In this article, we will discuss how we were able to design and manufacture the Imperium 9C to reach the dimensional objectives, and why we believe it is important to keep the OEM Glock dimensions.
Our Subtle but Important Patent Pending Feature
Compensated pistols are not new by any stretch of the imagination, however, they have been gaining popularity over the past decade, especially with the proliferation of competition shooting and an increase in concealed firearm carriers. Until the Imperium 9C, Glock users traditionally achieved the desired recoil reduction by two different means. The users either added a compensator to the front of the barrel, or porting the barrel, both methods having their pros & cons which we will expand upon below.
The Complexities of Ported Barrels
When porting your pistol barrel, you can encounter some potential negative impacts to your shooting experience. Barrel ports will typically interrupt the rifling which can impact accuracy by causing parts of the projectile jacket to shave off. Any disruption to the projectile can and will have some measurable impact to accuracy downrange. Some companies have tried to mitigate rifling disruption by boring the inside of the barrel back beyond the ports. While this can solve the issue of rifling disruption it now disrupts the gas flow into the ports after the bullet uncorks from the barrel. Based on our extensive prior testing, particularly in the precision rifle industry, we have found that there can be a negative impact on gas flow and thus recoil reduction optimization. If you are hard user of your ported pistols you will need to be diligent with maintenance since carbon buildup could get to the point that it contacts the projectile in a bored design. The primary benefit of this method is that you can maintain the existing functionality of your pistol without adding any length or additional parts.
The Quirks of Barrel Attached Compensators
When you add a compensator to the barrel of your pistol you may encounter a few challenges. The first challenge is the fitment of the muzzle device relative to the end of the barrel and frame. Since most muzzle device manufacturers aren’t the ones also supplying the frame and barrel, they can’t control the distance between the shoulder of the threads to the end of the slide. The manufacturers are also constrained by the geometry of the end face of the slide. They can either achieve a close fit to a given slide, usually OEM, or they can make a more generic design that is slide agnostic. The second challenge is timing of the muzzle device. Again, since the manufacturers typically aren’t the ones producing the barrels, they must work within the constraints of someone else’s threads. Timing typically involves one or more of the following, a lock nut, timing shim, set screws, and thread locker. The problem created by these timing methods is that you now need additional tooling to remove them to facilitate the field stripping of your pistol slide. In many cases you would want to have a bench vise available to hold your barrel as you install or remove the muzzle device, so you don’t accidentally have a tool slip and mar the finish. The third problem is device retention. If you are someone who shoots a fair bit you may have run into your muzzle device losing timing and coming loose from the pistol barrel. Alternatively, you may find that the manufacturers’ recommendations are sufficient for retention and timing, however not so great for the maintenance and service of the slide assembly. The fourth problem is holster fitment. If you start with a pistol of a given slide length as well as a mating holster you may find the added length of the muzzle device no longer allows you to use your favorite holster. You would now need to buy a new holster to accommodate the additional length of the assembly. The upside to these devices is that since they move with the barrel their design can allow for a smaller exit aperture which can force more gas through the ports improving efficacy. They can also be removed if you decide to run a suppressor instead. Users can also add these to an existing pistol if they have the correct barrel to accept it. There are many tradeoffs in using a muzzle device attached to your barrel to achieve recoil reduction, it is up to you to determine if they are dealbreakers in your application or not.
Angled Spade Solved the Problem with this Subtle Feature
Our imperium slide set out to address all of the problems mentioned above by incorporating the compensator into the slide. We’ve allowed for users to assemble/disassemble slides in the field without the need for special tools or adhesives. With the ports integral to the slide timing is no longer an issue. Our proprietary barrel requires no porting or boring, which means we remove areas of potential interference with the projectile to ensure the highest levels of accuracy possible within the system. Our integral porting also maintains the length of the slide so there will be no need to change from your existing holster. Our multi surface design ensures the strongest possible geometry at the front of the slide. If you were to drop our slide, we want to be sure that you won’t deform the front in a way that obstructs the barrel from cycling because at the end of the day we want this to be a hard-use defensive tool that you can rely on.
Why Going Commercial is Recommended Over DIY Holsters
When it comes to carrying a firearm, selecting the right holster is as critical as choosing the gun itself. Many gun owners, especially those with a DIY mindset, may be tempted to create their own holsters. While the appeal of crafting a personalized holster is understandable, off-the-shelf holsters often outperform DIY options in terms of retention, reliability, safety, and overall quality. Here’s why purchasing a professionally made holster is the smarter option.
