Saf-T-Blok

The newest innovation for Glock pistols, the SAF-T-BLOK...

During my recent trip to Las Vegas for the 1997 S.H.O.T. Show, I had the opportunity to meet Rich Langner, President of Concept Development Corp. of Scottsdale, AZ. C.D.C. is the company responsible for the Saf-T-Blok, which I had only read about earlier.

The Saf-T-Blok, not to be confused with a combination lock with a similar name, is a red anodized block of aluminum that is machined to a close fit with the rear of a Glock trigger. This block is inserted between the trigger and the frame to prevent accidental discharges. When the block is in place, it is impossible to pull the trigger or cycle the slide. When inserted, a small "button" protrudes from the right side of the firearm, allowing the shooter's trigger finger to push it out of the way, ejecting it from the firearm. An optional lock is available, allowing the user to further secure the trigger. Separate models are available for both right-hand and left-handed shooters.

The Saf-T-Blok provides three functions, all of which compliment each other. First, it acts as an additional safety, preventing accidental discharges while the gun is being carried. This works whether it is in a holster or carried unconventionally. Secondly, it acts as a Trigger Lock, as described above. And lastly, the Blok disables the gun, should an assailant manage to snatch it from your holster. This has a definite application for Law Enforcement officers. I have conducted simulations with the STB, allowing non-indoctrinated people to pick up the gun and attempt to fire it. It took, at a minimum, 4 seconds for someone to figure it out. And that was on a well-lit range. Four seconds is more than enough time to wrestle the gun back, draw an impact weapon, or draw and fire the backup gun.

Originally, the Saf-T-Blok was packaged with a small strip of tape on the bottom surface. This strip could be removed if the fit is too tight or another strip (also supplied) can be added to tighten it up. At first, I thought this was a clever marketing ploy. It fit my G-27 really well out of the box. Then I attempted to put it on the G-22. It was too tight. Removing the tape worked well. The additional strip was needed to fit my G-21. So I am glad that it was included.

The first concern that I had was whether the Saf-T-Blok would work with my holsters. I tried it in my Alessi ankle holster, factory Glock belt-slide holster, and my Safariland 070 and 0701 Level III holsters. It worked fine, staying in place and not affecting the holster's retention or draw speed.

The true test was "How fast is this thing?" and "Can it get me killed?". Not being overly blunt, but that IS the reason we carry guns in holsters on the street. I set up the Saf-T-Blok for the G-22 and started drawing from the 070 and 0701. There was no discernable difference in draw times. First question answered. Next, I went to the G-27 and the ankle rig. This is the toughest draw that I make, in regards to complexity. If I were to mess up a draw, it WOULD be here. No problems. I repeated the draw over fifty times and not once did I fail to release the unit. The only glitch (if you could call it that) was one time I was a little late ejecting the piece and caught the Blok in my weak hand, which did not affect operation of the gun.

Then, I started REALLY working with the unit. I broke out the timer and the blank rounds. After a little practice, I was able to get my draws into the 1.00 second range from a Safariland 070 Level 3 holster. When I switched to the Glock belt slide, the draws got down to 0.83 seconds to draw, eject the Saf-T-Blok, and fire the shot.

Now for the second question, "Can it get me killed?". The Saf-T-Blok is a one-piece unit. It can't break. It can't go out of adjustment. It will come out if you press it.

The final question is one that is best answered for yourself. I, nor the makers of the product, can answer this one. Is this unit for you? I believe that the Saf-T-Blok will be of immense value to those who would insist on carrying their Glocks in Condition Three (Chamber empty, magazine full) while in the holster. Most instructors who specialize in combat handgun skills (myself included) do not recommend this mode of carry. It is too slow and too easy to screw up under stress. If one of my students said that he felt uncomfortable carrying his Glock in Condition One (chamber loaded), I would strongly recommend this unit. I would rather have him in Condition One with a Saf-T-Blok, than in Condition Three without it. This is an issue that often affects newer shooters.

As of this writing, Saf-T-Bloks are in development for the SIG 226/228/229 and the Beretta 92/96, 8000, and their Double-Action Only guns. The Saf-T-Blok is available from directly from Concept Development Corp. MSRP is $19.95.

Performance Shooting, Inc.

Let me know what you think about my page. Send mail by clicking here.