Robin Taylor

Hey Guys, I can't believe it's taken THIS LONG for the 9mm sight block (now nicknamed a "Speed Block") to get to the top of the job board. As they say, being super busy is a good problem to have. . . but it's still a problem. Bowen is right, we totally re-did both styles. Much less weight, leading to better function with the 9mm and faster slide speed on the .40. New profile works with Gen. 3, Gen. 4, and Gen 4-retrofit-to-Gen 3 recoil systems (big improvement over the first model). The set screw is MUCH beefier and better supported, and the whole thing was CNC'ed in house by Mike Fox on our newly-activated 4th axis -- instead of by a contractor on a 3-axis setup. What's the difference? Much more precise throughout. Even the threads are CNC machined (not tapped in the conventional way). Got some LW barrels in this week as well, so we've got the whole kit ready to roll. Shooting mine in a steel match tomorrow.

RE: For the G17 or for a G22 with a conversion barrel? Working on new versions for both slides. The current part would fit a conversion-barrel gun, but the resulting slide would be very heavy for caliber. I'd be surprised if it worked with anything but full-power 9mm loads -- rather like putting a conversion barrel into a Glock 24.

Nothing yet, still waiting for space to open up on the mills. We're playing catch-up after being hit by some big orders from Midway, Brownells, and some LE organizations. It's a good problem to have, but it's delaying new stuff like the 9mm Sight Block and a magwell/basepad set for the Walther PPQ.

I see a post or two here from people interested in doing this to a S&W M&P. Do you folks have a suggestion as to what threaded barrel you'd like to use? I'm not 100% committed to doing an FSB for the Smith, but if the 9mm Glock variant goes the way we hope, a 9mm Smith will be right behind it.

Hey All, The skeletonized 9mm version has been through five different variations. The struggle continues to be finding a design that works for both "Gens" and looks right. Attached please find a screenshot of what I suspect (with some corrections) will be the final product. Compared to the earlier model, this matches the slide profile better, and has a built-in "chin job" common to custom Glock 24s.

Second try on attaching the photo. (Forgot to hit "attach this file.)

Hey Folks, I won another steel match shooting the 9mm prototype this weekend. (The Pac NW Steel Championship.) Don't be impressed, the PACNW is a small regional match -- I mention it because the "system" ran beautifully. No malfunctions for roughly the last 500 rounds, and I managed to stay ahead of similarly-skilled shooters (notably Richard Morgan, who drove a conventional Glock 34). Load is a 135-grain MT Gold RN, driven by 4.2 grains of 231, loaded long. Sight block is radically lightened, and topped with a Hi-Viz green fiber. Recoil spring has the Dale Rhea (of Rhea Guns fame) trick done to it. (Put your stock recoil spring in an electric drill, like it was a drill bit, then -- with the drill running, use a bench grinder or belt sander to grind down the sides -- putting a wide "wasp waist" into the spring. Narrowing the middle of the spring creates a progressive-weight recoil spring -- easy unlocking, rapid closing.) Attached photo shows the system in action (taken earlier).

Not yet, but I did sit down and modify all the remaining 40-cal Sight Blocks to work with a Gen 4-to-Gen 3 recoil spring conversion. I'd set them up originally for the Gen. 3, not realizing that the Gen. 4's larger-diameter spring moves the recoil guide rod down slightly. Next version I'll be looking for ways to run a stock Gen. 4.

