Glock RTF2 Finish on the Glock 22: Thousands of Polymer Spikes

At the 2009 SHOT Show, Glock introduced a new texture called “RTF2.” Claiming to be the “the new standard for operators working in the harshest conditions imaginable,” the RTF2 features a new style of texturing on the grip frame, and a new serration pattern on the rear of the slide.

The new RTF2 texturing on the Glock 22 is described in the Glock literature as “thousands of polymer spikes.” I couldn’t agree more. The RTF2 texture was not comfortable to hold. In fact, it was downright unpleasant. Yes, the RTF2 texture does seem to increase the bond between hand and gun, but at what cost to the hand? I would not want to shoot one of these, but I suspect I will have to in the near future.

Glock states the “crescent-shaped grasping grooves” on the slide “offer a new stylish dimension to the term efficient improvement.” Uh…right. I’m not sure what efficient improvement was gained, and neither was the Glock representative I spoke with.

Fortunately, the Glock representative told me that the RTF2 was limited to the Glock 22 at this time. Additionally, the G22 can still be purchased with the normal third-generation frame. If the RTF2 proves to be popular, the Glock 17 will be the next firearm to receive the treatment, followed by others in the line.

Glock RTF2 Second Impression – Update

I caught a bit of heat after the 2009 SHOT Show when I posted that I was not impressed by the third generation Glock pistols with the RTF2 texture. I didn’t much like the texture, nor did I think the groovy design of the crescent moon slide serrations did much for the user.

Recently, I had the chance to shoot an RTF2 Glock, and I stand by my initial impressions.

Rough Texture and the Hands

Shooting standard-pressure practice rounds did not cause my hands to bleed, but after 30 minutes, my hands were pretty well scuffed up. I looked like I had gone over the handlebars of my bike and caught asphalt, rather than spending just a few minutes shooting.

Maybe I do have ‘girly’ hands, but I don’t think so. I work with my hands (and not just on a keyboard.) On my days off, I’m far more likely to be holding a shovel than a TV remote.

Shooting for 30 minutes was fine, but I wouldn’t want to be on the range all day with one. And yeah, for me that is a regular happening, thanks.

Rough on Your Clothes, Too…

Although I didn’t think of this potential problem when I first reported on them, the RTF2 pistols are pretty rough on clothes. After the pistols hit the market, I started hearing complaints from police officers that the rough texture was prematurely wearing out their uniform shirts. Oops.

In the 30 minutes I spent shooting an RTF2 Glock, I managed to ruin a darn nice golf shirt. Using an exposed, strong-side belt holster, I really damaged the side of my shirt. Serves me right, I suppose, for wearing a nice shirt to the range.

Hippie Serrations

The crescent moon slide serrations are a mystery to me. They don’t seem to do anything more than the standard Glock serrations. Frankly, they appear to be for looks only. To me, they don’t add anything (looks or otherwise) to the design. In my mind, it goes back to the old adage, ‘don’t fix what ain’t broken.’

Maybe they do enhance the grip for someone – just no one I have spoken to.

Summation

The RTF2 Glocks are good for military guys who are in combat. The finish does provide better friction for the hand, and gloved hand, to hold on to.

For law enforcement and everyone else, I don’t see that the RTF2 offers enough positives to overcome the negatives. Regular training and carry will wear out exposed skin and clothing. In my opinion, the Gen 2 or Gen 3 finish is fine.

The Gen 4 Glock pistols offer a variation of the RTF2 (called, oddly, the RTF) that is more aggressive than the Gen 3 finish, but not as sharp as the RTF2. I’ve shot the Gen 4 Glocks, and I really like the finish on those. If you are a prior generation Glock owner, skip the RTF2 and take a look at upgrading to the Gen 4.