REVIEW: NORLITE USK-G - GLOCK CONVERSION KIT Part 2

In the first article about the USK-G from NORLITE, we took a rough look at the conversion kit for Glock pistols and also the customization options available on the NORLITE website.

In this online configurator, we selected the appropriate existing grip frame for our USK-G, and were able to choose between 31 different Glock grip frames.

In addition to the generation of the grip frame, the shooter also has to choose between three different calibers: the classic 9mm Para Bellum, .40 Smith & Wesson, or .357 SIG.

In the second part of the review, we will take a look at the technology and construction of our USK-G model. The conversion kit was provided by NORLITE for the article series, texts and images are from MAJOR FINDING.

External Construction:

The conversion kit is an independent system that replaces your complete Glock slide, including barrel and recoil spring, and together with the appropriate Glock grip frame forms a complete weapon.

As can be seen very well in the photos, the housing is made of a solid piece of precisely milled aluminum. Both the continuous Picatinny rail and the M-LOK slots positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock are integral parts of the housing. The Picatinny rail can accommodate any type of optic without the risk of being damaged by excessive weight and is - like the M-LOK interfaces - absolutely repeatable.

This allows for the use of lasers as well. The coating completes the extremely high-quality construction and consists of a classic anodizing that is additionally coated with a layer of Cerakote.

The rigid stainless steel barrel with a rifled bore and 254 mm (10 inches) in length gives the system extraordinary precision that is equal to that of a "real" long gun.

At the end of the barrel is a standard 15x1 metric thread, for which a suitable compensator from Norlite can also be ordered directly through the configurator. The optionally available front casing cover with locking pin not only completes the overall look but also gives the weapon its characteristic appearance.

For the stock option, we chose a buffer tube and also selected a suitable stock through the configurator. If you already have a stock or are not interested in the offered Magpul stocks, you can simply skip this option. Other accessories such as M-LOK rail segments or mechanical sights can also be ordered through the configurator if needed.

The Interior:

The slide strongly resembles that of a Glock - which is logical, of course, if the conversion kit is to be compatible with a Glock grip frame and the appropriate magazines. It also features the same drop safety, which only releases the firing pin when the trigger is pulled.

After the steel slide carrier, two steel rods were installed on the inside of the housing - preventing any contact between the housing and the slide carrier, thus preventing wear and tear.

The housing end consists of several parts and includes both the recoil spring and the buffer tube and stock. The entire assembly is held together by two bolts at the rear of the housing.

In order for the cartridge feed to function with the fixed barrel, an additional loading ramp is attached to the locking block of the Glock grip frame. To protect the grip frame from the stronger forces of recoil due to the increased weight of the slide, a plastic spacer is placed in the grip frame in front of the locking block.

The assembly is completed by connecting the Glock grip frame with its rail guide to the corresponding rails of the USK-G and pressing it in until it locks in place. Next, the front bolt is inserted. Then comes the slide and the housing end with the recoil spring. This is held in place by two more bolts in the housing, and both bolts must be correctly inserted to ensure proper function.

Operation:

The weapon is now loaded or reloaded via the external charging handle located on the left side.

This handle does not move during firing and automatically folds in. Due to the relatively heavy recoil spring, charging is initially a bit awkward but comparable to carbines in pistol calibers that operate using a "blow back" system.

The slide does not stay open after the last shot, so the weapon must be recharged each time a magazine is completely empty.

Zeroing and initial experiences:

We equipped the USK-G with a Falke S red dot sight right away and zeroed it at the first opportunity.

Here are the first 50 shots we took to zero the weapon. The distance was 25 meters and the shots were taken standing freely.

After a successful zero, we tested another 50 rounds of S&B at 25 meters - once again, standing freely. The occasional deviations in the 50 shots can be attributed to the shooter, but the potential of the weapon is still evident at first glance.

With a total of about 150 shots of "training," and a supplementary Falke B3X LE Gen 3 for our red dot sight, we put the USK-G to the test in a shooting competition.

We competed in the PCC category in both a rapid-fire and precision competition, both of which took place at the same location.

Thanks to a good day's performance, we were able to secure first place in both the precision and rapid-fire competitions - where 30 shots had to be brought into target as accurately as possible within 60 seconds.

In the final part of the article, we will take a more detailed look at the precision and reliability of the USK-G and draw a preliminary conclusion. However, we still have a lot of ammunition to shoot with it...

NORLITE online

All links to MAJOR FINDING

More NORLITE on SPARTANAT

– REVIEW: NORLITE USK-G – GLOCK CONVERSION KIT

– IWA 2022: USK-G CONVERSION KIT BY NORLITE

– AUSTRIA ARMS: NORLITE REVIEW