You're looking at about $125 for the barrel, $50 for the block, and a Gen 4 to Gen 3 conversion kit (LWD, Carver, whomever, maybe $40). Tell me you're using it on a Gen 4 and I'll drill out the hole slightly to accept the conversion unit -- because of the larger diameter, it attaches lower than the Gen 3. Robin

G17 FSB: Several of you have asked about creating G17-based FSB guns. I just sent a couple of blocks (one stock, one radically lightened) to a customer who custom-ordered a KKM Glock 34 barrel, threaded to 9/16X24 to match. I shot my prototype G17FSB at the Man Of Steel invitational last weekend and managed to take Top Limited (the top guys shot Open). I had some cycling issues with the prototype last year, but with a sample size of ONE it has been tough to know whether lightening the sight block was the answer, or tuning the load, or whether I was having some sort of break-in issue with the barrel. I do have to gauge my ammo (which is annoying in a Glock), but so long as I feed it gauged ammo, this combo rocks. Built sheet: LWD G34 barrel w/prototype sight block, stock spring, stock rear, Hi-Viz fiber front (green). Running 135-grain MTG RN's over 4.X 231. Ghost rocket trigger, with an old Lightning Strike stainless magwell. I only poke my head in the door of the Forum every once in a while, so ping me direct if you need an answer in real time.

To answer some of your questions: Why LW barrels? I designed around the LW barrel because it was the most readily available -- and inexpensive. (We consumed several barrels figuring this out). I've since heard from several people that aren't big fans of LW -- any barrel with the same thread pitch will work. Has anybody used it? Yes, but I can only speak for myself. I've been shooting up a pile of 175-grain cast lead I bought at auction, alternating between that and 155-grain MTG's for steel. I'm running stock springs, stock striker, and stock sights to demo the concept. Lighter springs should give you faster/flatter cycling and improved weak-hand reliability. I'm not a great USPSA shooter, but I managed 2nd Limited at the Wa State ISSA match shooting those 155s at about 150 PF. (ISSA has taken over all the Steel Challenge events in the Northwest.) And some other questions people have asked: What's it like? When I shoot it, it's easy to "follow the bouncing ball" into the next target. The overall effect is different than a "normal" pistol, and definitely "calmer" than the standard G22. John Wiley (a local Glock jockey) helped me with some test firing, and he wasn't sure whether to keep his G24, or switch to this system. Can I use an over-length guide rod? No, the extended guide rods hit the set screw that holds the shroud in place. G17 length steel/tungsten rods are fine. Can I use it on a G35? Yes. If you need one for a G35, I'll cut one to fit. How do I clean it? Just take the guide rod out and let the barrel fall fully forward in the slide -- this exposes the breech for easy cleaning. Robin Taylor www.taylorfreelance.com

Taylor Freelance HQ logging in. We built our brass "bling" basepads with IDPA SSP and USPSA Production in mind (legal for both). One ounce helps the mag fall, neutralizes the balance a little, and the gold color looks pretty cool. Profile is the same as stock.

Hey all, Taylor Freelance HQ logging in. Thanks for all the kind things you've said about our mag extensions. I've been listening to feedback lately, and getting the basepad off easier is common request. With that in mind, I cooked up a batch of easy on-off Fort Knox retaining plates for our Taylor Freelance mag extensions. (Based on an old mod by Michael Chludenski.) We call them "Black Magic" plates since they're A: Black, and B: Spin out of the way like magic. I've got some friendly shooters experimenting with them now, but so far no issues. If you folks are interested in trying one, ping me back through www.taylorfreelance.com .

The Glock 35 is the go-everywhere, do-everything Glock. I vote for the G24 as the best "limited-only." Look inside the slide on a G34 sometime side-by-side with a 35, and the extra strength in the slide is obvious. The 24 maintains the full-width slide walls (unlike the 17L) making it a really beefy machine. It's a personal preference thing from there.

Hello All, Thought you might like to know that the European Annual issue of Front Sight hits the streets this weekend. We've also launched a digital version, which you can see at: www.uspsa.org/EuroAnnual11 Thanks for the kind words about Front Sight! Robin Taylor Assistant Editor Front Sight magazine

