Radian Weapons Afterburner / Ramjet - Glock 19 Barrel and Compensator

[GearFondler]

JCN, while I love shooting my Gen3 Roland it's just too long for my short body to comfortably carry. This thread really makes me want this Radian, either for one of my Gen3's or build a whole new Gen5 G19.

[JCN]

JCN, while I love shooting my Gen3 Roland it's just too long for my short body to comfortably carry. This thread really makes me want this Radian, either for one of my Gen3's or build a whole new Gen5 G19.

The radian is awesome. Because it’s not threaded, the comp can be directly past the slide.

It’s super effective too. If they made a radian G26, I would be all over that one in a heartbeat.

I would take a G19 radian over a G17 any day of the week.

[JCN]

GearFondler why not get a Gen3 radian?

98974

[GearFondler]

GearFondler why not get a Gen3 radian?

98974No good reason aside from I just haven't done it yet.
Oh, and money. But nobody wants to hear that excuse, lol.

[HeavyDuty]

JCN, while I love shooting my Gen3 Roland it's just too long for my short body to comfortably carry. This thread really makes me want this Radian, either for one of my Gen3's or build a whole new Gen5 G19.

I have a 19.5 with PMM, and I picked up another 19.5 and ACRO a few months ago to use with one of these Radians if I can ever get it.

[GearFondler]

GearFondler why not get a Gen3 radian?


Quoting you again, I've got this old girl just sitting around unused but I can't decide what optic I want for it, or even which footprint to go with. Every time I'm ready to decide a new RDS comes along to make me rethink my choice, sigh. The EPS or 509T would both fit my desire for a "smallish" enclosed optic but both have very restrictive footprints that will probably be obsolete in a few years or less.
And I would want to add an optic before I added a Comp.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221224/cf12a7da0281bbdd2a42003be2a458e3.jpg

[JCN]

Quoting you again, I've got this old girl just sitting around unused but I can't decide what optic I want for it, or even which footprint to go with. Every time I'm ready to decide a new RDS comes along to make me rethink my choice, sigh. The EPS or 509T would both fit my desire for a "smallish" enclosed optic but both have very restrictive footprints that will probably be obsolete in a few years or less.
And I would want to add an optic before I added a Comp.

I wouldn't worry about it. You could get a K footprint and it would have some future option pretty much for the next decade or two... and even if "obsolete" you could still use the optic you had just fine.

Plus there are replacement slides available for cheap. The picture I had above was just a cheapo Brownells replacement slide.

I think K cut will be around for a while. 509T would be good but it has more of a chance of being a one-off.

[GearFondler]

I wouldn't worry about it. You could get a K footprint and it would have some future option pretty much for the next decade or two... and even if "obsolete" you could still use the optic you had just fine.

Plus there are replacement slides available for cheap. The picture I had above was just a cheapo Brownells replacement slide.

I think K cut will be around for a while. 509T would be good but it has more of a chance of being a one-off.It's definitely a thought. I've got a Suarez slide and a Zev slide because I was able to get both on sale for the same price, or close enough, to a direct mill.
A Brownells slide with an SRO 5moa would not be the worst host for the Radian.

[Mark D]

Ok, I'm intrigued. I live in a state where threaded barrels are outlawed, so the Ramjet would be my only current option for a comped pistol. And Gen 5 Glocks are not widely available here, so I'm considering installing the Ramjet in one of my Gen 3 Glocks. Couple questions for those of you who have tried it:

1) I like the accuracy I get from my KKM barrels and I shoot a lot of B8s at 25 yards (No Fail, LAPD D Platoon, Range Master Advanced Bullseye, etc.). How's the accuracy of the Ramjet barrel?

2) How tight is the chamber? The last two Glocks I bought (circa 2020 and 2022) have fairly tight chambers that don't play nice with my reloads.

[GJM]

Ok, I'm intrigued. I live in a state where threaded barrels are outlawed, so the Ramjet would be my only current option for a comped pistol. And Gen 5 Glocks are not widely available here, so I'm considering installing the Ramjet in one of my Gen 3 Glocks. Couple questions for those of you who have tried it:

1) I like the accuracy I get from my KKM barrels and I shoot a lot of B8s at 25 yards (No Fail, LAPD D Platoon, Range Master Advanced Bullseye, etc.). How's the accuracy of the Ramjet barrel?

2) How tight is the chamber? The last two Glocks I bought (circa 2020 and 2022) have fairly tight chambers that don't play nice with my reloads.

I seem to recall DocGKR was getting multiple Radians for his Gen 3 19 pistols -- you might see if he has feedback.

[JCN]

Ok, I'm intrigued. I live in a state where threaded barrels are outlawed, so the Ramjet would be my only current option for a comped pistol. And Gen 5 Glocks are not widely available here, so I'm considering installing the Ramjet in one of my Gen 3 Glocks. Couple questions for those of you who have tried it:

1) I like the accuracy I get from my KKM barrels and I shoot a lot of B8s at 25 yards (No Fail, LAPD D Platoon, Range Master Advanced Bullseye, etc.). How's the accuracy of the Ramjet barrel?

2) How tight is the chamber? The last two Glocks I bought (circa 2020 and 2022) have fairly tight chambers that don't play nice with my reloads.

Chamber is stepped… and it seems like it’s tighter than any other barrel I own… it does NOT like getting dirty and if I don’t clean it every 1-2k rounds it locks up. CZs I usually clean every 3k rounds and Glocks almost never.

Accuracy I can go test from a bench for you sometime. I think it was decent?

98986

That was 25 yards off hand. I don’t have the patience to go slow, ha.

It’s more of a speed gun than an accuracy one but I think fine?

[GJM]

On my Radian, accuracy is good but it shoots high, and I believe right, compared to the OEM barrel. Enough different, the optic needs adjustment.

[YVK]

On my Radian, accuracy is good but it shoots high, and I believe right, compared to the OEM barrel. Enough different, the optic needs adjustment.

Same.

[Up1911Fan]

On my Radian, accuracy is good but it shoots high, and I believe right, compared to the OEM barrel. Enough different, the optic needs adjustment.

Shouldn't that be expected?

[GJM]

Shouldn't that be expected?

Not sure. My Mayhem Syndicate barrels and comps should the same POI as my OEM barrels.

[Up1911Fan]

Not sure. My Mayhem Syndicate barrels and comps should the same POI as my OEM barrels.

Huh. I would expect some change when swapping barrels/adding a comp. I've had P365 series slides have a different POI when switching to a different module/FCU.

[GearFondler]

Huh. I would expect some change when swapping barrels/adding a comp. I've had P365 series slides have a different POI when switching to a different module/FCU.Agreed. Minute changes in the lockup seem almost inevitable so I'm not surprised. And that ignores any differences in the bore itself. The sights/RDS are slaved to the slide so if the barrel fits differently or the slide fits the frame differently then there is bound to be some bit of deviation.

[Mark D]

I seem to recall DocGKR was getting multiple Radians for his Gen 3 19 pistols -- you might see if he has feedback.


Chamber is stepped… and it seems like it’s tighter than any other barrel I own… it does NOT like getting dirty and if I don’t clean it every 1-2k rounds it locks up. CZs I usually clean every 3k rounds and Glocks almost never.

Accuracy I can go test from a bench for you sometime. I think it was decent?

98986

That was 25 yards off hand. I don’t have the patience to go slow, ha.

It’s more of a speed gun than an accuracy one but I think fine?

Thanks GJM and JCN. After posting my question I went back and re-read the entire thread. The general consensus seems to be that accuracy is good, and the chamber is slightly tight. So pretty much what JCN says above. :)

[JCN]

More than a little pissed about that. It let me put one in my cart, but I couldn’t find the cart button anywhere on the page (iPad with Safari or Chrome) and they went out of stock before I could complete the transaction.

100631

Well… turns out one of the orders that I didn’t think went through… went through. Hahaha.

Happy to sell you one or two, lol.

All Gen5.

That goes for any of my friends, too. Just DM me.

