Table of Contents

• Specs
• Build
• Shooting
• Magazine
• Sights
• Conversion
• Safety and Assembly
• Top-5 Acccessories
• Holsters
• Conclusion

Although Glock’s lineup of handguns features mostly impressive firepower – enough to get the job done in so many instances – some law enforcement officials in the late 1990’s-early 2000’s found that Glock’s standard issue 9×19 pistols, such as the Glock 17, 19, 26, or 43, were not adequately taking down criminals. This led to a bit of a conundrum on the part of Glock, in that the company was faced with the decision to either concede that its existing handgun line wasn’t up to par for some officers and develop/adopt a new caliber, or ignore the pleas for a more powerful Glock. Glock settled on the former, and the result we ended up with is the Glock 37, a .45 G.A.P. (Glock Automatic Pistol) using cartridge developed to match the power of the .45 Auto guns while maintaining a compact form factor and high ease of use.

The .45 GAP, while offering the same power as the .45 ACP, is made shorter in order to fit a compact handgun. This is because Glock had no intention of drawing a contrast between the G37 and their other, more compact handguns, or invite comparisons to the .45 Auto Glock models – the 21, 30, and 36. The Glock 37 was a monumental achievement in that Glock continued to combine impressive stopping power and compact form, this time on an even greater level – it’s not tough to see why the New York State Police Department adopted the gun shortly after its introduction to the market. You’ll understand the greatness of the Glock 37 as well after reading this, our Glock 37 Gen 4 Review!

Glock 37 #glock pic.twitter.com/AcJyo3vXIM

— Glock Magazine (@GlockMagazine) June 19, 2016

Glock 37 Specs

Caliber / System

• .45 G.A.P.

Dimensions

• Length: 204 mm / 8.03 in.
• Height: 140 mm / 5.51 in.
• Width: 30.00 mm / 1.18 in.
• Barrel Height: 32 mm / 5.51 in.
• Length Between Sights: 165 mm / 6.49 in.
• Barrel Length: 114 mm / 4.48 in.

Weights

• Unloaded: 820 g / 28.95 oz.
• Loaded: 1005 g / 35.48 oz.

Trigger Pull / Travel

• Trigger Pull: ~2.5 kg / ~5.5 lbs.
• Trigger Travel: ~12.5 mm / ~0.49 in.

Barrel Rifling / Length of Twist

• Barrel Rifling: right hand, octagonal
• Length of Twist: 400 mm / 15.75 in.

Magazine Capacity

• Standard: 10

Glock 37 Build

As previously stated, the thought behind the Glock 37 was to develop a firearm which could accommodate .45 ACP-like cartridges without compromising in form factor. In order to achieve this, Glock’s special .45 GAP cartridge is shorter than the traditional .45 ACP, but slightly shorter, and uses a small pistol primer. The G37 uses the same frame as the 9 x 19 Glock pistols, but uses a wider sight to accommodate the larger diameter of the .45 GAP, and the magazines are the same dimensions as those used in the 9 x 19 Glock’s. In typical Glock fashion, the G37 is composed mostly of the patented Glock polymer-blend, which makes for a tough, durable, resilient, and long-lasting gun. As we are reviewing the Gen 4 version of the Glock 37, we should note that all of the typical Gen 4 bells and whistles are included – the modular back straps, the enlarged and reversible magazine catch, dual recoil spring assembly, and the new and improved textured grip. Already known for their build quality, the dual recoil spring assembly in particular ensures an even longer-lasting Glock – for me personally, the G37 has held up over the course of two years nearly perfectly.

Glock 37 Shooting

The selling point of the Glock 37 is in the caliber and stopping power of the firearm, which means that this section of our review is the most pivotal. I can confidently state that after extensive G37 use, I can conclude that it is one of the most well-balanced handguns I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. Although the 37 is somewhat more difficult to handle than its siblings in the Glock family (as is to be expected, given the larger caliber), it is still plenty accessible for novices as well as experienced gun owners. Accuracy when shooting is as good as can be expected – I performed similarly with the .45 as I did with guns of different brands and lesser calibers, leaving two-inch groups at roughly 25 yards. The gun is comfortable to hold (and highly customizable for those who do not find the factory grips agreeable), and immediately launches itself to the head of the pack of the .45 Auto ‘family’ – this is most unsurprising, given that Glock seems to accomplish this feat in every gun market niche it enters.

