This week I picked up my SS80, a XGrip mag for the 43 and an OEM G43 complete upper. I watched Lenny’s 3 part video and began working to process and assemble the SS80. The videos are a must even if you are familiar with Glocks internal parts. Generally the build was simple but I did run into one problem – after talking with a guy at the Glock Store he set me straight.
In the video, they do not tell you that you have to drill the locking block to accept the pin that holds it in the frame. Lenny demonstrates merely sliding the locking block in and then setting the pin. What he doesn’t tell you is that you have to drill holes in the locking block – so if you’re building a SS80, don’t miss this part. Honestly I panicked a little bit because to drill the locking block (which is metal) you really need it seated in the frame and to use the jig. At the point Lenny has you slide the locking block in, the gun is nearly 98% built which won’t allow you to place it back in the jig.
So to put it back in the jig I had to tear up the jig a bit to accommodate the new parts I installed, then I carefully drilled out the 2 holes. This was nerve racking as I knew how critical these 2 holes had to be. I drilled very slowly to 98% through and tried to keep it from getting too hot, then I took the frame out of the jig and then the locking block to finish drilling it outside the gun until I was all the way through. It was perfect!
I put everything together, oiled it up, slid the complete upper on, and to my amazement it was complete. Excited as I was, I traveled to my local range and patiently fired the first round right in the center circle at 20 yards. I’m a happy camper!
Finished product picture and first shot attached.