[JCN]

Three left. Can probably part with one or two more.

[HeavyDuty]

You da man - thanks!

[HeavyDuty]

Well, my first run with the Afterburner/Ramjet/Compressor combination was a failure. This was on a new 19.5 with a ACRO. Stovepipes, RTB issues and not locking back on empty. It’s my fault for forgetting to put the original recoil spring group and the other Radian springs in my bag, it’s very likely the Blazer Brass 124s I was running were too light for the setup. I gave up after only 30 rounds. I’ll try again next time I hit the range.

[Polecat]

It is certainly a dumb gimmicky name.

[eaglefrq]

Do these really make a big difference in recoil and muzzle flip?

[GJM]

Do these really make a big difference in recoil and muzzle flip?

I am not sure what you define as "big" but comps like the Radian and Mayhem make a significant difference to me, in my ability to shoot a Glock 19 quickly. Enough of a difference to justify their downsides (length, cost, reliability) is an open question.

[JCN]

Do these really make a big difference in recoil and muzzle flip?

Paging vandal to the courtesy phone

[vandal]

I'm loving mine on a G45 with ACRO and X300 and Glock Performance Trigger.... gun doesn't move much. Definitely reduced muzzle flip vs my grip alone, which improves my multiple-shot performance. Very pleased. Had it out today shooting crappy ammo, support hand only, no issues, always locked back. Tempted to get another for my EDC 19.5.


Paging vandal to the courtesy phone

[eaglefrq]

Thanks vandal, GJM and JCN for the information. I'm going to look into getting one of these. I reload my own ammo and used to load it a little light so it was softer shooting for the range since I didn't see a reason to beat my wrist up. (Injured in an bike accident and I still have trouble with it 4 years later). However, since I went to an RDS, I changed my loads so they are factory specs to make my zero and practice more in line with my carry ammo.

[JCN]

However, since I went to an RDS, I changed my loads so they are factory specs to make my zero and practice more in line with my carry ammo.

I will mention that if you train with softer ammo you’ll learn more and avoid injury as you’re learning and everything still applies to the carry ammo when you go to it.

Most of my pistol practice is with 380 power gamer 9mm.

But no problem going to 40SW or 357 Sig when need be.


https://youtu.be/voHSPwxI2BI

GJM has been testing heavy 10mm loads and can shoot that just fine after training with 9mm.

So I would say do the bulk of your training with wimpier ammo to avoid injury.

And confirm with a few carry power every once in a while.

Radian with subminor ammo is delicious.


https://youtu.be/Ou52hHqT2iU

[GJM]

I shot, what in retrospect, was too many 10mm heavy loads support hand yesterday trying to figure out a problem, and my left wrist is sore today.

[HeavyDuty]

I'm loving mine on a G45 with ACRO and X300 and Glock Performance Trigger.... gun doesn't move much. Definitely reduced muzzle flip vs my grip alone, which improves my multiple-shot performance. Very pleased. Had it out today shooting crappy ammo, support hand only, no issues, always locked back. Tempted to get another for my EDC 19.5.

Can I ask what you were using for ammunition and RSA? I was having a lot of issues.

[eaglefrq]

I will mention that if you train with softer ammo you’ll learn more and avoid injury as you’re learning and everything still applies to the carry ammo when you go to it.

Most of my pistol practice is with 380 power gamer 9mm.

But no problem going to 40SW or 357 Sig when need be.


https://youtu.be/voHSPwxI2BI

GJM has been testing heavy 10mm loads and can shoot that just fine after training with 9mm.

So I would say do the bulk of your training with wimpier ammo to avoid injury.

And confirm with a few carry power every once in a while.

Radian with subminor ammo is delicious.


https://youtu.be/Ou52hHqT2iU


That's great to hear. I will dial my ammo back to my previous settings. I assumed that after switching to the RDS I should load my ammo at factory specs to be consistent. What shot timer are you using? I was thinking about getting one, but was concerned that it would register the other shooters around me. It doesn't appear yours is doing that.

[JCN]

I shot, what in retrospect, was too many 10mm heavy loads support hand yesterday trying to figure out a problem, and my left wrist is sore today.

Shit, my wrist was sore just watching you shoot 10mm. :D

[JCN]

What shot timer are you using? I was thinking about getting one, but was concerned that it would register the other shooters around me. It doesn't appear yours is doing that.

I'm using an AMG commander which has nicely graded sensitivity settings. On low sensitivity it only picks up my shots unless there's a doofus with an SBR AR next stall over.

The other workarounds are par timers on your phone and earphones inside your muffs to run par timers to keep track of your times.

Other other workaround is the Double Alpha Shotmaxx that is wrist worn and has an accelerometer in it, you can set it to only record shots that time with the recoil impulse. That's probably the absolute best option for filtering out other people.

[vandal]

Can I ask what you were using for ammunition and RSA? I was having a lot of issues.

Factory G45 RSA. I mostly shoot federal AE 147 and Lawman 147 but last two trips have been shooting a mix of S&B 115 and old Remington brown box 115 without issue.

[DpdG]

Can I ask what you were using for ammunition and RSA? I was having a lot of issues.

I run a similar set up- G19x, GPT, Acro, TLR-1, but with PMM 2 port. I had to go to a 15lb IMSI recoil spring to get reliable function with standard pressure loads, as factory RSA would only run +p. The 15lb will run basically any factory ammo. Haven’t tried really soft reloads.

EDIT- I think I recall hearing the Radian barrel has the chamber on the tighter side, perhaps that’s what’s inducing your issues.

[JCN]

I run a similar set up- G19x, GPT, Acro, TLR-1, but with PMM 2 port. I had to go to a 15lb IMSI recoil spring to get reliable function with standard pressure loads, as factory RSA would only run +p. The 15lb will run basically any factory ammo. Haven’t tried really soft reloads.

EDIT- I think I recall hearing the Radian barrel has the chamber on the tighter side, perhaps that’s what’s inducing your issues.

Tighter and it’s stepped.

[eaglefrq]

JCN I got the NDZ Performance reduced power guide rod and after installing it with the Radian I noticed it's very difficult to remove the guide rod. It's feels like it sticks in the end of the slide. I verified it's the G19 Gen 4/5 guide rod. Did you notice this as well?

[eaglefrq]

My first outing with the Radian (G19.5 with a Holosun 508T) was frustrating and mostly a failure, I was shooting 124gr FMJ. I had the NDZ guide rod with the 13lb spring installed and with my reloads at factory specs the gun was running ok with a few failure to RTB. I tried some Freedom Munitions 124gr and had the same problem. I put the factory RSA back in and I still had some failure to feed or RTB but not as much using my reloads and the Freedom Munitions. I switched to my lighter loaded ammo and turned my pistol into a single shot. I tried the 15lb and 13lb springs and had the same issues, I may have loaded them a little too light. I forgot to take my stock barrel to test the lighter loads to see if they would work with that barrel.

As a test, I removed the Afterburner and the pistol worked much better with my reloads at factory specs. I also tried some Freedom Munitions 124gr XTP (JHP) and they would barely feed. I noticed they have a "sharper" point compared to Gold Dots or Hydra-Shok's. I don't know if that is the problem, but I'm assuming it is.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

[Noah]

My first outing with the Radian (G19.5 with a Holosun 508T) was frustrating and mostly a failure, I was shooting 124gr FMJ. I had the NDZ guide rod with the 13lb spring installed and with my reloads at factory specs the gun was running ok with a few failure to RTB. I tried some Freedom Munitions 124gr and had the same problem. I put the factory RSA back in and I still had some failure to feed or RTB but not as much using my reloads and the Freedom Munitions. I switched to my lighter loaded ammo and turned my pistol into a single shot. I tried the 15lb and 13lb springs and had the same issues, I may have loaded them a little too light. I forgot to take my stock barrel to test the lighter loads to see if they would work with that barrel.

