Tactical Kinetics, commonly called “The Barrel Guys”, makes rifle and pistol barrels. These barrels are 100 percent made in the USA. I was in need of a Glock 17 threaded barrel, so I asked if they would send one for review. Here we are, G17 barrel in hand, with many rounds down range.
Since I had previous experience with a Tactical Kinetics’ rifle barrel, I expected the same quality. I was not disappointed. The threaded G17 barrel was beautifully made, inside and out. It came in a Black Nitride finish, giving it a smooth dark finish. Plain stainless steel and titanium nitride (TiN) are also available. This particular barrel was engraved with the “TK” logo on the hood, and the model/caliber (17 - 9x19) on the exterior side of the chamber. Amazing to me, was the ability to get a non-logoed version, with no markings at all for the same price. It made me think, “they are in it for the barrel”, not just to show off.
The specifications on this 9mm barrel are pretty standard for replacement barrels. It starts out with pre-hardened 416R stainless steel. Pre-hardening the barrel makes it less susceptible to becoming flawed during the hardening process, thus making a more accurate barrel. It does use a SAAMI spec chamber. The barrel is button rifled with 6 grooves in a 1 in 10 twist ratio. The button rifling lets the shooter shoot every type of bullet, from cast lead to copper jackets. A feature that a polygonal rifled barrel will not let you do. On a side note, the rifling is just beautiful. The 1 in 10 twist rate will let the barrel shoot heavier bullets, better. Bullet weight didn’t seem to matter much, in the way of accuracy, for me. Lastly, it is immaculately threaded the standard ½-28 for compensator or suppressor mounting.
I installed the barrel in a Freedom Flag Products G17 slide. I proceeded to then install that slide on a Lone Wolf TWF-C frame. Everything fit together great. The barrel had a very good lock up with the slide. Better than a factory Glock barrel, for sure. So, I took it to the range, many times. As expected, it worked like a champ. All different types of ammunition cycled. I don’t remember ever having a failure to feed or extract from this barrel. The polished feed ramp probably helped this, as it is really smooth.
What would a barrel review be without some sort of accuracy testing? Probably not a review. So off to the range I went with a handful of different 9mm ammunition types and manufacturers. I measured out 15 yards from the shooting bench, and posted up some targets. I then proceeded to rest the pistol on my shooting bag. I know, not the best rest, but suitable for real world accuracy testing. Here are some of the 5 round groups I shot. They are all good representations of the specific loads tested. My best group was Sig Elite performance 115gr at 1.10”’s.
Freedom Munitions Hush 165gr - 2.26”
Corbon +P 115gr JHP - 2.18”
Federal Champion Brass 115gr - 3.22”
Blazer Brass 124gr - 2.21”
CCI Lawman 124gr - 1.68”
Sig Elite 115gr - 1.80”
I would have no problem putting the Tactical Kinetics barrel up against other manufacturers barrels. You can’t beat the price at $105 plus $18 for a thread protector. It shoots well, has good lock up, and is completely manufactured in the USA. What more could anyone want in an aftermarket Glock barrel. If you’re in the market for a barrel, go check out the Barrel Guys at Tactical Kinetics.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame:
Glock replacement threaded barrel
Target Market:
Anyone wanting or needing a threaded barrel that fits “Glock” style slides
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
Completely made in house by Tactical Kinetics
6 groove Button Rifling
1 in 10 twist ratio
SAAMI 9mm chamber
416R Stainless Steel
Polished feed ramp (before coating)
Target crown
Black Nitride coated
With or without TK logo
Threaded ½-28
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?
Stainless or TiN
What others are saying?:
Tom at RainierArms.com
Excellent drop in threaded barrel
Machining, fit, and finish are excellent. Drop fit nice and tight in a Swenson slide w/Burris Fastfire cut. Shot 100 rounds each of Rem and Win 115gn, and Armscorp and Browning 147gn, largest group at 25 yds was just larger than my palm. Groups better than my Glock factory barrel. Threading for an Omega 9K was excellent, cycled with no issues. Cleaned up with just a few patches after 400 rounds
Link to other reviews:
None found
Price point:
MSRP = $105.00 and $18 for the thread protector
I need it now! Availability:
Tactical Kinetics or Brownells
Our Rating:
Pros:
Less expensive than competitor’s barrels
Quality
Made completely in house
Made in USA
Polished feed ramp
Black Nitride finish
Cons:
Lack of options (fluted, colors, etc)
Thread protector is extra
Score: 8.00 Great
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