Glock 37 Magazine

The standard capacity of the Glock 37 magazine is 10, with the option for a +1 magazine extension which protrudes from the mag well just a little, compromising on form factor slightly. Again, the Gen 4 version of the Glock 37 has a handy, enlarged magazine release and well which is also reversible. This makes for a hell of an easy experience in terms of loading and ejecting magazines, allowing users to switch the catch to the left or right side of the handgun. Not unlike other handguns, the 10-rounds of GAP will either be enough to satisfy your gun needs, or they won’t: I know some folks who couldn’t live without the capacity of 17 in the Glock 17’s, while I personally am just fine with 10. Figure out what it is that you need out of your handgun, and adjust accordingly. Just recognize that the laws of nature dictate that a higher caliber handgun either be larger in size or feature a (relatively) smaller magazine to accommodate the rounds.

Glock 37 Sights

Oh yes, it’s that time of the review again. Time to lament the shortcomings in the Glock factory sights before cheerfully reminding you that, being a Glock gun, the G37 sights can be swapped for a variety of different new and improved sights! Until Glock does something about their underwhelming sights, we will continue to accurately label them as one of the few shortcomings in an otherwise extremely pleasing gun formula. In the meantime, you can either buy a new set of sights, or make do with the front dot and rear “u” marked sights on the Glock 37 – they’re not great, but they’re not terrible either.

View this post on Instagram

#sunsoutgunsout @wexgunworks in #delraybeach #florida we love to outfit the ladies with there fireams/accessories @helloitsll #smokeemifyougotem #girlswhoshoot

A post shared by Wex Gunworks – FFL/CLASS 3 SOT (@wexgunworks) on Jan 16, 2018 at 5:54pm PST

Glock 37 Conversion

I’ve seen a number of people in various places ask about conversion options shortly after purchasing the Glock 37. The problem that some people encounter here is that they purchase the Glock 37 thinking that it will accept .45 ACP ammunition without realizing that, as described, the .45 GAP is a specially-made cartridge and that the Glock 37 is not compatible with .45 ACP rounds. I’m just going to state this now to make it perfectly clear: The Glock 37 cannot be converted in any safe or official capacity, and the Glock 37 only accepts the ammunition that was made for the Glock 37. This is a sad reality to accept given the wealth of options that are available in ammunition in other Glock pistols, but it is a reality that people need to accept nonetheless. This is a result of Glock manufacturing a firearm that accepts its own unique cartridge. Therefore, if you’re perhaps interested in purchasing a Glock 37, I cannot recommend giving the gun a try before purchasing highly enough. Appreciating and enjoying the .45 GAP cartridge is imperative for would-be 37 owners – it is essentially a pre-requisite. Try the gun before purchasing it and you won’t have to worry about trying to convert the gun at some later point – you’ll know it’s not the gun for you.

Glock 37 Safety and Assembly

Given the fact that the Glock 37 was developed thanks in large part to safety concerns of law enforcement officials, it’s only fitting that the G37 itself have good safety features – which it does, in spades. Like the other Gen 4 Glock guns, the G37 takes advantage of Glock’s three-point “Safe Action System” – a three-part safety system designed to negate the most common risks associated with handguns. This includes, for starters, the Glock trigger safety – a level built into the trigger of the gun that needs to be engaged simultaneously with the trigger in order for the trigger to fire. The spring-loaded firing pin safety ensures that the firing pin is blocked from moving forward unless the trigger is being pulled. Finally, the drop safety of the gun ensures that no unwanted firing takes place in the event of an accidental drop. In addition to these features, the superior build of the G37 is an insurance policy in itself against any unsafe results from general handgun degeneration, wear, tear, and aging. You won’t find a safer.45 handgun than the G37.

Glock 37 Accessories

Unlike the unfortunate ammunition limitations which were described earlier, the Glock 37 has an overwhelming number of accessory and customization options for their owners. From grips, to slide back platers, to recoil springs, to holsters, to sights, there are a number of ways to improve and alter your Glock 37 in order to help make your G37 experience a more accessible one. Here are our Top-5 Glock 37 Accessories:

1. Talon Grips

A single-piece wrap around adhesive grip, these Talon grips create a more easily grip-able surface of the gun which make a safe, comfortable firing experience even safer and more comfortable. Available in both rubber and granulated texture and just 0.5 mm thick, these grips manage to maintain the slip and easy to hold build of the gun while only enhancing grip-ability (all of the good, none of the bad). I used these grips for the Glock 17 and 19, as well as for the Glock 37, and I have to say that the increase in comfort when shooting made a tremendous amount of difference – the Glock 37 factory grips are quality, but the Talon’s are over-the-top great.