As a test, I removed the Afterburner and the pistol worked much better with my reloads at factory specs. I also tried some Freedom Munitions 124gr XTP (JHP) and they would barely feed. I noticed they have a "sharper" point compared to Gold Dots or Hydra-Shok's. I don't know if that is the problem, but I'm assuming it is.

Does anyone have any thoughts?


13 lbs is very light, and 15 is still under factory spec. That means the slide has a lot less force going forward to feed the round and get the gun back in battery. If there is not enough recoil force taking the slide backwards, on the other hand, it may fail to eject or it may eject but not go all the way back and will fail to feed the next round and fail to return to battery.

Is the Freedom factory reman? I would try some factory 124 ammo for more pressure using the stock and 15lb springs and see of that improves things.

[eaglefrq]

13 lbs is very light, and 15 is still under factory spec. That means the slide has a lot less force going forward to feed the round and get the gun back in battery. If there is not enough recoil force taking the slide backwards, on the other hand, it may fail to eject or it may eject but not go all the way back and will fail to feed the next round and fail to return to battery.

Is the Freedom factory reman? I would try some factory 124 ammo for more pressure using the stock and 15lb springs and see of that improves things.

The Freedom is factory reman and according their specs it is 1065fps, the pressure is not listed. They are going to call me back with the pressure information. Looking at other target ammo, I've seen anywhere from 1085 - 1140fps. I'm new to comps, but from reading this thread I understood that I would need a lighter spring and the NDZ performance was recommended in other posts. I didn't think to bring anything to write with, so I could accurately track how each type of ammo was performing. I am going to do that this week when I go back to the range to try again. One thing I noticed with the NDZ spring, it was very difficult to remove the spring. It seemed like the end cap was sticking in the slide and I had to use a little force to pull it out. I've already emailed NDZ and they replied today asking for pictures and make/model of my pistol. I will send those when I get home.

[DpdG]

The Freedom is factory reman and according their specs it is 1065fps, the pressure is not listed. They are going to call me back with the pressure information. Looking at other target ammo, I've seen anywhere from 1085 - 1140fps. I'm new to comps, but from reading this thread I understood that I would need a lighter spring and the NDZ performance was recommended in other posts. I didn't think to bring anything to write with, so I could accurately track how each type of ammo was performing. I am going to do that this week when I go back to the range to try again. One thing I noticed with the NDZ spring, it was very difficult to remove the spring. It seemed like the end cap was sticking in the slide and I had to use a little force to pull it out. I've already emailed NDZ and they replied today asking for pictures and make/model of my pistol. I will send those when I get home.

My NDZ all stick slightly in gen5 slides. It’s just the little gen3->5 adapter piece, not anything reciprocating, so no functional issues. 15lb spring has been perfect with all factory loads and PMM 2 port comp. Too much spring manifested in failure to go into battery, but it was actually a failure of the slide to fully travel to the rear. The pusher ledge was in the rim instead of behind it.

[eaglefrq]

My NDZ all stick slightly in gen5 slides. It’s just the little gen3->5 adapter piece, not anything reciprocating, so no functional issues. 15lb spring has been perfect with all factory loads and PMM 2 port comp. Too much spring manifested in failure to go into battery, but it was actually a failure of the slide to fully travel to the rear. The pusher ledge was in the rim instead of behind it.

That's good to hear. I talked with Radian and they are creating an RMA for me to send mine back so they can test and inspect it. I'm assuming they would like to inspect mine since my pistol worked without the afterburner attached. If they find something wrong, he said they will send me a new one.

[DpdG]

One x-factor that may apply to the Radian but not PMM- apparently the Radian chamber is either a) tight, b) stepped, or c) both. Either way, given the number of variables involved I would standardize on factory ammo and get it running correctly before introducing reloads into the mix.

[JCN]

That's good to hear. I talked with Radian and they are creating an RMA for me to send mine back so they can test and inspect it. I'm assuming they would like to inspect mine since my pistol worked without the afterburner attached. If they find something wrong, he said they will send me a new one.

I think I just removed the endcap and ran the NDZ as an uncaptured spring assembly

[eaglefrq]

I received the replacement Afterburner/Ramjet and finally got to the range today. The new one worked with everything I shot through it, except for the very light loads which I figured would be a problem. Factory Winchester X, Freedom Munitions FMJ & 124 gr JHP and my reloads performed flawlessly. Radian really stood behind their product and their customer service is awesome.

[GearFondler]

I received the replacement Afterburner/Ramjet and finally got to the range today. The new one worked with everything I shot through it, except for the very light loads which I figured would be a problem. Factory Winchester X, Freedom Munitions FMJ & 124 gr JHP and my reloads performed flawlessly. Radian really stood behind their product and their customer service is awesome.From the outside I'm happier to see that you got a lemon versus the actual design being flawed.

[Bayou]

[I]'ve been reading up on this and watching a ton of vids but those are all media that received it for free. I've also read a ton of this thread and was curious what is the opinion of a G45 with this comp and a G47. Would there be much difference? I know they are suppose to come out with a comp for the 47 but that would make it almost a 34 length. I currently have a unfired G5 34 but can't warm up to it. [I] also have a G5 19, G4 17, 27 etc. but I'm wanting to pick up a 45 or 47. Never had a comp before and I'm tempted to get the 45 w/radian or the 47. Opinions?

[JCN]

[I]'ve been reading up on this and watching a ton of vids but those are all media that received it for free. I've also read a ton of this thread and was curious what is the opinion of a G45 with this comp and a G47. Would there be much difference? I know they are suppose to come out with a comp for the 47 but that would make it almost a 34 length. I currently have a unfired G5 34 but can't warm up to it. [I] also have a G5 19, G4 17, 27 etc. but I'm wanting to pick up a 45 or 47. Never had a comp before and I'm tempted to get the 45 w/radian or the 47. Opinions?

Why can’t you warm up to a G34?
Why would a G47 be different?

[Casey]

Why can’t you warm up to a G34?
Why would a G47 be different?
Especially having not fired the G34...

[Bayou]

To me the 34 seems so long and front heavy, strictly to me. Maybe, I was just wanting to mess around with one of these comps for a change up. I wouldn't put one of these on a 17 as that makes it a 34 length essentially but would do a 45. I like the 17 length and I have g4 17 but like the g5's better. That and I have carried a 17 for several years and have gotten use to it. Since I already have the 34, I'll just mess around with it to give it a fair shake. I wonder what the difference is between a comped 45 and 34 is as far as recoil, handling etc?

[GJM]

I think the Radian is slightly more effective as a comp than the Mayhem Syndicate, but the Mayhem is more reliable across a wider range of ammo, and doesn't need a lighter recoil spring.

[Kanye Wyoming]

Modern Warriors has quite a few of the Gen 5’s in stock. https://modernwarriors.com/product/radian-g19-gen5-afterburner-and-ramjet-intra-lok-combo

I ordered one last evening. I’ll have to re-read this thread about recoil spring weights. I’m mechanically illiterate so after it arrives and I’ve played around with it a bit, I may have to come back and ask some stupid questions. Lookin’ at you, JCN.

[JCN]

Modern Warriors has quite a few of the Gen 5’s in stock. https://modernwarriors.com/product/radian-g19-gen5-afterburner-and-ramjet-intra-lok-combo

I ordered one last evening. I’ll have to re-read this thread about recoil spring weights. I’m mechanically illiterate so after it arrives and I’ve played around with it a bit, I may have to come back and ask some stupid questions. Lookin’ at you, JCN.

Happy to help anytime!

Some general philosophical thoughts:

1. A compensator and spring setup that "works" across a wide range of ammo isn't optimized for anything (it's an all-season tire).

2. Depending on your goal for the setup (gaming versus self defense), optimize the gun for that ammo and accept suboptimal in other settings. A summer tire isn't appropriate for snowy conditions, but it doesn't mean that a summer tire isn't the best for summer. Context matters.

