Fun build
I love building these guns, This is # 3 for me. You can customize these frames in a lot of different ways. You choose what you want. If you're handy you can easily do the 20% work that needs to be done on the frame. It helps to have a benchtop drill press but it can be built without one. One drawback is that a lot of parts are on backorder so don't get in a hurry . It pays to go slow.
Super QUality
Review is based on an unboxing only... Quality of the receiver is as good as Glock or better. The jig is a super snug fit. Should be a breeze to finish. NO 1/4" end mill, but the drill bits are included. I plan to order a couple more to just keep in the safe..
Build it.
Used hand tools, no power. Went slow, as to not make mistakes. Now to add parts.
Glock Perfection...at last!
The Polymer 80 (P80) frames definitely make the claim of "Glock Perfection" very true. In my opinion, the Glock Gen 3 pistols are the best of all the generations. Everything came together just right with the Gen 3. And I love the reassurance of that third pin, also! Well, despite this near "perfection", there are still a few details that are not liked by many shooters. For example, the finger grooves, the Glock hump, no trigger guard undercuts, etc. As you can figure out, most of the "complaints" are on the frame. But no more! Polymer 80 has fixed these issues and offers a Glock compatible frame that truly makes your Gen 3 Glock perfect. True "Glock Perfection." I have built 3 frames so far, and I am waiting for the fourth to arrive. You will not be disappointed. The quality of these frames is excellent. Production control of the frames, and the bits they come with, is very apparent once you examine it. The engineering is very well thought out. The polymer and steel used in these frames is very sturdy. A Glock armorer will notice the attention to the details placed on how a Glock pistol works, when Polymer 80 engineered this frame. With regards to the build, the key is to take it slow when you build yours out. And take it even slower if this is your first build. If you want to make your Glock Gen 3 live up to the "Glock Perfection" motto, get and build the Polymer 80 frame...for each and every one of your Gen 3's. You won't be disappointed. P.S. Here are important build tips that have helped me out a lot: 1) On the rear rail installment, pin each side of the rail module to the frame with different pins. Leave enough space to slide in your Glock trigger mechanism...and then push one of the pins through. It doesn't matter which pin, but I usually go with the Glock "left to right" procedure. Regardless, the other pin will be drifted out by the pin you choose to push through. 2) In the recoil spring channel, use a rotary tool with a cutting disc and cut vertical notches. With enough notches, the polymer becomes thin enough to bend and break off or just slide the cutting disc slightly and cut the thin pieces of polymer out of the channel. Then get a grinding bit on the same rotary tool and sand the channel down. Hope this helps.
Glock Perfection...with P80!
The Polymer 80 (P80) frames definitely make the title Glock Perfection. In my opinion, the Glock Gen 3 pistols are the best of all generations. But there still are a few minor details that are not to many shooter's liking. For example, the finger grooves, the Glock hump, no trigger guard undercuts, etc. As you can figure out, most of the "complaints" are on the frame. But no more! Polymer 80 has fixed these issues and offers a Glock compatible frame that truly makes your Gen 3 Glock perfect. True Glock Perfection. I have built 3 frames so far, and am waiting for the fourth to arrive. You will not be dissappointed. The quality of these frames is excellent. Production of the frames, and the bits they come with, is very apparent once you examine it. The engineering is very well thought out. A Glock armorer will notice the attention to the details of how a Glock pistol works when Polymer 80 engineered this frame. The key is to take it slow when you build yours out. And take it even slower if this is your first build. If you want to make your Glock Gen 3 live up to the "Glock Perfection" motto, get and build the Polymer 80 frame...for each and every one of your Gen 3's. You won't be dissappointed. P.S. Here is a very important build tip that has helped out alot: On the rear rail installment, pin each side of the rails to the frame with different pins. Leave enough space to slide in your Glock trigger mechanism...and then push one of the pins through. It doesn't matter which pin, but I usually go with the Glock "left to right" procedure. Regardless, the other pin will be drifted out be the pin you choose to push through. Hope this helps.
Well made
Glad I looked at videos on line. Used drill press to mill frame, need to go slow and you will still need to file and sand. Had to call Polymer 80 once, they were helpful and sent me to video to solve problem. More fitting then planned. Tested with OEM Glock 19 slide and barrel, all good. I went with Brownells slide and competition barrel, needed 200 rounds to ware in. Finished gun looks great and lots of looks on range.
Not at all fragile.
Feared the pinned in locking blocks would be a weak spot. Not so, so far, about 500 rds. Has many "custom" features; No finger grooves, rear grip hump absent and a useful beavertail,. Something extra not mentioned in the Brownell description; the grip angle is 1911-ish! If you like a 1911 you will like the Poly80 grip. Girth and shape are perfect for my hand. Almost forgot; under cut trigger guard, picatinny rail and aggressive texture. A feature packed bargain. I expect the price will go up soon. Wish GLOCK had some of these useful features in their Gen-5 instead of making it less downward compatible.
Small (fixable) problem
Polish the rear rail module and remove the burrs on the right hand (inside) along with the burr on the forward most edge that came from where the rail was bent during manufacturing. This caused my trigger to not reset because the trigger bar was not able to travel rearward enough to reset. Otherwise this was a perfect/easy build....and dont foget to order a magazine like I did
Simple, best way to get into 80% builds.
I completed mine with hand tools. Don't rush it. I taped the jig firm around the frame and taped the edges of the jig as well. I used coarse wood files to get the rail tabs almost complete, then switched to a smooth metal file and sandpaper. I used a hand drill on the holes and no vise, per the instructions. I then used a large drill bit and hobby knife on the web inside the dust cover. It turned out fantastic! No need for drill presses or milling machines!
Ingenious
Definitely a cool setup. With a bit of google, youtube, and online assistance to make it run smoother, the polymer 80 is definitely a fun project. The only problem I had with mine was sanding down one of the plastic rails. I went a bit deep, but this did not effect the operation upon completion. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun project or someone interested in getting a bit more intimate with their firearm.
