Since the Glock pistol’s release, firearm enthusiasts have consistently found ways to enhance and personalize their pistols. From upgraded sights and grip wraps to weapon lights and the growing popularity of optics, Glock modifications have become a hallmark of the platform. Over the past five years, however, we’ve seen the emergence of something new—Glock brace adapter kits.
Best Glock Brace Adapter Kits
These kits allow users to convert their Glock pistols into a more versatile platform by sliding them into a chassis system that adds a brace or stock, as well as extra space for mounting accessories. While this sounds like a great way to boost your pistol’s functionality, there are legal concerns that Glock owners need to be aware of before considering these kits.
Before diving into the details of various brace adapter kits, it’s essential to understand the legal implications of using them. The use of either a brace or a chassis system is currently under legislative review, and by inserting your Glock into one of these kits, you could unintentionally create a Short Barreled Rifle (SBR). Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), an SBR is defined as a firearm with a barrel shorter than 16 inches and an overall length of less than 26 inches. If you convert your Glock into an SBR, it must be registered with the ATF and requires a $200 tax stamp to be legal.
2A Winning
As of October 14th, 2024, pistol braces are protected under the Second Amendment, but that could change rapidly. The ATF doesn’t regulate braces on their own but can regulate the assembled firearm once the brace is attached. If your braced Glock has a barrel over 16 inches and an overall length of more than 26 inches, you’re in the clear. However, if the barrel is under 16 inches or the overall length is shorter than 26 inches, you’ve now created an SBR. These federal guidelines are strict, and state laws can further complicate things, so it’s vital to research the legal requirements in your area before making a purchase.
Another important note: buffer tubes—while often part of brace kits for AR platforms—are integral to an AR’s operation and are not a brace.
The legality of these brace systems is fluid and evolving. When purchasing or installing a brace, users must understand where the law stands at that moment and reference barrel length and overall length to determine if they’re within compliance.
Brace Adapter Kits:
Recover Tactical – 20/20 and P-IX ($189 – $350)
Recover Tactical offers two popular models in their brace lineup—the 20/20 and the P-IX. Both systems are designed to work with multiple Glock models and sizes, providing a lot of flexibility for owners of small and large-frame Glocks.
- 20/20 Model: This kit excels in its simplicity and versatility. It’s designed to allow the optic to remain mounted directly to the slide of the pistol, ensuring your sight stays zeroed and accurate, which is a significant advantage over chassis systems that mount optics to the rail. This improves baseline accuracy and helps make the most of your firearm when strapped to a forearm brace. The kit also includes a holster system and a charging handle for Glocks without an optic. Weighing in at around 12 to 13 ounces (without the gun), it’s lightweight and easy to handle.
- P-IX Model: This system is more in line with the traditional chassis systems, offering more space for accessories and allowing users to add flip-up sights or an optic on a rail that’s not directly attached to the slide. The P-IX provides more real estate for attachments like lights or lasers, making it ideal for shooters who want a highly customizable platform. The chassis extends to 21.5 inches in its longest configuration, with a compact setup of 14 inches.
Gen 3 MCK ($384)
The Gen 3 MCK from CAA Gear Up is probably one of the most recognized brace systems available for Glocks. This system allows for slide-mounted optics or the option to use an optic on the rail, mounted on the chassis itself.
- Unique Features: The MCK offers compatibility with both medium and large-frame Glocks, including popular models like the Glock 17 and 19. Flip-up sights come sold separately. But the flexibility of the MCK’s platform makes it easy to customize. Pistols installed in this system can use a mounted optic or an optic mounted to the brace chassis. One standout feature is the internal brush system, which cleans the front of the slide during cycling. The removable front adapter also makes cleaning more convenient, especially for high-round-count users.
- Website: Gen 3 MCK Micro Conversion Kit
B&T USW-G ($550)
The B&T USW-G is a more refined option, designed for Glock 17 frame pistols. It’s a versatile, well-built chassis system with a lot of features to offer.
- Design & Features: The USW-G ships optics-ready for ACRO footprint optics but also offers a NATO Pic rail for users who prefer different options. This system includes a folding stock and a front Pic rail for lights or lasers. However, Glocks with pre-installed optics will need to have their optics removed to be compatible with this chassis. The charging handle that comes with the system replaces the Glock’s backplate and allows you to still use your factory sights through the chassis. The aluminum construction provides extra durability compared to other systems on the market.
- Website: B&T USW-G Brace System
Meta Tactical Apex ($499)
The Meta Tactical Apex takes things to a different level by converting your Glock into a bullpup rifle. This kit doesn’t fall under the same SBR concerns as others, thanks to its 16-inch barrel.
- The Apex comes with a 16-inch barrel, with installation required for system to function. This modification changes the overall dimensions of your Glock, turning it into a bullpup-style rifle. The kit features ambi safeties, ambi mag releases, and rails for mounting accessories. The added barrel length means improved accuracy, but users should note that the Apex won’t work with Glocks that have optics or lights already attached.
- Website: Meta Tactical Apex Carbine Conversion Kit
Honorable Mention: Flux Raider Brace
While Flux Defense no longer offers a brace system for Glock pistols, they still provide options for Sig Sauer models like the Raider X 320 and Raider 365. These braces offer different configurations for pistols with or without optics – well-regarded for their innovative designs.
- Website: Flux Raider Braces
While all the chassis and brace kits listed above offer added features over a stock Glock, many shooters find that the accuracy gains are questionable (5 inches at 25 yards). Most users report that they can achieve similar accuracy with the handgun on its own. The primary benefits of these kits include increased accessory space, the ability to use a sling, and improved handling for recreational shooting.
Know All Federal & State Laws
It’s essential to note that federal laws and state guidelines may differ, and owners need to ensure that they comply with all regulations. For those looking to significantly improve accuracy, these kits might not offer the results they’re hoping for. Often, the brace or chassis doesn’t hold the gun perfectly, or the product is too small to provide stable shooting.
When it comes to modifying a Glock with a chassis system, the costs quickly add up, and for many shooters, it may be worth considering a dedicated Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) or a dedicated SBR instead. The tax stamp process ensures legal compliance, and these firearms offer superior accuracy and reliability.
While brace kits can be a fun way to explore your Glock’s capabilities—particularly if you’re after a submachine gun-like experience—they tend to fall short for real-world defensive applications. Braces may overcomplicate things in tight spaces, where handguns excel, transforming a tool designed for simplicity into something far beyond the original intent.
If your goal is to have fun at the range, these brace kits will undoubtedly deliver. But for serious self-defense purposes, it the opinion of this author that they may be worth reconsidering.