3. Radian chamber is stepped so it needs more frequent brushing and cleaning than a normal Glock chamber. This also comes into play when talking about what springs will "work." A dirty chamber will have a harder time loading the next round so super weaker recoil spring will have a harder time doing this and can lead to FTRB issues. That's not an issue with the system, it's just something to keep in mind.

4. There is a limit to how weak you can go in a spring depending on weight of slide + optic and ammo power. If you have a regular striker spring you also have to overcome that with the recoil spring too. So if you use a fully tensioned Glock performance or Timney trigger it can tolerate less recoil spring.

For super gamer ammo, you'll probably need an 11 pound spring. There won't be much margin.

For most range ammo probably 13-15 pound spring will work. I favor 13#. This also assumes you don't do things like dragging thumbs on side of slide... if you do that, there's no combination that's going to overcome that extra resistance.

If you're gearing up for self defense type applications then 15# is probably the sweet spot. You'll have to use full power ammo.

NDZ makes inexpensive swappable recoil spring setups. Pro tip... you don't have to run the end retention screw and can then just make it an uncaptured setup for even quicker swaps.

https://ndzperformance.com/glock-19-guide-rod-glock-gen-5-part-stainless-steel-18379/

Tag me if I can help with anything!

[vandal]

I've run these rounds with my Afterburner/Ramjet for Gen 5. The main appeal for me was the lack of needing a threaded barrel as my state does not allow that. I'm not chasing maximum comp effectiveness and I have no interest in spring experiments, so these have all been with the factory spring and factory ammo:

S&B 115 FMJ
Winchester 115 FMJ
PMC 124 FMJ
Fed AE 124
Fed AE 147
Fed HST 124
Fed HST 124 +P
Fed HST 147
UMC 147 FMJ

Two pistols used:
Glock 45 with ACRO
Glock 19.5 with EPS

Every range trip involves at least two magazines worth of support hand only.

Zero issues of any kind across ~3000 rounds spread across those two pistols. So far I haven't cleaned them any more thoroughly than what has been my normal Glock cleaning for decades, i.e. pull a bore snake through the barrel and lube the normal lube points.

[GJM]

I've run these rounds with my Afterburner/Ramjet for Gen 5. The main appeal for me was the lack of needing a threaded barrel as my state does not allow that. I'm not chasing maximum comp effectiveness and I have no interest in spring experiments, so these have all been with the factory spring and factory ammo:

S&B 115 FMJ
Winchester 115 FMJ
PMC 124 FMJ
Fed AE 124
Fed AE 147
Fed HST 124
Fed HST 124 +P
Fed HST 147
UMC 147 FMJ

Two pistols used:
Glock 45 with ACRO
Glock 19.5 with EPS

Every range trip involves at least two magazines worth of support hand only.

Zero issues of any kind across ~3000 rounds spread across those two pistols. So far I haven't cleaned them any more thoroughly than what has been my normal Glock cleaning for decades, i.e. pull a bore snake through the barrel and lube the normal lube points.

Are you iron sights or an optic? A heavier optic in addition to the comp may require hotter ammo or a lighter weight recoil spring.

[vandal]

Glock 45 with ACRO P2
Glock 19.5 with EPS



I am a pretty big/strong guy so maybe that helps.


Are you iron sights or an optic? A heavier optic in addition to the comp may require hotter ammo or a lighter weight recoil spring.

[SMJayman]

On my Glock 45 with a Holosun 509t, the 15lb spring seemed to be the sweet spot. That said, I didn't have any issues with a full power spring, it just felt a bit over sprung to me. I run a lot of regular factory ammo, very little +p, but the +p ran OK too. My "gamer" loads are warm for that purpose, but don't hit full factory values.

https://youtu.be/pGbC66-cB7A

[Lon]

Cool Ramjet build on a Nomad 9F frame.

109382

[Steve m]

Thinking about picking one up along with the recoil spring, are these legal in IDPA for carry optics?

Thanks
Steve

[Lon]

Thinking about picking one up along with the recoil spring, are these legal in IDPA for carry optics?

Thanks
Steve

No. CO is basically ESP with approved optics. Threaded or pinned on comps are no bueno.

111735

111736

[Steve m]

Lon,

Thank you, looks like a G47 is in my future

[Lon]

Lon,

Thank you, looks like a G47 is in my future

Send it off to Monsoon Tactical for their Lucky 7 ports. Legal for IDPA and works better than the Radian. I’ve had both. Sold the Radian.

[JCN]

Thinking about picking one up along with the recoil spring, are these legal in IDPA for carry optics?

Thanks
Steve


No. CO is basically ESP with approved optics. Threaded or pinned on comps are no bueno.

111735

Lon that’s not correct by current standards. As allowed at world shoot, basically any type of compensator goes now. Even screw on.

Radian is GTG.

Behold, the current rulebook… notice how the section now removed the screw on verbiage.
111754

[Lon]

Lon that’s not correct by current standards. As allowed at world shoot, basically any type of compensator goes now. Even screw on.

Radian is GTG.

Behold, the current rulebook… notice how the section now removed the screw on verbiage.
111754

Huh. When they do that? I downloaded the 2023 rules a couple months ago and saved them. And I didn’t see that on the list of changes on the website?

Oh, well. Thanks. I’ll download the newest 2023 rules.

[thatguybryan]

Just got one of the Blem radian ramjet/afterburner combos a month or so ago and have put about 400rd through it with no feed issues with the stock recoil spring. Did have some failures to lock back (inconsistent) but this range trip I switched my grip a little and voila, no issues whatsoever. Absolutely love this thing, and plan to get my g19 milled for a dot here soon.

[rayrevolver]

Bump.

I joined the club. Shot the ABRJ on a G45, mostly stock except for a GPT.

The good:
- 100% function with what I considered High, Medium, and Low energy ammo. Speer 147gr, LAX 124gr (1065fps), and finally Syntech 150gr/Red Lipstick
- Accuracy seemed good at 25 yards

The less good:
- POI Shift high and right

Eyeballing the back of my G45, maybe the rear is drifted a hair to the right, so drifting it left may line up with the RJAB. Does that mean the standard Glock barrel shot left... and low?

Here is the target. Shot with irons and LAX 124gr. Yeah, I had 2 high flyers. I'll be honest, I thought this was a great group shooting with irons. I expected it to be worse!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554720865_f172f9df9f_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/151953216@N05/Q5S9Di01UR)

I am probably going to ship off the slide for an Acro direct mill. Then I need to figure out the correct BUIS once its all together.

EDIT: I may hold off and try and shoot the Triarc barrel I have. Just curious to see where it prints at 25 yards.

[HeavyDuty]

I reached out to Radian last week to see if a G26 version was in the works. Sadly no.

A CCO sized comped 26 with a 19 length slide and comp would definitely scratch an itch.

[HCM]

Bump.

I joined the club. Shot the ABRJ on a G45, mostly stock except for a GPT.

The good:
- 100% function with what I considered High, Medium, and Low energy ammo. Speer 147gr, LAX 124gr (1065fps), and finally Syntech 150gr/Red Lipstick
- Accuracy seemed good at 25 yards

The less good:
- POI Shift high and right

Eyeballing the back of my G45, maybe the rear is drifted a hair to the right, so drifting it left may line up with the RJAB. Does that mean the standard Glock barrel shot left... and low?

Here is the target. Shot with irons and LAX 124gr. Yeah, I had 2 high flyers. I'll be honest, I thought this was a great group shooting with irons. I expected it to be worse!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554720865_f172f9df9f_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/151953216@N05/Q5S9Di01UR)

I am probably going to ship off the slide for an Acro direct mill. Then I need to figure out the correct BUIS once its all together.

EDIT: I may hold off and try and shoot the Triarc barrel I have. Just curious to see where it prints at 25 yards.

POI shift with a comp is common. It could be something mechanical changing the POI, but it’s usually the shooter.

Normal solution is Re-zero and drive on.

[Noah]

Bump.

I joined the club. Shot the ABRJ on a G45, mostly stock except for a GPT.