Hey Guys, Robin Taylor from Taylor Freelance. Duane sent me a note about this thread. Thanks Duane! Composition: Our current +10 floorplates are made from CNC'ed Delrin (NOT aluminum). The original black-anodized aluminum +10s had a tendency to scrape bits of plastic off of the magazines. We've made a few aluminum ones in custom batches since then (really flashy, polished ones, even some with a gold-tone chem film overlay), but the overwhelming majority are black Delrin. Length: Until recently, we've been building to 168mm OAL as measured down the back. In recent years, USPSA quietly went from 170mm max, to 171.25mm. Since about six months after that, we've been building to 170mm OAL. HOWEVER! I still recommend measuring your mags if you're headed to a big event, and especially an IPSC event, as there is a faint chance that you'll have an over-length magazine, and I really don't want that on my heart. We make two different +10s, one for the current generation FML/Drop-Free magazine, and one for the old NFML/Non-Drop-Free. The NFML's are significantly shorter/wider than the new mags, so a +10 for one of those can be around 5mm longer. About three years ago we got a batch of floorplates for the FML mags that was built to the NFML length spec -- TOO LONG! I think we've recovered and destroyed almost all of those, but a handful did get out the door, and some of the customers they went to opted to keep them. If they unwittingly re-sold one to you, don't get caught with it! FYI: If you're headed to the IPSC selection match, check out Phil Strader's mags. He's using 129.5mm prototypes we built for his M&P to use in Standard Division. www.taylorfreelance.com

For the record, Front Sight relies on member-supplied material to keep its pages full. Roger Maier, Dave Thomas, and myself sometimes get a chance to cover major matches, but as a rule, only one of us is assigned to cover any given national championship. I'm very much in Julie's camp in that I'm disappointed we weren't able to do more for Rebecca and Megan. Roger Maier (who worked that match) has the same feeling. As Roger's article pointed out, Rebecca and Megan coming out on top was a surprise even to the ladies' super squad. If it's a surprise to them, imagine Roger! When you're working as a one-man show, as he was, squadding plays a huge role in our ability to cover the match. If the men and the ladies are shooting on opposite ends of the range, you have to do a lot of juggling. Now add multiple divisons, juniors, seniors, etc. If the winners aren't shooting on a Super Squad, you're all but lost. What works best for me is squadding where the ladies precede the men by one squad on the same "flight." That lets me set up and cover the top women, then leave my gear in place as the gotta-have-'em Supers show up. Skip ahead by a stage, repeat. It's just one of several reasons why Super Squads are so important. If anyone out there has a particular bent toward helping us cover the ladies, juniors, or whatever, we'd be thrilled to have the help. Even if you're just keeping an eye on what happens so we know what questions to ask when we check in with you, that would be a huge help -- especially at nationals. If you want to do the photography or write the story, go for it! Give me a call a few weeks prior so I can coordinate assignments. That Rhodesian prone/supine photo is a nice shot, we'd have loved to have used it. Robin Taylor Front Sight magazine

Yes. Watch for our ads in the next issue of Front Sight magazine. We don't have any in stock yet, but we will in the next few weeks. Info will appear on the website once I approve the latest prototype. I rejected a beautiful protoype about two weeks ago because of retention concerns. Still have heartache over that one. Expecting +5 in 9mm at this point. Robin Taylor

Hey Guys, Thanks to Greg Garland for helping me find this thread in the BEForum labyrinth. Mike Miller came to my place a couple of days ago with his brand-new TS in hand. Based on your comments, and his gun, I went through and adjusted all of our stock to get along with the TS magwell. (Now that they fit right, Mike took four of 'em.) The 4.1's are going fast, and I'll be talking with my machinist next week about the 4.2 build. I'm shooting for relief cuts that make the floorplate get along with the TS magwell (finally), and a second cut that should make the floorplate easier to disassemble. Playing with Mike Miller's TS mags, we're getting 19 rounds with a little "squish," same with the IPSC standard mags. Anybody getting 20? (I talked to one person earlier today that was able to force 20, but had various problems.) If you can get a reliable 20, obviously I'm open to suggestion! Robin Taylor Taylor Freelance, LLC www.taylorfreelance.com

