Bob Campbell | Contributing Editor
Failsafe is by definition a device that returns a mechanical device to a safe condition.
A failsafe handgun—and a spare based on those needs—took up a considerable amount of my time the past few months. The handguns are modern striker fired polymer framed handguns and the individual models are proven reliable. Each has backup features that make the handguns well suited to personal defense.
A few months ago, I looked over a long serving and well-worn Glock 2nd Generation 17 in 9mm. The handles are worn smooth and the tough Tenifer slide finish is worn in places. The sights were somewhat worn from thousands of presentations from holsters. This pistol has the original trigger action, while there is no light rail and no optics cut.
I thought it would be nice to have another optics ready Glock. I also considered adding a frame capable of taking a light rail. One thing led to the other and I ended up with a new gun and still have the original Glock. For the original Glock I used a TruGlo optics mount with good results. This mount is driven in the rear sight dovetail. Then a pair of brass screws tighten the mount down. I cannot think of a way to include backup sights but then with modern carry optics this isn’t a great concern. This steel mount with Fortress finish is made in the USA and proved a good upgrade. I taught an old dog a new trick. But as I often do I took the project further.
Next I ordered an SCT frame. (Sctmfg.com) The SCT Manufacturing frame features a much improved balance between abrasion and adhesion. The triggerguard is scalloped to provide increased traction with the weak hand. The trigger action is standard Glock but seems tighter and crisper than the factory Glock. This frame accommodates a combat light. Now I had a light bearing RDS mounted Glock. Results were good.( Note- this serialized frame must be shipped through an FFL)
Still interested in an upgrade I turned to one of my favorite suppliers Brownells.com. They are a legend in superior customer service and fast delivery. I ordered a complete Brownells slide for the Glock 17. (Be aware of Glock generations! This is a Gen3/Gen4 compatible project.) The Brownells slide was ordered complete with sights and all internals. The slide features a match grade barrel with a nice target grade crown. Fit and finish are very good. This slide features a direct mount optic capable cut for the RMR reflex sight. There are options including a threaded barrel.
Rather than upgrade the original Glock, I placed the Brownells slide on the SCT frame. I had a modern 9mm handgun with good handling and excellent practical accuracy. I have built guns before and some were very good and some only fair. This combination turned out much better than expected. I still had an optics ready Glock with the TruGlo mount and the original Glock 17 9mm. The performance of the Brownells/SCT gun was so good I thought I would continue and build a hard use go anywhere do anything handgun. At no time did I feel like this handgun was a second rate or economy handgun based on reliability and performance- although it is affordable.
Choosing an optic wasn’t difficult. The Trijicon RMR is a proven RDS with extensive military service. The direct mount was attractive. Trijicon recently introduced a green dot version. Some shooters find a green dot sight more visible in bright light. Whichever you choose the RMR has won a USSOCOM contract. You cannot argue with that. Next- the piece needed backup sights. In my opinion the XS Sights Minimalist is ideal. This sight set is suppressor height allowing co witness with the carry optic in case of battery or electronics failure. The XS sight set features a tritium front insert.
The pistol has been thoroughly proofed and loaded with the Black Hills Ammunition 124-grain JHP for defensive duty. A final addition was the Streamlight TRL8 combat light. This is a bright and rugged light featuring a red laser. The Streamlight is proven in service. The pistol features well designed parts that mesh together well- this is no mismatch. I recommend each component highly. The pistol is very fast on target. There is a learning curve with the carry optic but once you have it the red dot offers real speed and accuracy. The failsafe part of the equation comes with the XS backup sights just in case. The Streamlight combat light is very good and incorporates a laser into its function. I took time to sight the laser to co witness with the red dot sight at ten yards.
While I don’t expect a failure of the RMR- anything can happen and I am “fail-safed” enough to stay in action with backup sights and a modern laser. I also added a set of Marine striker cup to the action. I don’t plan on firing under water but I may get drenched at times. But that isn’t the end of the story.
Canik METE SFT Pro
The next failsafe pistol is well suited to home defense and is of a type often used in weekend competitions.
Canik handguns have earned a good reputation the hard way through use and abuse. The total cost of the METE SFT Pro was less than the Brownells/SCT gun because it was delivered with good backup sights, a light rail, and an optics ready slide. I went with good but affordable optics. The Holosun 407 is among the best sellers in local shops and has provided good service in several handguns. The pistol’s factory sights offer co witness with the Holosun 407.
I own good combat lights but in this case I mounted a Holosun red laser. Sighting the red dot in was simple enough. The laser was not zeroed exactly, the high bore axis of the Canik limited this application, but at ten yards the laser would lead a shot in two inches low. In the end- a RDS with co-witness iron sights and laser backup. With a 20 round magazine in place this pistol is a formidable home defender.
Those are my examples of fail-safe handguns. While each features both a carry optic and a laser, the RDS is far superior to a laser. Both eyes open shooting and target focused shooting are the rules for the carry optic. Just the same if the RDS battery fails I could switch the laser sight on. The back up sights are appropriate for the task at hand.
The Canik is controllable in rapid fire with a good trigger and excellent reset. The (not a) Glock is a good carry gun. Which of these two handguns is the better shooter? The Canik is easily the most pleasant to fire with low recoil. The Brownells/SCAT gun is more combat accurate but only by a small margin. In absolute accuracy firing from a solid benchrest the Brownells/SCT pistol shades the Canik in absolute accuracy. But then, there is that Brownells match barrel!
Taking it the Nth Degree
There are other devices and means of protecting the pistol from failure.
As an example the Radian Weapons (Radianweapons.com) Guardian sight guard offers a steel mount with a guard covering the RDS roof. This is a well finished optic with rock solid mounting.
Then there is the affordable Optic Gard for red dot sights an affordable rubberized cover designed to cover the sight when it is in use. But why not go with an enclosed emitter red dot sight? A favorite handgun for concealed carry and home defense is the Glock 19X. The pistol illustrated is a special edition from Davidsons. The pistol is set up for a lanyard, and features Marine striker cups and Ameriglo suppressor height backup sights.
I am not firing the pistol underwater but the marine cups prevent water built up in the striker tunnel preventing the pistol from firing. I added a Holosun 509T enclosed emitter. Using an XS sights ACRO plate the Holosun is a secure set up. The Holosun features three reticle choices and may be set for red or green dot. For the combat light, I went with a Streamlight again. No need to mess with success. With the 19 round Glock +P magazine I have a good reserve of ammunition.
Thoughts on the failsafe guns
I enjoyed this project very much. These handguns are true failsafe tools capable of saving your life. Each offers a meaningful speed and accuracy advantage over the majority of handguns available. Each turned out well. Perhaps you have a failsafe gun or perhaps you are ready for another project. These handguns will relieve worry concerning the great what if of personal defense we often think of. They are capable of defending the home and hearth.