The good:
- 100% function with what I considered High, Medium, and Low energy ammo. Speer 147gr, LAX 124gr (1065fps), and finally Syntech 150gr/Red Lipstick
- Accuracy seemed good at 25 yards

The less good:
- POI Shift high and right

Eyeballing the back of my G45, maybe the rear is drifted a hair to the right, so drifting it left may line up with the RJAB. Does that mean the standard Glock barrel shot left... and low?

Here is the target. Shot with irons and LAX 124gr. Yeah, I had 2 high flyers. I'll be honest, I thought this was a great group shooting with irons. I expected it to be worse!
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53554720865_f172f9df9f_c.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/gp/151953216@N05/Q5S9Di01UR)

I am probably going to ship off the slide for an Acro direct mill. Then I need to figure out the correct BUIS once its all together.

EDIT: I may hold off and try and shoot the Triarc barrel I have. Just curious to see where it prints at 25 yards.

I don’t think those sorts of shifts from barrel to barrel are particularly crazy

[Gmac]

I reached out to Radian last week to see if a G26 version was in the works. Sadly no.

A CCO sized comped 26 with a 19 length slide and comp would definitely scratch an itch.

That’s a bummer. Not stating anything out of the ordinary here, but the 26 doesn’t get the love it deserves.

[rayrevolver]

POI shift with a comp is common. It could be something mechanical changing the POI, but it’s usually the shooter.

Normal solution is Re-zero and drive on.

Thinking about this, I really haven't owned many aftermarket Glock barrels and this is my first aftermarket comp in a very long time.

Like you said, doesn't matter. G45 is back with a direct milled Acro on top. Surprisingly, the Ameriglo Agents that came installed (this was a G45 Talo) are peek-a-boo usable, but my spare Agent MOS rear was loose. Just swapped them with a 10-8 rear (with set screw) and .245 Wilson front.

Another 120 rounds or so with the Acro installed. No issues and ejection seems robust. This is with the standard recoil spring.

[HCM]

Thinking about this, I really haven't owned many aftermarket Glock barrels and this is my first aftermarket comp in a very long time.

Like you said, doesn't matter. G45 is back with a direct milled Acro on top. Surprisingly, the Ameriglo Agents that came installed (this was a G45 Talo) are peek-a-boo usable, but my spare Agent MOS rear was loose. Just swapped them with a 10-8 rear (with set screw) and .245 Wilson front.

Another 120 rounds or so with the Acro installed. No issues and ejection seems robust. This is with the standard recoil spring.

It’s been common with KKM comps in Glocks / “Roland Special” builds.

[RealSelf]

I reached out to Radian last week to see if a G26 version was in the works. Sadly no.

A CCO sized comped 26 with a 19 length slide and comp would definitely scratch an itch.

I did see that there will be P365 version coming out next, looks to be for the standard short P365 slide.

I believe this would be an interesting combo w/ Macro lower and magazines, thinking of going this route with mine once they drop. I had a feeling P365 would be next considering popularity of that model.

Note there's a photo here w/ Macro lower on P365 upper with their comp/barrel setup.

https://radianweapons.com/en/2464272/backstrap-magwell

[WobblyPossum]

I did see that there will be P365 version coming out next, looks to be for the standard short P365 slide.

I believe this would be an interesting combo w/ Macro lower and magazines, thinking of going this route with mine once they drop. I had a feeling P365 would be next considering popularity of that model.

Note there's a photo here w/ Macro lower on P365 upper with their comp/barrel setup.

https://radianweapons.com/en/2464272/backstrap-magwell

I’m considering doing the same build just to see how it turns out.

[G19Fan]

I did see that there will be P365 version coming out next, looks to be for the standard short P365 slide.

I believe this would be an interesting combo w/ Macro lower and magazines, thinking of going this route with mine once they drop. I had a feeling P365 would be next considering popularity of that model.

Note there's a photo here w/ Macro lower on P365 upper with their comp/barrel setup.

https://radianweapons.com/en/2464272/backstrap-magwell

For what it is worth a pmm comped p365 runs on timer same as a non comp p365 xl for me

The tradeoff in reliability wasn't worth it for me

Am tempted to try a comped p365xl though

[RealSelf]

For what it is worth a pmm comped p365 runs on timer same as a non comp p365 xl for me

The tradeoff in reliability wasn't worth it for me

Am tempted to try a comped p365xl though

What type(s) of ammo brands, loads are you using to get this data? What did you notice for reliability issues? Why would the XL be more appealing? Did you try running a lighter recoil spring weight in the P365? Why do you feel that a completely different make of compensator would necessarily behave identical in those ways?

[G19Fan]

What type(s) of ammo brands, loads are you using to get this data? What did you notice for reliability issues? Why would the XL be more appealing? Did you try running a lighter recoil spring weight in the P365? Why do you feel that a completely different make of compensator would necessarily behave identical in those ways?

Having shot a few different comps on p365 length guns running things like bill drills, bpd they all are pretty identical in time to a stock xl for me. Have tried pmm, harrington, armory craft (I owned the pmm rest were friends comps)

Ammo used was blazer brass 124, magtech 124, pmc 124, federal 124, hst 124, gold dot 124?, ranger t 147, federal 147

It feels like it is less recoil but run on a timer (all alpha bill drill) somtimes the xl will win vs the comped p365. For me at least times with range ammo, they were basically identical with my inconsistency making the biggest difference.

That said I can split 0.17ish (fasted ever was a 0.14 but that was a charlie) with a p365 xl with macro grip relatively consistently once warmed up. A normal bill drill from aiwb concealment for me all alpha is approx 2.65 to 2.88 with a macro tac ops with frst shot being 1.55 to 1.81 usually

With duty ammo it more noticeable and time tests would favor the p365 with comp over the xl.

I did have ftf and fte issues with comps on the p365 slide. Went back to oem xl slide.

I am interested in trying a comp on an xl slide as they should work better in theory

The armory craft comp was heavy and imo produced lowest felt recoil

[G19Fan]

What type(s) of ammo brands, loads are you using to get this data? What did you notice for reliability issues? Why would the XL be more appealing? Did you try running a lighter recoil spring weight in the P365? Why do you feel that a completely different make of compensator would necessarily behave identical in those ways?

I did not try a lighter spring as I didn't see the benefit of the comp after approx 1500 or so rounds.

[RealSelf]

I did not try a lighter spring as I didn't see the benefit of the comp after approx 1500 or so rounds.

I'm confused, you said that duty rounds favored faster times on the comp? That is the only place I'd expect much difference and the main reason to run a comp. Did you have reliability issues with the duty ammo? Run any +P duty ammo? I see little point running a comp with range fodder but would hope the comp helps the 365 run well with duty ammo and shoot softer simultaneously.

[G19Fan]

I'm confused, you said that duty rounds favored faster times on the comp? That is the only place I'd expect much difference and the main reason to run a comp. Did you have reliability issues with the duty ammo? Run any +P duty ammo? I see little point running a comp with range fodder but would hope the comp helps the 365 run well with duty ammo and shoot softer simultaneously.

I didn't run +p (only because I don't have any)

I did have issues with some duty ammo as gun got dirty.

[SecondsCount]

Primary Arms has some blems on sale (https://www.primaryarms.com/G19G3-IL-RN-BLEM) for $249

[Tokarev]

https://youtu.be/u0tTb-mJgmE?si=cNlzosIaT5LSULY6

[Binkius]

Yes, Radian compensator is really, really good.

I've done some hit-factor scoring comparisons of my G-45 w/Radian against my other guns.

G-45 w/Radian beats everything I own except Atlas Artemis and Atlas Erebus. I think it's really close to the Atlas Athena, but I haven't tested them (G-45 v Athena) head-to-head on a stage.

G-45 w/Radian is faster/more accurate than my Wilsons, Nighthawk, Platypus. Absolutely dominates any other striker gun I've used.