Quality Control
Off-the-shelf holsters, produced by established manufacturers, are crafted with advanced machinery, which ensures a high level of precision and consistency. These companies utilize CNC machines, vacuum presses, and strict quality control processes to produce holsters with exacting tolerances, resulting in a secure and reliable fit for your firearm.
DIY holsters, on the other hand, often rely on hand-molding techniques or more recently 3D printing that are far less consistent. Without the same level of equipment, a DIY holster can easily end up with uneven pressure points, minimal structural integrity, and loose retention, or improper alignment. This inconsistency can affect the holster’s performance, leading to issues like accidental discharges or the firearm slipping out, both of which can be dangerous in real-world situations.
Enhanced Safety Features
Professional holster manufacturers rigorously test their products to ensure they meet high safety standards. This includes testing the holster’s retention strength, how well it covers the trigger guard, and how effectively it secures the firearm during various activities, such as running, sitting, or bending. These safety features are integrated into the design after thorough research and development to minimize the risk of accidental discharges or firearm loss.
DIY holsters, while customizable, might lack the structural integrity and safety design elements necessary for everyday carry. If the trigger is not fully covered or the retention is improperly set, the risk of an accidental discharge increases. Commercial holsters come with added peace of mind, knowing they’ve passed rigorous testing protocols to keep users safe.
Durability and Material Quality
Established holster manufacturers invest in high-quality materials that provide durability and longevity. For example, if a Kydex holster is what you are after the Kydex used in off-the-shelf holsters is often thicker, more durable, and treated to resist wear and tear. This ensures that your holster can withstand constant use, exposure to the elements, and the rigors of daily carry.
In contrast, many DIY holsters may not use the highest grade Kydex or other components, which can lead to cracks, warping, or loss of retention over time. Investing in a professionally made holster increases the likeliness that the product will endure and protect both the firearm and the wearer for years to come.
Comfort and Ergonomics
One major advantage of off-the-shelf holsters is the emphasis on ergonomics and comfort. Professional manufacturers often spend years perfecting the design of their holsters to ensure they provide a comfortable fit for extended wear. Factors like weight distribution, sweat protection, and adjustable cant (angle) are considered during the design process to maximize user comfort.
DIY holsters, while customizable, are rarely as comfortable as commercially available ones. Without access to professional-grade molding equipment or advanced ergonomic designs, DIY holsters can be uncomfortable to wear, especially during long periods of carrying. Poorly designed edges and contours can cause irritation, making it less likely that you’ll carry your firearm regularly, which defeats the purpose of owning a holster in the first place.
We believe that if you are going to carry a firearm, you should carry it as much as you can. Consistently carrying your firearm helps with muscle memory, good carrying habits, and you are less likely to leave your firearm unattended if it is always on you. Off-the-shelf holsters provided many kinds of holsters for different uses and different apparel, such as suits, athletic wear, shorts, or different pants that require inside or outside the waist band. If making custom holsters, you are less likely to make multiple kinds to give you those options, which means you might be less inclined to carry your firearm consistently. The Angled Spade Imperium 9C fits all Glock 19 KYDEX Holsters.
Legal and Warranty Protection
Many off-the-shelf holsters come with warranties or guarantees from the manufacturer, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, you can have the holster repaired or replaced. Additionally, these holsters are often designed to meet certain legal standards for safe firearm carry, providing an extra layer of protection in case of legal scrutiny. Many holster companies also design with certain military and law enforcement testing requirements in mind, pushing them to design safer products.
DIY holsters do not come with these protections. If something goes wrong with your homemade holster, you are responsible for repairs or replacement, and any issues arising from unsafe or improper use could expose you to legal risks.
Time and Expertise
Creating a reliable holster requires more than just the right materials. It takes a significant investment of time and expertise. Professionals have years of experience, specialized tools, and extensive knowledge of firearm retention, which enables them to design holsters that balance security and accessibility. While DIY enthusiasts can learn these skills, it often takes trial and error to perfect the process.
Purchasing an off-the-shelf holster saves time and ensures you’re getting a product made by experts who have refined their craft. This allows you to focus on carrying confidently, rather than worrying about whether your homemade holster will perform as expected.
Conclusion
The Imperium was designed with safety, durability, and ease of use in mind. We want our customers to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights often and we want them to do it safely. Designing the Imperium to be able to fit commercially available holsters was an objective we could not afford to compromise while also maintaining the accuracy of the firearm. Shooting faster, flatter, and with more accuracy is possible with the Imperium without compromising size, weight, or length.