I finally got a chance to check out the new Glock model 40. I hinted of this a couple posts ago, but I finally got to check one out. They would not allow me to take pictures of it, but they can’t stop me from telling you about it now. It’s a pretty radical design, yet in keeping with Glock tradition, very simple, boringly reliable, and quite ugly.
Based on a 4th Gen model 21 frame, which is due to be released next year, the upper is stretched to 5.1 inches, with a built in, extended compensator, bringing the whole slide to a hair over 6 inches. It can be ordered with an optional shoulder stock, but make sure you have the paperwork in order before hand. It is capable of being modified to full-auto, but is manufactured as a semi auto for importation. The new gun comes with one 20 round stick mag, and one 150 round drum mag made by The Beta Company, makers of 100 round drum mags for various rifles. The sights for this new Glock are quite revolutionary as well, there is no front sight! The rear sight incorporates 3 fiber optic rods, which give the traditional 3 dot sight setup, however if the simulated front sight is not within 5 degress of alignment with the shooter’s eye it is very dim, but when properly aligned it is a bright vivid green. This sighting system is very quick to acquire, very robust, and usable even if any 2 of the rods break. The standard sight colors are a green center dot with red outer dots, but any fiber rod of the correct size can be used, and black plugs are also included so it is easily changed to the user’s preference. Also available is a three sided picatinny rail for optics and other accessories which attaches to the pistols under-barrel accessory rail and comes over the top of the slide giving the user the ability to attach accessories to the bottom, left side, and top of the gun.
However, despite all that, the most revolutionary thing about this new model is the caliber. A proprietary cartridge similar to FN Herstal’s 5.7×28, the new 5.18X23 puts itself squarely in the new PDW niche. Featuring a 5.18MM, or .204″, projectiles weighing between 32 and 40 grains are used. Velocities are on par with the 5.7, at approximately 2300 FPS with the 32 gr bullet and approximately 2000 FPS with a 40 gr. bullet. Note these velocities are from a 16 inch barrel, which is also available from Glock, expect 1600 and 1400 FPS from the 5.1 in barrel. While not designed to be armor piercing these rounds should easily penetrate level II vests. Combined with the shoulder stock, and full-auto capability this new round is sure to please.
Well, that about covers the new Glock model 40. Expect a compact soon, to be called the 41, and probably late next year the sub compact model 42.