A word from "the horse's mouth" We have been actively soliciting 3-Gun coverage over the last several years, but we certainly aren't "passing over" good pistol articles. In fact, we're often coming up empty. In the coming issue (Jan 07) Dave and I ran an article about the A2 3-Gun, and were thrilled to get it because I didn't have anything else to fill the space. That article took a lot of work to make presentable because of the rush, and could just as easily have been, say, the Texas Limited had it come in at the same time. If you want to see a particular match get covered, please, PLEASE take the initiative to contact the match director (or me) and suggest the MD make arrangements with someone to do it. The entire staff of Front Sight are very willing to work with new authors to make them look their best, but we really do need the membership to take an active role. Robin Taylor Assistant Editor Front Sight magazine

Just a caution: The Glocks springs are dynamic. From time to time, take your freshly-undersprung Glock and slowly dry-fire it, keeping an eye on whether the slide moves rearward. I've seen guns -- that friends were using to shoot matches -- unlock when the trigger was pulled in slow motion. You're looking for a bad combination of a new striker spring and a worn-out recoil spring. Be safe, Robin Taylor www.taylorfreelance.com

Hey all, Just e-mailed with John Amidon about the M&P. For the S&W M&P to become Production-legal, S&W has to request it be listed, then file the appropriate paperwork through him. As he said, it's not something that just happens, "the manufacturers have to seek it." Robin Taylor Front Sight magazine

Gotta agree with the other guys on this one. If you want it perfect, talk to the gunsmith, but IMHO, it's something you can do yourself and get most of the effect. (I'm envious of the whole "machine metal bars to fit the desired dimension before you whack it with the hammer" idea, though. What a great idea for protecting the slide rails!) Dale Rhea's discussion, with new how-to photos, are in the new book. Robin Taylor www.taylorfreelance.com

Hey Guys, I've changed my tune on this one. In the first edition of "The Glock in Competition" I waxed philosophic about the various reasons why people blow themselves up with lead bullets that have nothing to do with lead. Those reasons (mostly double-charging with double-charge-prone low-volume powders by inexperienced reloaders, and some quirks about the .40-something Glocks) still apply, however, Mark Passamaneck's scientific research changed my mind. Mark's an engineer who makes his living dealing with failure analysis in metals. He's also a Glock nut and practical shooter like us. As you will read in the second edition of "The Glock in Competition" (forgive the shameless plug) Mark set up a number of tests, watching the pressure performance of polygon versus rifled barrels with the same ammo. At the behest of a group of lawyers hoping to sue Glock over the issue, he intentionally blew up a Glock 22 just to study how/why it happened. Like some of the other posters, I burn a lot of Bear Creek moly-coats, and have burned thousands and thousands of rounds of cast lead. That said, I've been surprised by cast bullets, where after a period of problem-free shooting, I looked at my brass and found black primers, and enough lead in the barrel to leave metal filings on my bench after using a Lewis lead remover. As Mark points out, the leading performance of the Glock barrel is NOT linear. Frankly, his discussion of the topic is the best I've ever seen. That's why it's in my book. You can shoot lead bullets, but I don't recommend it. Mark's article explains why (pictures, pressure data, and all.) Robin Taylor www.taylorfreelance.com

With apologies to the moderator, I'm the Mr. T metioned in this thread. Please take a moment to read my response, I believe you'll find it appropriate. As EricW observed, in no way did I intend to malign anyone associated with or participating in the 2005 Superstition Mountain 3-Gun. I'm highly gratified that people saw that in my prose, and rose to point it out. The USPSA and SMM3G scoring systems have real problems that need to be addressed. If I've rubbed Mr. Miller and his friends wrong in my efforts to point that out, I apologize. Because of a personal conflict I couldn't make it to the SMM3G, so I asked Pat Kelly, Nyle Leatham, and Barrett Tillman to cover it for me. I'm currently angling for a chance to cover the USPSA 3-Gun Championships later this year. The decision hinges on things beyond my control, but I hope to meet the Miller brothers there. Robin Taylor Front Sight magazine