2. Trijicon HD Night Sights

After covering the less-than-stellar sights included on the Glock 37, you didn’t think we’d let you finish the review without recommending an excellent replacement pair, did you? Trijicon knows sights as well as anyone, and night sights in particular – night sights like the Trijicon HD Night Sight Set for Glock Pistols. Featuring a highly visible colored front sight post with glow-in-the-dark paint, these Trijicon sights are excellent for target acquisition in home defense situation in particular. Easy to install, the subdued, u-notch rear sight and front post can totally enhance the Glock 37 experience – make these your go-to Glock sights!

3. Black Rear Cover Slade Back Plate

For those who find Glock guns to be a little stale or stiff in terms of their look or aesthetic, there are always swappable back plates. An easy and simple way to personalize your Glock 37, back plates are easily installed, affordable, and varied enough to find the perfect fit for you (you could even design your own with an online tutorial). NDZ Performance in particular makes a good set.

4. Stainless Steel Competition Recoil Spring

Looking for different weights in your gun than a Glock 37 provides? You’re in luck. You can actually tune the spring to your specific shooting level, skill, and needs by using drop-in, stainless steel guide rods made by Glock. Available in 5 different weights, these are a great option for gun owners who are not feeling that the G37 is optimal for their shooting profile.

5. BlueFire 2-in-1 Flashlight and Laser Sight

The Glock 37 is a great option for home defense and self-defense purposes, but that doesn’t mean that the G37 defense experience can’t be made even better. Night sights will help with target acquisition at night and in low-light situations, but when targets and areas need to be better illuminated, lights and laser sights are a great option. BlueFire makes an excellent 2-in-1 combo that gets the job done for anyone who wants to be extra cautious with the defense firearm.

Glock 37 Holsters

Glock guns are some of the most popular guns for open and concealed carrying in the world, and it’s no surprise as to why – the compact form of Glock guns make them easy and downright comfortable to carry. For the sake of safety, and increased comfort, though, carrying your Glock in a holster is the way to go. There are a number of great holster options for the Glock 37, and I personally recommend the Fobus Roto Holster or the Blackhawk 410513CT-R, which are two proven crowd pleasers. It’s always best, however, to find the Glock 37 holster that you find most comfortable and safe.

Conclusion

The Glock 37 is a revolutionary weapon that took the stopping power of the .45 ACP, put it in a compact handgun, and managed to keep the firing and controllability to a reasonable level. Is the Glock 37 a perfect handgun, without limitations? Definitely not. For those of you who want .45 ACP-level shooting in a compact handgun, however, and in the world-class build of a Glock, the G37 is as good of a choice as you’re going to get. Try the Glock 37 out at your local range today to see if it works for you!

Thanks for reading our Glock 37 review – check back for more on Glock guns here at Gunivore!

The post Glock 37 Gen 4 Review: .45 Auto, Glock-Style appeared first on Gunivore.

Considered the leader in handguns and pistols in the gun world, there is little to complain about or find fault with when it comes to Glock and their line of guns. Well-made, efficient, and quality-assured, Glock guns are unquestionably the class of the handgun category (and no, they’re not paying me to write this!). With that being said, that doesn’t mean that gun owners don’t like a little gun modification every now and then – gun mods can be useful and handy in addition to gun modding being a fun hobby in and of itself. When I say gun mods, I don’t mean homemade vibrating triggers or rainbow sights – I mean legitimate, quality accessories that are available for purchase through legitimate, mainstream channels. Remember, safety first! Additionally, there is no direct correlation between gun quality and need for modding – guns with great build quality can be fun to mod just like low-quality guns might require modifications in order to bring them up to a quality, serviceable level.

Glock’s in particular are damn fun to mod, and additionally, the overwhelming popularity of their guns means that there is a plethora of options and information in terms of modding Glock’s available online and in the gun community. From sights to grips, there’s really no limit to the number of ways you can modify your Glock gun. Which is why, without further ado, I would like to present the top Glock mods available for gun enthusiasts. It should be noted that this feature will not be limited to any Glock gun in particular, but rather be inclusive of the entire line of Glock models.

Popular Glock Mods

1. Barrels

Glock factory barrels are some of the best you’ll find in any gun, not just in the handgun category. However, not every gun owner is going to want to use a factory barrel, as some folks have specific wants and needs in mind that a stock barrel might prevent or inhibit. For example, threaded barrels are useful in that they allow for the quick and easy attachment of accessories like suppressors and compensators. Additionally, stainless steel barrels can improve accuracy, and different barrels can be used in order to convert your firearm to a different gun caliber, for example .357 ammo. This would allow for gun practice of different cartridges within the same weapon. Barrel modifications are not always easy to find, fit, and implement, but when Glock barrel mods are in fact carried out properly, they can be extremely useful.