You should get a DPM "Soft-Captured" spring for the Glock to run reliably with the Radian compensator. I don't recommend the Radian recoil spring because it is only single rate. The DPM recoil spring mimics the multi-spring setup of the OEM recoil spring (just lighter) and works better. Especially in return-to-zero. Needing a spring change is a sign that the comp is working. If the comp isn't causing enough reduction in slide velocity to malfunction the gun, the comp really isn't doing anything significant.

If you want the best possible return-to-zero, get the DPM recoil spring builders kit and figure out which of the 20 spring combinations works best with your ammo. But the "Soft Captured" is plug-and-play and gives pretty good return-to-zero (better than any of the single-rate springs).

The most important thing about the Radian comp is the maintenance. You don't have to re-time with the barrel and you don't have to deal with threadlocker. Other comps with larger expansion chambers probably work better than the Radian on the Glock, but everything else has to be timed and threadlocked with stuff that requires heat to get off. That's just too much maintenance for me, I'll just run the Erebus instead of dealing with that kind of mess. The Radian is as close to plug-and-play as you can get with this kind of modification.

[Binkius]

I don't think I gave the Radian compensator enough praise.

This is one of those "disruptive" events. Put a $400 compensator on a $600 pistol and add a $100 spring and now it outperforms basically everything without ports or a full-expansion-chamber compensator. This is with the stock, crap, OEM trigger.

The Radian Glock outshoots every Staccato except the XC. It outshoots every Wilson without a full-expansion-chamber comp. It outshoots every Nighthawk without a full-expansion-chamber compensator. It outshoots every CZ since the Czechmate and Parrot are gone. I have to get up to the sight-block Atlas guns before the Radian Glock meets its match.

Before, you could do this with a threaded compensator on the Glock, but that required special tools, timing the comp to the barrel and thread locker that you had to heat with a torch to get apart for cleaning. The Radian is self-timing and secures with a 15-inch pound tapered screw.

I've only got ~2,000 rounds on mine but it's been problem free from the first round. Maybe long-term reliability will be bad. But I read about guys over 10,000 rounds without problems. Decreasing the recoil spring weight will make the slide more susceptible to slide-velocity malfunctions.

But this really changes everything.

If I could redo my gun collection at this point, it'd just be 2 Radian Glocks (G-45 and G-19), a bunch of single-stack 1911's because they're pretty, 1 P365 for carry and 3 competition 2011's. Until I reach the high-end 2011's, everything else feels slow and sloppy in comparison to a Radian Glock.

[vandal]

I don't think I gave the Radian compensator enough praise.

I tried the Ramjet previously on my G19.5 and G45 and liked it using the factory spring. I did get a couple of failures to feed during a class (the first malfunctions ever with these guns) and removed the Ramjet "out of an abundance of caution." I'm going to give it another go with the DPM spring you referenced.

[G19Fan]

This makes me want to purchase radian g19

[Binkius]

This makes me want to purchase radian g19

If you don't shoot fast - it really doesn't matter. All guns are pretty much the same if all you're doing is single-lane, single-target slow fire. All you're doing is testing mechanical accuracy and if the dot is holding zero.

Shoot fast. 0.20 second splits with transitions across multiple targets and the differences become huge.

Park a minivan and a Corvette at the grocery store at 2mph and they basically perform the same (car in between the lines, not on the curb? Perfect!). Race the minivan and Corvette at 160mph on a road course and there's a huge difference.

The Radian gives the Glock the ability to run fast with the race guns. But if you're just slow shooting, it's not going to make much of a difference.

[G19Fan]

If you don't shoot fast - it really doesn't matter. All guns are pretty much the same if all you're doing is single-lane, single-target slow fire. All you're doing is testing mechanical accuracy and if the dot is holding zero.

Shoot fast. 0.20 second splits with transitions across multiple targets and the differences become huge.

Park a minivan and a Corvette at the grocery store at 2mph and they basically perform the same (car in between the lines, not on the curb? Perfect!). Race the minivan and Corvette at 160mph on road course and there's a huge difference.

The Radian gives the Glock the ability to run fast with the race guns. But if you're just slow shooting, it's not going to make much of a difference.

Completely makes sense

[Binkius]

This guy also ran hit-factor scoring with his Radian-G-45. He has Timney trigger and spent more time tuning his recoil springs than I did. He says his R-G-45 is one of the fastest guns he's ever run. The video opens up where his R-G-45 outscores a Sand Viper.

https://youtu.be/ErEnrWbgIzI?t=1102

[YVK]

I've a Radian on a G19. Could never run it faster than my CZ. What splits are you talking about, 0.12-0.13? I've been running my regular Shadow 2 at 0.16-0.19 in practice regularly for several years now. Admittedly, I never bothered to change recoil springs with Radian, too much work for me.

[Clusterfrack]

I got to shoot a stock G45 w/RMR with the Radian system at a recent class. I was shooting my P-07 w/509t2, so I was able to compare directly.

I was able to keep the dot in the window throughout recoil with the Radian Glock, which doesn't happen with my p-07. Single-handed shooting was way easier with the Radian Glock. I've come to not care about splits as long as they're < 0.18, but there wasn't a noticeable difference. The Radian Glock has a similar recoil impulse, just less muzzle flip. I like it a lot, and am actually planning on buying one. But easier to shoot than a Shadow2? Not even close. Weight wins.

[HeavyDuty]

I got to shoot a stock G45 w/RMR with the Radian system at a recent class. I was shooting my P-07 w/509t2, so I was able to compare directly.

I was able to keep the dot in the window throughout recoil with the Radian Glock, which doesn't happen with my p-07. Single-handed shooting was way easier with the Radian Glock. I've come to not care about splits as long as they're < 0.18, but there wasn't a noticeable difference. The Radian Glock has a similar recoil impulse, just less muzzle flip. I like it a lot, and am actually planning on buying one. But easier to shoot than a Shadow2? Not even close. Weight wins.

Do you know what recoil spring assembly they were using?

[Clusterfrack]

Do you know what recoil spring assembly they were using?

No idea. Seemed lower power than OEM.

[RealSelf]

No idea. Seemed lower power than OEM.

If so, then it's not a stock Glock...:rolleyes:

[Clusterfrack]

If so, then it's not a stock Glock...:rolleyes:

You got me. I should have specified that ‘Radian system’ included their guide rod and spring. :rolleyes:

[Wake27]

Man I've had one of these sitting in a box for months but got the Platy and haven't touched it. I need to check it out.

[HeavyDuty]

Man I've had one of these sitting in a box for months but got the Platy and haven't touched it. I need to check it out.

I have a 19.5 Ramjet/Afterburner combination I haven’t done much with, I didn’t get it tuned to reliability when tinkering around. I need to pull it back out and see what it can do.

[Wake27]

I have a 19.5 Ramjet/Afterburner combination I haven’t done much with, I didn’t get it tuned to reliability when tinkering around. I need to pull it back out and see what it can do.

Interesting, I thought I remembered most people saying that their Glocks didn't need tuning with this one. Do you know what ammo you were shooting?

[HeavyDuty]

Interesting, I thought I remembered most people saying that their Glocks didn't need tuning with this one. Do you know what ammo you were shooting?

Lawman 124s. I tried the Radian recoil spring that was premounted on the rod.

[Wake27]

Lawman 124s. I tried the Radian recoil spring that was premounted on the rod.

That’s what I use, now I’m super curious. I have their spring kit already, I think it came with three weights and a tungsten rod or something. I assume the same thing you’re talking about. Was it an MOS slide?

[HeavyDuty]

That’s what I use, now I’m super curious. I have their spring kit already, I think it came with three weights and a tungsten rod or something. I assume the same thing you’re talking about. Was it an MOS slide?

Yes, MOS 19.5. I was using whatever spring came premounted on their rod, I don’t recall which - it was months ago. I’d like to try again.

[Clusterfrack]

...I didn’t get it tuned to reliability when tinkering around...

Wait, what? Does it malfunction?

IMO if tuning is required for proper function, the gun unlikely to be robustly reliable.

[HeavyDuty]

Wait, what? Does it malfunction?

