Polymer80 announced a new Glock-compatible 80% pistol frame called the PF940CL. This new user-completed frame combines a full-size slide and barrel with the company’s short grip. The result is a gun with a longer sight radius and increased velocity with the improved concealability of a compact handgun.
(Ed. note: The above photo is of the PF940CL and is from Polymer80. The other photos are of me building and shooting a handgun made with a prior generation Polymer80 frame.)
The Basics
The new Polymer80 PF940CL is a non-firearm part that can be finished by the end user to make a functioning handgun. It is fully compatible with “3 pin” Glock parts.
When completed, the gun will safely shoot 9mm, .40 S&W or .357 SIG depending on the slide and barrel assembly you install. Slide assemblies for the G17, G17L, G22, G24, G31, G34 and G35 pistols are all compatible with the frame. This means you can run a long slide on one of these frames if you like.
While the top of the frame is full sized, the grip portion is cut down to the compact length for easier concealment. Since Glock magazines are fully compatible within a pistol series, you simply use a Glock-compatible compact magazine in this gun. For example, you would use a Glock 19 magazine with a Glock 17 slide assembly.
[Don’t miss my review of the Glock 17.]
Some people might question the usefulness of this setup. However, a chopped grip with a full length barrel has been popular for decades.
For concealed carry, the extra grip length of the full size pistol increases the likelihood of printing. A shortened grip length reduces this possibility while still allowing you to carry a respectable amount of ammunition: 15 rounds in the 9mm.
When Can I Get One?
Polymer80 says it expects to begin shipping the new 80% frames around the beginning of October, 2018. I expect initial demand to be strong, so finding one at launch may be a bit difficult depending on how many Polymer80 can get into the pipeline. I expect plenty to be available in time for Christmas.
What’s Included?
Unlike some companies, Polymer80 is good at including almost everything you need to complete the receiver and turn it into a working gun.
In the kit, you will get an 80% frame plus the company’s locking block and rear rail system. Also included are drill bits and an end mill. The drill bits and end mill are needed to make the necessary holes and remove material to make this a legitimate receiver.
Whoa – Did Someone Say Ghost Gun?
Wait…you mean that the Polymer80 PF940CL is one of them ghost guns?
Well, without getting into a detailed explanation of why it is completely legal to build a firearm for your own personal use, yes – this kit will (with your labor, tools and the missing Glock parts like a barrel and slide) allow you to build your own pistol.
Big Notable Caveat: It is completely legal to build your own gun under US federal law. Some states in the US might have their own laws that govern this. Likewise, readers outside of the United States are likely to run into issues.
For more on this topic, I’d suggest reading my article on the legality of building and owning your own gun without serial numbers.
My Thoughts
I’ve built a Polymer80 gun in the past, and I highly recommend that others try it out for themselves. I found the creation process was enjoyable. The final result was quite pleasing.
Unlike the pistol I built, this one is improved with rear metal rails. My pistol was an older design with the rear plastic rails. These required a great degree of hand fitting. The new system on the Polymer80 PF940CL is superior.
The photo above shows me shooting my personally owned and made Glock compatible pistol that uses an earlier generation Polymer80 frame.
These kinds of kits run about $150, though I’ve occasionally seen them go on sale. By the time you add in the finishing parts, you are not saving much money (if any) on a factory Glock pistol.
However, if you enjoying building things, I found the price is more than worth it. Before it fell off of my fishing boat, it was a great shooting pistol.
Last Update: October 23, 2022
Disclosures
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There are quite a few sites that take the money and publish the content without ever disclosing this to their readers. Be careful where you invest your time.