facing a jury over a defensive shooting scenario.
If you can articulate how that caliber can more quickly and effectively stop an imminent threat with little risk of overpenetration and injury to innocent bystanders, and effective protection of yourself and those under your protection – you are not having to explain anything more than others often have to simply by carrying “scary hollow point dum dum bullets”, etc. You’re wise to consider that aspect, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker.
Always preferable to explain yourself to a jury to have someone give your eulogy.
Better to be judged by 12 ( Especially in Texas ) than carried by 8……..
Always preferable to explain yourself to a jury than have someone give your eulogy.