Oops! My P80 build went full-auto...

[Trey Veston]

Took my new P80 to the range for the first time today and it was a total disaster. Started off with light primer strikes, which I guess is normal for a new build break-in. Then it double-tapped, then when I went to change barrels, the slide lock jammed for an unknown reason, and then it went full auto the last magazine.

Got it home and took it apart and discovered why the slide lock was jamming; the frame had cracked in that area...



The fact that the frame was now useless did not encourage me to get to the bottom of why the pistol was going full auto.

The trigger mechanism was completely OEM Glock, except for the trigger housing, which was Lone Wolf. For some reason, the trigger arm and connector were not being held in the proper configuration. Not sure if it was due to the housing, or some other issue common with P80 frames.

In any case, I have parted out the pistol and will use the slide on another Glock and the other small parts as well (just not the Lone Wolf trigger housing).

There is a full-length video on my YT channel that shows the entire range experience and the subsequent table tear down.

 

[12Bravo20]

One of two things will cause a Glock to go binary or full auto. It is either the connector is out and/or a bad sear engagement. I even had an OEM Glock do this due to a bad sear engagement from the factory.

That I why I always stress doing the full function and safety tests to include the drop tests before ever going to the range. And I also stress that everyone that is either building or working on Glock and P80 build to have an armorers back plate.

@Trey Veston you know me on the Marine Gun Builder forum (bapegg) and know how I stress all of the above along with using OEM parts.

 

[Jimfern]

Thanks for sharing, esp the safety tips.

 

[Riomouse911]

Yuk, glad you are OK and we’re were out by yourself and not in a crowded indoor range when that happened. Easy to lose control of the gun when it’s not expected to double, or go FA ,like that .

When I found out that I can’t legally make a P-80 into a gun here in Ca., after I bought all the stuff but luckily before I started drilling, I bought a new but stripped OEM Glock 17 frame off GB and will be using my lower and upper parts to build it instead. (Needed an FFL transfer, etc.)

Stay safe.

 

[Monac]

Could someone explain what the P80 being discussed in this thread is? I did a quick Google search, but I still don't understand it. A first generation Glock frame made by someone other than Glock? Why?

 

[12Bravo20]

Could someone explain what the P80 being discussed in this thread is? I did a quick Google search, but I still don't understand it. A first generation Glock frame made by someone other than Glock? Why?

In this particular case, P80 is short for Polymer 80 which is an 80% frame that you build yourself.

 

[LiveLife]

Why?

Because you can? It's like building AR or 1911 from 80% lower.

BUT this guy built an AK out of a SHOVEL and even used the handle as stock.

https://militaryhumor.net/homemade-ak-47-made-from-shovel/

 

[JN01]

Posting that video seems like a really bad idea.

 

[ontarget]

Posting that video seems like a really bad idea.

I don't see the problem. He said he didn't have a license for an FA so he was going to fix it. He said the FA was a malfunction. Then he posted on THR that the gun was parted out. Sounds like he handled it properly to me.

 

[LiveLife]

Life happens ... And we move on.

Heck, I have done far way worse (Some not mentionable ) and moved on with life.

 

[Monac]

Thanks for the explanations. Given that there is no shortage of Glocks, or Glock-type pistols, I am still not sure why people want this, but hey, I bought a Cobray Pocket Pal, so who am I to talk?

( https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/obscure-object-of-desire-cobray-pocket-pal-22-lr-380-acp-revolver/ )

 

[12Bravo20]

Thanks for the explanations. Given that there is no shortage of Glocks, or Glock-type pistols, I am still not sure why people want this, but hey, I bought a Cobray Pocket Pal, so who am I to talk?

( https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/obscure-object-of-desire-cobray-pocket-pal-22-lr-380-acp-revolver/ )

Actually when built correctly, a Polymer 80 build can be just as reliable as a factory Glock. This goes for building your own 80% AR or 1911 too.

It is when people do not do all of the safety and function tests and/or do NOT fully understand how a gun works before building one get into trouble. I can say without even looking at this particular build that the sear engagement was not properly checked nor was a drop safety test performed. A bad sear engagement can and will lead to a Glock or clone going full auto. Also swapping out a bunch of unknown aftermarket parts without first testing with OEM parts can get you in trouble too.

 

[JN01]

I don't see the problem. He said he didn't have a license for an FA so he was going to fix it. He said the FA was a malfunction. Then he posted on THR that the gun was parted out. Sounds like he handled it properly to me.

Any reasonable person would do the same, but ATF may not see it the same way. Why draw their attention by documenting it in a video?