IMO if tuning is required for proper function, the gun unlikely to be robustly reliable.

I wouldn’t go that far - picking the right spring for the load is pretty basic setup stuff. I just stuck it in as it came out of the package and gave it a try.

[Clusterfrack]

I wouldn’t go that far - picking the right spring for the load is pretty basic setup stuff. I just stuck it in as it came out of the package and gave it a try.

What happened? FTE?

I don’t (and won’t) own any gun that malfunctions unless I use the right spring for a given load.

If changing springs makes it flip less, dip less, cycle faster or slower or whatever, that’s great. But especially for a duty gun, it shouldn’t be balanced on the edge of failure.

[HeavyDuty]

My next step was going to try it with the stock RSA, I just never got around to it.

[Hstanton1]

What happened? FTE?

I don’t (and won’t) own any gun that malfunctions unless I use the right spring for a given load.

If changing springs makes it flip less, dip less, cycle faster or slower or whatever, that’s great. But especially for a duty gun, it shouldn’t be balanced on the edge of failure.

Isn’t that kind of the rub with comped pistols though?

[Clusterfrack]

Isn’t that kind of the rub with comped pistols though?

I was hoping this would be different. But if not, I’m out.

[YVK]

I shot several different loads through my Radian, OEM RSA. I didn't have any issues. If memory serves me right, I pushed my thumb into the cycling slide to induce a malf. I slowed it down so brass was barely falling over the edge of ejection port. Didn't get it to choke though.

[HeavyDuty]

I shot several different loads through my Radian, OEM RSA. I didn't have any issues. If memory serves me right, I pushed my thumb into the cycling slide to induce a malf. I slowed it down so brass was barely falling over the edge of ejection port. Didn't get it to choke though.

This is what I’m hoping, that the Radian RSA isn’t needed.

[Hstanton1]

I was hoping this would be different. But if not, I’m out.

I mean, I don’t have any experience with comps. It’s just been my understanding that the more effective comps do require tuning to a specific load or a specific range of loads for reliable function. But, this thread is evidence that this isn’t a universal truth. Kinda reminds me of people’s differing experiences with 9mm 1911s or shield mags in slimline glocks.

[vandal]

I'm personally willing to trade away some comp effectiveness in exchange for not being required to depart from factory parts to maintain 100% reliability with the "normal" factory ammo I use for practice or carry. The ability to use a factory spring and get "good" performance and the same reliability as stock was my impression of the Radian. I agree if you have some favorite custom competition hand load and/or want to chase maximum comp effectiveness, then you may need some spring tuning, but then you're in the deep end and that requirement won't be a surprise.


I mean, I don’t have any experience with comps. It’s just been my understanding that the more effective comps do require tuning to a specific load or a specific range of loads for reliable function. But, this thread is evidence that this isn’t a universal truth. Kinda reminds me of people’s differing experiences with 9mm 1911s or shield mags in slimline glocks.

[YVK]

I mean, I don’t have any experience with comps. It’s just been my understanding that the more effective comps do require tuning to a specific load or a specific range of loads for reliable function.

For the real deal quad ports with popple holes of Open division guns, yes. These drop-in carry comps are less effective [but not ineffective] but also less finicky. I had three different brands/three different guns/four different units of those. For my own reasons I always used OEM RSAs and never had any reliability issues, with a caveat that none of those guns had seen 300 rounds/hour don't remember when I cleaned that thing last time type of sessions.

[rayrevolver]

Just to check-in.

G45 + Afterburner + Ramjet. Slide direct milled for Acro P-2. All springs are stock G45 (gen 1 Glock Perf Trigger is installed).

605 rounds, no issues. I don't recall any slide slow downs, although my high round session was all of 200 rounds. I don't clean too much, bore snake and drops of oil.

Ammo used:
Excalibur 124gr FMJ
LAX 124gr FMJ
Winchester Ranger Bonded 147 gr
Fed Syntech 150gr (red lipstick ammo, very soft shooting)
Sig 124gr FMJ
Speer Lawman 147gr

I do need to do shoot more hollow points, but the fact this shot the very soft/light Syntech 150gr was a good indicator that my setup is not close to an energy limit, and the flat 150gr bullets made it up the feed ramp without issues.

I have been very happy with this setup.

[vandal]

New Afterburner/Ramjet installed on G19.5 with EPS on DPP plate, TLR7-HL-X, LTT Grip Anchor, GPTv2. I had forgotten how easy that setup is to run fast. I put approximately 250 rounds of 147 American Eagle, 50 rounds of 147gr HST, and 50 rounds of 124gr Magtech through it. 45 of those rounds were support hand only (1 mag of each ammo type). Other than failure to lock back on empty (common for me even with a stock gun) there were no malfunctions.

I also subjectively compared several slides:
G19.5 slide, Radian Afterburner + Ramjet with EPS on DPP Plate
G47 slide, stock barrel with EPS on DPP Plate
G19.5 slide, stock barrel with EPS on DPP plate.
G19.5 slide, stock barrel with ACRO on FCD MOS plate

In terms of felt recoil and speed of recovery my preference ran:
G19 Radian > G19 G47 slide > G19 stock with EPS> G19 stock with ACRO

I assume it's the extra 1.76oz of the combined ACRO + FCD plate over the EPS+DPP setup, and that 1.76oz being higher above the bore axis, that contributes to the heavier felt recoil of that slide. Shooting the ACRO slide made me think "oh there's more going on here."

[vandal]

Quick range trip including trying the DPM "Soft" captured spring for the G19.5 with the Radian setup.

Ammo today only Federal AE 147 (200 rds) and HST 147 (50 rds). No issues, including running both loads through the gun support-hand only. Pistol was clean and lightly lubed to start with. I'll leave it dirty for next time.

G19.5MOS + GPT2 + EPS + DPP Plate + TLR7-HL-X + Radian Ramjet + Afterburner + DPM "Soft" captured spring (DPM MR-S For Glock 19/23/32/45 Gen 4&5, SKU 1000198).

Looking forward to trying the newly announced P365XL Afterburner + Ramjet -- I did not care for the P365 version.

[overton]

Looking forward to trying the newly announced P365XL Afterburner + Ramjet -- I did not care for the P365 version.

would you please elaborate further?

[vandal]

The Radian P365 comp did not run reliably for me with good quality factory ammo, and was super duper loud. I've had the PMM 365 comp previously and it was more (but not 100%) reliable and definitely not as loud.


would you please elaborate further?

[Clusterfrack]

The Radian P365 comp did not run reliably for me with good quality factory ammo, and was super duper loud. I've had the PMM 365 comp previously and it was more (but not 100%) reliable and definitely not as loud.

There are a few reasons I haven't jumped into the carry comp thing, and 'super duper loud' is one of them. Reducing muzzle flip is good, but not that high on my list for a 9mm defensive handgun. I'd take a bit more muzzle flip over a deafening blast.

[HeavyDuty]

I pulled out the Radian Compressor spring pack and the spring I had tried before was the 18#. I just mounted up the 15# and will take that and the OEM Glock 18# RSA the next time I go to the range. I can’t remember what issues I was having before, it was only a magazine or two to try it out - to be honest I was hurting enough from that short stint that I didn’t take it further and shelved everything. Now that I have the grip adapted I’ll try again.

I plan on trying Lawman 124 and AE 147, but just enough for function since I will be making more changes to this pistol (Glock Performance Trigger, Apex MPS clamp, possibly a new height front sight.)

[MVS]

There are a few reasons I haven't jumped into the carry comp thing, and 'super duper loud' is one of them. Reducing muzzle flip is good, but not that high on my list for a 9mm defensive handgun. I'd take a bit more muzzle flip over a deafening blast.
I've recently installed one on a 365. It has been 100% reliable to this point with practice and carry ammo. I shoot outdoors and haven't noticed any significant volume change, if I used an indoor range I suppose that could be a different story. At this point I have replaced my work carry G43 with this 365/Radian and feel good about it.

