Building a Glock pistol from scratch is an exciting and rewarding experience for gun enthusiasts who want to customize their firearms. While it may seem daunting at first, with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can build a Glock at home. Building a Glock allows you to tailor the gun to your personal preferences, from the frame and slide to the sights and trigger.
One of the first steps in building a Glock is choosing the right frame. There are several options available, including 80% frames that require some milling and drilling, and complete frames that are ready to assemble. Once you have the frame, you’ll need to choose the slide, barrel, and other components that fit your needs and budget. You can opt for aftermarket parts or stick with OEM parts for a more traditional build.
While building a Glock at home is legal in most states, it’s important to check your local laws and regulations before starting the project. Additionally, safety should always be a top priority when handling firearms. With the right precautions and attention to detail, building a Glock can be a fun and educational experience for gun enthusiasts of all levels.
Legal Considerations
When building a Glock, it is important to consider the legal implications of doing so. This section will cover the relevant federal laws and regulations, as well as the role of the ATF.
Federal Law
Under federal law, it is legal to build a firearm for personal use without a license or registration. However, it is illegal to sell or transfer the firearm without a license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It is also illegal to build a firearm that falls under the National Firearms Act (NFA) without registering it and paying the appropriate taxes.
ATF
The ATF plays a crucial role in regulating firearms in the United States. When building a Glock, it is important to comply with all ATF regulations and guidelines. This includes properly marking the firearm with a serial number and other identifying information, as well as complying with all NFA regulations if applicable.
It is also important to note that the ATF has issued guidance on the use of 3D-printed firearms and “ghost guns.” While it is legal to build these firearms for personal use under federal law, some states have imposed additional restrictions on their use and possession.
Building a Glock
Build Your Own Glock
Building your own Glock can be a fun and rewarding experience for firearm enthusiasts. There are several ways to go about building your own Glock, including purchasing a Glock Build kit or building one from scratch using parts sourced from various manufacturers.
One popular option for building your own Glock is using an 80% receiver from companies like US Patriots Armory.. These receivers are not considered firearms and can be purchased without a background check. However, they do require some milling and drilling to complete the build.
Glock Build
For those who want to build a Glock from scratch, several parts are essential to the build. These include a lower parts kit, OEM parts, and punches for assembly. It is important to ensure that all parts are compatible with each other and with the chosen frame.
One option for a Glock build is to purchase a complete lower parts kit from Brownells. This kit includes all the necessary parts for assembly, including the trigger, trigger bar, and slide release.
DIY Glock
Building a DIY Glock can be a cost-effective option for those on a budget. This can be done by sourcing parts from various manufacturers and assembling them yourself. It is important to ensure that all parts are compatible with the chosen frame and are of good quality.
One option for a budget build is to purchase OEM parts directly from Glock or from a reputable dealer. These parts are made to the same specifications as those used in factory-built Glocks and are often less expensive than aftermarket parts.
Budget Build
Building a Glock on a budget can be challenging, but it is possible with patience and research. One way to save money is to purchase parts from reputable manufacturers that offer discounts or sales. Another option is to purchase used parts from other Glock enthusiasts.
It is important to keep in mind that building a Glock requires patience and attention to detail. It is important to take the time to ensure that all parts are properly installed and that the firearm is functioning correctly before use.
Parts and Tools
Building a Glock requires the right parts and tools. This section covers the essential components for building a Glock and the tools needed for the job.
Parts List
Before starting a Glock build, it’s important to have a complete parts list. A Polymer80% Kit is a popular choice for building a Glock. Choose the size based on your preference. If you want to build a full-size Glock 17/22/33/34/35, get the PF940v2. Brownells offers an aggressive texture one.
Glock Parts
The Glock parts kit includes all the essential components for building a Glock pistol. These parts include the locking block, barrel, slide, and frame assembly. Glock parts kits are available in Gen 3 and Gen 4 configurations.
Glock Parts Kit
A Glock parts kit includes all the necessary parts for building a Glock pistol. The kit includes a slide completion kit, lower parts kit, and trigger housing. Brownells offers a wide variety of Glock parts kits.
Lower Parts
The lower parts kit includes the magazine catch spring, trigger spring, slide stop, and other essential components. The lower parts kit is necessary for building a Glock pistol. Brownells offers a wide variety of lower parts kits.