2. Sights

Maybe the most commonly applied modification in handguns, there is a wide-range of options available from tritium to fiber optic glock sights, for  owners who want to modify or change up their sights. Glock sights, it should be noted, are generally some of the best default sights in the gun industry, and are perfectly ready to use right from the get-go. However, some circumstances require the use of different kinds of sights. For example, for home defense purposes in the dark (and let’s be honest, we envision most home safety incidents as taking place at night to begin with), night sights are extremely useful. Night sights, like those manufactured by Trijicon, illuminate in the dark which allows for visibility and accurate shooting under any circumstances.

3. Glock Disassembly Tool

Made and sold by Glock itself, the Glock disassembly tool makes taking apart and disassembling Glock models a breeze. Third party disassembly tools aren’t made to protect your gun, and Glock’s model will protect your gun and ensure quick and scratchless disassembly in no time. There’s really no reason not to own one, especially if you find taking apart your gun a burden or worry that you might damage the firearm if you don’t take it apart properly. I liken this to buying an expensive smartphone and choosing not to place it in a protective case – you’re going to buy a $500 smartphone and won’t spend another $20 on a case that will protect it? Really? Well, if you’re spending around $1000 on a Glock handgun, you can certainly afford a disassembly tool that will protect your gun and costs less than $10. That’s some of the cheapest insurance you’ll ever find.

4. Grips

As good as Glock grips tend to be, the reality of the situation is that people’s hands come in all different shapes, sizes, and preferences. It’s an impossibility for anyone to manufacture a gun that comes equipped with a handle that is absolutely ideal for every single person – as such, we can’t expect Glock to. However, Glock grips tend to be pretty universally praised, and for those who are more particular or specific about their grips, there are a large number of modifications available. Firstly, grip tapes and sleeves with different textures and finishes are widely available for folks looking for options that allow them to maintain their grip in any kind of weather or setting. Additionally, grip extensions allow for better handing for larger hands, and grip frame inserts help to protect your gun by keeping debris out of the magazine well. Speaking of magazines…

5. Magazines

One of the most commonly pursued modifications in guns in general is in the magazine. Although Glock models generally come equipped with industry competitive ammo capacity, magazine extensions like the Pearce magazine extensions are an easy way to ensure you’re always prepared for whatever life can throw at you . Comfort is also a consideration when considering longer, less compact magazines, so gun owners need to weight the pros and cons of these decisions accordingly.

6. Rails

Another common modification undertaken by gun owners are rail attachments. Sometimes providing more flash than function, glock rail accesories  like lights and lasers can highlight targets and make identifying your gun direction easy. Flashlight attachments, like night sights, can make using your Glock in the dark a much easier thing, however they do tip off others as to your presence and location. These sorts of attachments vary greatly in terms of compatibility as well as build quality, so make sure to do your research and choose accordingly.

7. Locks

A staple of the gun kit of any safety-conscious gun owner, gun locks are a necessary tool to own in order to ensure that your guns are kept safely and not tampered with when they are not on your person. Non-electric gun locks can come with key or combination-based unlocking features, while electronic gun locks can even come with “smart” features that are compatible with your smartphone or computer. The Zore X, by Zore, is a new gun lock that looks to combine the best in electric and non-electric gun locks and could revolutionize the entire gun safety market and industry.

8. Holsters

A holster can be not only a useful tool for Glock owners, but a necessary one for those owners who live in states that outlaw open carrying. Glock gun holsters can come in all different sorts of materials and styles, from steel attachment systems, to stealth holsters, and more. Always remember that there are two important factors to consider when weighing which kind of holster to buy: Number one, to make sure that the holster fully locks and secures the gun when inserted, and number two, to make sure that the gun is very easy to unlock and access when needed. Comfort is a consideration as well, but one should never compromise safety for the sake of comfort. As always, safety first!

Know What You’re Buying!

In conclusion, from the Glock 19 to the Glock 26 there are a number of practical, fun, and exciting options available to Glock owners who are looking to change things up on their stock model Glock weapon. Make sure when considering which accessory to purchase that your choices are reputable and safe – third party, off-the-grid outlets that sell cheap, gimmicky gun accessories or mods are likely cutting corners and compromising on safety for the sake of undercutting the market leader accessory providers. It’s never a good idea to compromise on quality for the sake of costs, especially when your safety is involved.

The post Top Glock Modifications appeared first on Gunivore.