[Clusterfrack]

I've recently installed one on a 365. It has been 100% reliable to this point with practice and carry ammo. I shoot outdoors and haven't noticed any significant volume change, if I used an indoor range I suppose that could be a different story. At this point I have replaced my work carry G43 with this 365/Radian and feel good about it.

Thanks. My G45 COA hasn't shown up yet, so my Radian Ramjet and RSA are still in their packaging. I did have a chance to shoot a G19 w/the Ramjet this week, and here are my observations:


Super duper loud
More felt recoil, but no big deal
Less muzzle flip--dot stays in the window without really trying


I liked shooting the Ramjet Glock and am looking forward to mine. But I won't be using it for CCW or home defense.

[HeavyDuty]

I just spent the afternoon re-reading the thread while I worked. I found my original range report from two years ago, the last time I shot this thing:


Well, my first run with the Afterburner/Ramjet/Compressor combination was a failure. This was on a new 19.5 with a ACRO. Stovepipes, RTB issues and not locking back on empty. It’s my fault for forgetting to put the original recoil spring group and the other Radian springs in my bag, it’s very likely the Blazer Brass 124s I was running were too light for the setup. I gave up after only 30 rounds. I’ll try again next time I hit the range.

(I had the 18# spring mounted on the Compressor RSA.)

After the re-read, I wonder if I was crippling myself trying to make this run before with a ACRO and now with a MPS. Based on a fast search, it’s one of the heaviest optics out there:

ACRO 2.1 oz
MPS 2.05 oz
EPS 1.4 oz
RMR 1.2 oz

I wonder if the MPS pistol doesn’t run with either spring if I shouldn’t try moving the Radian over to my 19.5s with RMR and EPS to see if it runs better in either of those. It’s easy enough to switch back and forth, and there seems to be a fair amount of circumstantial evidence that heavier optics can cause issues with these.

[HeavyDuty]

Oh, and this is probably old news - Radian shows G26, G43 and G48 models coming soon. A G26 with a comp is quite appealing.

[WobblyPossum]

I've recently installed one on a 365. It has been 100% reliable to this point with practice and carry ammo. I shoot outdoors and haven't noticed any significant volume change, if I used an indoor range I suppose that could be a different story. At this point I have replaced my work carry G43 with this 365/Radian and feel good about it.

Have you compared the 365/Radian to a 365XL? I recently got a Radian setup for my P365X and am collecting data shooting it side by side with my normal carry XL. So far, while the Radian gun has less muzzle flip than the same gun without the Radian, I’m finding no consistent difference compared to the XL. I’m going to try it for a few more range sessions before I make the final decision on whether to keep or sell it.

[MVS]

Have you compared the 365/Radian to a 365XL? I recently got a Radian setup for my P365X and am collecting data shooting it side by side with my normal carry XL. So far, while the Radian gun has less muzzle flip than the same gun without the Radian, I’m finding no consistent difference compared to the XL. I’m going to try it for a few more range sessions before I make the final decision on whether to keep or sell it.

Sorry to derail there is a 365 one of these somewhere here. I have not done a head to head with my XL, but, I did compare the 365 Radian with 124 +P to my 365 Legion with 115 FMJ (mostly inadvertently) and they felt about the same. That is one of my criteria for giving it a pretty big thumbs up.

[Gmac]

I just spent the afternoon re-reading the thread while I worked. I found my original range report from two years ago, the last time I shot this thing:



(I had the 18# spring mounted on the Compressor RSA.)

After the re-read, I wonder if I was crippling myself trying to make this run before with a ACRO and now with a MPS. Based on a fast search, it’s one of the heaviest optics out there:

ACRO 2.1 oz
MPS 2.05 oz
EPS 1.4 oz
RMR 1.2 oz

I wonder if the MPS pistol doesn’t run with either spring if I shouldn’t try moving the Radian over to my 19.5s with RMR and EPS to see if it runs better in either of those. It’s easy enough to switch back and forth, and there seems to be a fair amount of circumstantial evidence that heavier optics can cause issues with these.

Sample size of one but I have roughly 3k or so rounds on a ramjet/afterburner combo on a 45 with Acro P2 and X300. I’ve used both the stock rsa and the compressor. Never a malfunction and cleaned once (lubed often though).

I do think the weight of the Acro can cause some issues when stacking tolerances. At the same time I don’t believe it’s as much of a factor as some make it out to be. Adding the radian combo might put it at the bleeding edge of reliability. Add the variances of ammo manufacturers and maybe that fine line gets compromised some.

[HeavyDuty]

I finally took the G19.5 / MPS / Ramjet up to the range at lunch today, I was waiting until the GPT was here. This time I brought the Glock RSA plus two NDS rods with reduced springs, 15# and 13#. I started with the Glock RSA, and… it ran fine. 100 rounds of Lawman 124, no failures of any kind. I may try the 15# next time when I have a spotter to check ejection.

[Savage Hands]

I finally picked one up today, I'm hoping to test it this weekend. Now I'm reading this thread over to see everyone's experiences.

[Lon]

I finally took the G19.5 / MPS / Ramjet up to the range at lunch today, I was waiting until the GPT was here. This time I brought the Glock RSA plus two NDS rods with reduced springs, 15# and 13#. I started with the Glock RSA, and… it ran fine. 100 rounds of Lawman 124, no failures of any kind. I may try the 15# next time when I have a spotter to check ejection.

Cell phone video is good for ejection pattern analysis

[Clusterfrack]

I have 1000 rounds through my G45COA with the Radian system, and #15 spring. No issues. Easy to track the dot, especially single handed. Good accuracy. I like it.

[thatguybryan]

I finally picked one up today, I'm hoping to test it this weekend. Now I'm reading this thread over to see everyone's experiences.

I’ve got 2 of them, and at this point have somewhere near 3k across both. Both are incredibly reliable, even with 115gr blazer which radian doesn’t recommend.

FWIW I have run this in a g5 19 with irons, a 19x mos with SRO, and a 45 mos with ACRO. All running oem recoil springs. The only malfunctions I’ve ever had (4 total across all ramjets) were ammo related. Just understand if you’re running low power ammo with factory recoil springs it is a smaller window of operation so you may come across some issues when doing that. If you run hotter 115gr or 124gr, you will probably have a gun every bit as reliable as an oem glock. Just as accurate, too.

[Wake27]

I finally installed one on my G45 MOS and put 204 rounds of 124gr Lawman through it. I love it and am probably going to sell the KKM comp that's been on my 19.4 for many years to replace with the Radian. It felt flatter shooting to me plus it looks way cooler.

[Clusterfrack]

...plus it looks way cooler.

It does look cool, and I especially like the mounting system. No tiny set screws to come loose or strip out. No need for Loctite or Rocksett. Easy to remove for cleaning. Genius!

[Wake27]

It does look cool, and I especially like the mounting system. No tiny set screws to come loose or strip out. No need for Loctite or Rocksett. Easy to remove for cleaning. Genius!

Yeah its a good point. I haven't had the KKM screws back out with blue loctite on, but they are very small and I always worry about over torquing them.

[Clusterfrack]

Yeah its a good point. I haven't had the KKM screws back out with blue loctite on, but they are very small and I always worry about over torquing them.

I have a Primary Machine comp and barrel for the P-07. It's aluminum, with tiny set screws. The instructions went into detail about not over-torquing. But Locktite is a must to keep them from backing out and getting lost. I had to use a torch to cook the Locktite off before removing the screws and comp. Otherwise the screws would have stripped. That barrel/comp is now collecting dust in the drawer of shame. I was thinking there had to be a better way, and Radian did it.

[Savage Hands]

First test of the set up, and I am extremely Impressed so far.


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5u4YWiQrCgM?si=6p3vgJ-LBXMTT14n

Can’t get the video to post.

[Savage Hands]

First test of the set up, and I am extremely Impressed so far.


https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5u4YWiQrCgM?si=6p3vgJ-LBXMTT14n

Can’t get the video to post.

Forgot my airpod pro 2's that work for my ear pro and my mic.