Slide Completion Kit
The slide completion kit includes the slide assembly, slide stop, and other essential components. The slide completion kit is necessary for building a Glock pistol. Brownells offers a wide variety of slide completion kits.
Slide Assembly
The slide assembly includes the slide, barrel, and other essential components. The slide assembly is necessary for building a Glock pistol. Brownells offers a wide variety of slide assemblies.
Slide Stop
The slide stop is an essential component of the Glock pistol. It holds the slide open after the last round is fired. Brownells offers a wide variety of slide stops.
Trigger Housing
The trigger housing is an essential component of the Glock pistol. It includes the trigger and other essential components. Brownells offers a wide variety of trigger housings.
Glock Trigger
The Glock trigger is an essential component of the Glock pistol. It is available in a variety of configurations, including flat-faced and curved. Brownells offers a wide variety of Glock triggers.
Magazine Catch Spring
The magazine catch spring is an essential component of the Glock pistol. It holds the magazine in place. Brownells offers a wide variety of magazine catch springs.
Sight Pusher Tool
A sight pusher tool is necessary for installing and adjusting Glock sights. Brownells offers a wide variety of sight pusher tools.
Building Process
Building a Glock from scratch can be a rewarding experience for gun enthusiasts. It allows you to customize your firearm to your liking and gain a deeper understanding of its inner workings. The building process involves using various tools, including a drill press and a Dremel, to shape and assemble the frame and slide of the gun.
Drill Press
The drill press is an essential tool for building a Glock frame. It allows you to drill the necessary holes for the pins and rails that hold the gun together. When using a drill press, it is essential to use the correct drill bits and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are the steps to use a drill press for building a Glock frame:
- Secure the frame in a vise or clamp to prevent it from moving during drilling.
- Use a center punch to mark the location of the holes on the frame.
- Install the appropriate drill bit into the drill press.
- Adjust the depth stop on the drill press to ensure that the holes are drilled to the correct depth.
- Drill the holes in the frame according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Dremel
A Dremel is another essential tool for building a Glock. It allows you to shape and smooth the frame and slide to fit together correctly. When using a Dremel, it is essential to use the correct attachments and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are the steps to use a Dremel for building a Glock:
- Attach the sanding or grinding attachment to the Dremel.
- Use the attachment to remove any rough edges or excess material from the frame and slide.
- Check the fit of the frame and slide regularly to ensure that they fit together correctly.
- Use a polishing attachment to smooth out any rough spots on the frame and slide.
Building a Glock from scratch requires patience, attention to detail, and the right tools. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and using the correct tools, you can create a customized Glock that is unique to you.
Customization and Upgrades
When it comes to building a Glock, customization and upgrades are essential to make it your own. The following sub-sections will cover some of the most popular modifications for Glock handguns.
Slide
Upgrading the slide is a great way to improve the performance and aesthetics of your Glock. Some popular options include:
- Custom slides with serrations, lightening cuts, and red dots.
- Trijicon RMR sights for faster target acquisition.
- Ported slides to reduce recoil and muzzle flip.
Frames
Frames are another area where customization can make a big difference. Some popular options include:
- Aftermarket frames that offer improved ergonomics and grip texture.
- Custom stippling for better grip and control.
- Frame modifications to accommodate larger magazines.
Sights
Upgrading your sights can make a big difference in accuracy and speed. Some popular options include:
- Night sights for low-light shooting.
- Fiber optic sights for improved visibility.
- Adjustable sights for precision shooting.
Barrel
Upgrading your barrel can improve accuracy and reduce recoil. Some popular options include:
- Threaded barrels for attaching suppressors or compensators.
- Match-grade barrels for improved accuracy.
- Ported barrels to reduce recoil and muzzle flip.
Magazine
Magazines are essential components of any Glock build. Some popular options include:
- Extended magazines for more rounds and better grip.
- Magazine base plates for easier reloading.
- Magazine well extensions for faster reloads.
Trigger Spring
Upgrading your trigger spring can improve trigger pull and reset. Some popular options include:
- Reduced power trigger springs for a lighter trigger pull.
- Competition trigger springs for faster reset.
- Trigger kits that include multiple springs for customization.
Overall, customization and upgrades can greatly improve the performance, looks, and functionality of your Glock. Whether you’re building a competition gun or a personal defense weapon, there are plenty of options to make it your own. And while ghost guns may be a controversial topic, building your own Glock from scratch is a legal and rewarding experience for many gun enthusiasts.
