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. Â 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. Â 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. Â I work with my hands (and not just on a keyboard.) Â 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. Â 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. Â After the pistols hit the market, I started hearing complaints from police officers that the rough texture was prematurely wearing out their uniform shirts. Â Oops.
In the 30 minutes I spent shooting an RTF2 Glock, I managed to ruin a darn nice golf shirt. Â Using an exposed, strong-side belt holster, I really damaged the side of my shirt. Â 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. Â They don’t seem to do anything more than the standard Glock serrations. Â Frankly, they appear to be for looks only. Â To me, they don’t add anything (looks or otherwise) to the design. Â 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. Â 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. Â Regular training and carry will wear out exposed skin and clothing. Â 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. Â I’ve shot the Gen 4 Glocks, and I really like the finish on those. Â If you are a prior generation Glock owner, skip the RTF2 and take a look at upgrading to the Gen 4.
53 replies on “Glock RTF2 Finish on the Glock 22: Thousands of Polymer Spikes”
I have the 22RTF. Unless you have soft manicured hands or sensitive skin, the texture is great.The Beretta 92F I carried in the Army Special Forces was junk compaired to the Glock. If you don’t like it,don’t buy one. I think it was great right out of the box. Even an ugly weapon can kill. Again, I personally like the way it looks. No performance issues so far. Just an opinion of a combat vet.
Danny, just picked up the G17 RTF2. As far as my preference, I like it a lot. Just like a good portion of the comments, I think the texture is great. The serrations look a little silly and modernistic but work fantastically after a two hour session in a 90 degree range. I have some of the smallest hands you will see on a grown man and the first thing I noticed after the first box was that I wasn’t constantly fumbling with my grip like I do on “older” Glocks, Sigs and 1911’s (all good guns). My grip stayed high and tight and I noticed better grouping overall. Now I’ll never use this thing in the mud, rain, underwater, plus 180 degree, minus 100 degree or any blood soaked situations, but I know that if I need it, it will be there and it will work.
I just purchased the new Glock RTF 2 and it feels just fine in my hand, in fact, you truly have terrific bonding with your hand and gun. What can’t be beat on the Glock is that there are 36 or 38 parts all together. I’m a gunsmith, and I’ve stripped down many many weapons and Glock is best bar none. For instance, if you totally strip a Beretta, it’s like taking apart your grandpa’s watch. You have pins and springs and screws from here to next Christmas. The authur of the above article didn’t like the new Glock grip, and that’s fine. He’s certainly entitled to his opinion. Personally, I did like it. It’s a grip that you won’t have any trouble with if your hands are wet or sweaty. Obviously this is just my opinion and take it for what it’s worth. Like anything, some will like the new grip, some won’t.
Very nice pistol. I definitely feel a difference in both the grip texture as well as the slide. A good weapon is not designed for personal comfort in a controlled environment. This grip will not fail you when such a failure could cost you your life, and that in itself is a comforting thought. Others will copy this texture, just as they have copied most other aspects of the Glock. “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”