[CBTENGR]

Hello
Just wondering why you didn't drill straight through and install a roll pin like the Polymer 80? Is it because of the slot on the ss80 front rail? Could it be done?

The front rails on the SS80 are not designed for a front pin.

 

[Gracie]

The front rails on the SS80 are not designed for a front pin.

If you can put two set screws in why is it you can not go straight through? Would a pin where you put the set screws interfere with the slide is some way?

 

[CBTENGR]

If you can put two set screws in why is it you can not go straight through? Would a pin where you put the set screws interfere with the slide is some way?

Yes it would interfere with the recoil spring assembly. That is why Polymer 80 uses a 2mm front pin on their PF9SS and 940SC (G26) frames. Anything bigger that 2mm and you will be into the RSA channel or too low to catch the FLBR.

 

[Ranger390V]

Hello
Just wondering why you didn't drill straight through and install a roll pin like the Polymer 80? Is it because of the slot on the ss80 front rail? Could it be done?

You can't have a pin all the way across, because you would be blocking the slide spring.

 

[GhengisFong]

Hey guys,
i've been wondering about the new poly80 glock 43 build and i decided to make a go of it. Ordered the frame and also ordered all oem everything, from frame to internals.

It ended up being a nightmare! It is nothing like the other builds from p80. Virtually all of the other models are easy to build and you don't run into too many issues. The new PFSS9- glock 43 frame is just riddled with problems. I'm recommending everyone stay away from these until P80 gets their act together.

I ran into 2 main issues:

1. The real rails are all out of spec in relation to the drilled holes. I spoke to several buddies who had also done the build and they all confirmed they had run into the same issues. Basically, you are going to see metal and the pin will not go in. I contacted P80 and their response was a link to a video which showed how to elongate the holes downwards until you could drive the pin in. The issue with that is you now have upwards slop. Basically, P80 told me to go screw myself when i asked for a fitted rear rail replacement.

2. The second issue is the slide stop has a sort of plastic ledge built into the frame. The issue is the ledge doesn't allow the slide slide to fully seat. I don't know if someone was drunk on the job when designing this feature or what. Again, i contacted other builders....All of them ran into the same issue. The "solution" to this is to basically dremel away the entire ledge so the slide stop can seat properly. P80's response to this was also denial that it could possible be a manufacturers defect.

What made this situation even worse was Polymer 80's complete denial that these were issues. Linking you to a video on how to jimmyrig a frame is not proper customer service. They've always had good customer service in the past so this is a pretty big departure.

At this point in time, i can't recommend their G43 frames at all, nor the company. Whatever you do, stay away from the PFSS9.

All valid issues. I understand you pain. Personally, after dealing with 2011 builds, I am prepared and measure everything now. A decent set of digital calipers are every gun owners need. A tap and die set, punches, jewelers files, etc., are all necessary if you are going to own a few rifles, handguns, shotguns, and soon on. If you enjoy them that much, and jave already built one, you will build more, abs you will be working with metal. If I could save $50+ on one of those frames,and I found someone that shot a couple thousand rounds through one, I would consider buying one. The way it is headed, every part of a gun that is polymer will be printed at home. It is just getting too easy, you can get good polymers, and it is getting so that you will be able to easily insert metal pieces for reinforcements.
Your information is nonetheless very appreciated. Once you start working with metal, you will then learn to key on information like this, you will go and find the information for need. Glock list every spec and measurement for their frames on their site, and as long as you break it down to get one hole in your frame correct, you can use that or other needed boundaries to get the others correct. It actually ends up being fun.
Thank you again, and if you haven't already, build an 80% aluminum AR15. They are great because you learn metal machining, and when you buy parts, all of the measurements are so spec, that you will end up changing them over time to upgrade, abs one day you will realize you have everything for another one. It is like a free gun(right! Or just another reason to spread $.50 with Egbert click of your finger)! Then move in to steel in a 1911 or a 2011. Have fun with that.
Good luck and thanks.

 

[racer88]

If I could save $50+ on one of those frames,and I found someone that shot a couple thousand rounds through one, I would consider buying one.

My very first build (P80 / G34), completed this past September has 1,150 rounds through it. Every single one, flawless... not a single malfunction. It can be done.

 

[ThrowinRocks]

Reading through the thread and I gather that if you don't have a decent bank account don't bother building a P80 Glock 43?

 

[CBTENGR]

Reading through the thread and I gather that if you don't have a decent bank account don't bother building a P80 Glock 43?

It all depends on what you want. If you keep it simple and catch stuff on sale, you can build one for about $350.

 

[ThrowinRocks]

It all depends on what you want. If you keep it simple and catch stuff on sale, you can build one for about $350.

I buy mine Blue label for $358.00 I think I'll pass. I'd like to have a light rail but not worth it.

Thanks

 

[CBTENGR]

@ThrowinRocks there is nothing wrong with that either.

Building your own is not for everyone. Same goes for AR rifles too. Not everyone feels comfortable assembling their own and will stick to factory built rifles. I am a retired machinist and love to tinker. Building my own is therapeutic to me. Plus I can take the time to fix any quirks that are inherent to what ever platform I am working on or assembling.

 

[golfsferr]

You can't have a pin all the way across, because you would be blocking the slide spring.

Hi Ranger390v, is the reason you needed to put screws through the frame into the locking block, because the locking block was slightly moving up once the gun got hot? That is what I have noticed on my SS80 (Glock 43). My gun totally locked up and it appeared to me that the locking block was not totally level with the frame. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[anthonyclark52.ac]

While being new to sidearms and building them, I appreciate your observations and detail, a few pics would have been helpful as well.

I did some homework before building a G17 & G19 (PF940 series) and recently adding a AA .22LR conversion slide so I knew ahead of time that these are not Glocks. These are not "unassembled Glocks" either by any stretch. They are basically to me, the same as "cheap Chinese knockoffs"(regardless of where they are poured) in that they will certainly take some modification and patience to build them into fine, reliable firearms. That's just my observations.

I agree that for a JIG not to have the reference holes placed correctly is just negligent of the manufacturer to not resolve it and on the retailer for not insisting they do, once they know.

Thanks for posting the detailed issues!

erad

I got the SS80 the one that came out before the polymer 80s 43 n my brother got the one that your having trouble with and while his fitted ok he gets a couple jams whenever we go to range but my SS80 has never jammed I had 1 failure to fire and that was a reload round from a friend I love the SS80 CHECK THE

 

[CBTENGR]

Some of the issues with the first batch of Polymer 80 PF9SS frames was caused by the slide stop lever. There are two versions; one for the G43 and another for the 43X/48. The PF9SS will only work with the G43 slide stop lever. That is why Polymer 80 pulled that frame from the market for a while and also why they now include the correct slide stop lever with the frame.

The top lever is for the G43X/48 and bottom is for the G43.

 

[Doc Linehan]

I

Hey guys,
i've been wondering about the new poly80 glock 43 build and i decided to make a go of it. Ordered the frame and also ordered all oem everything, from frame to internals.

It ended up being a nightmare! It is nothing like the other builds from p80. Virtually all of the other models are easy to build and you don't run into too many issues. The new PFSS9- glock 43 frame is just riddled with problems. I'm recommending everyone stay away from these until P80 gets their act together.

I ran into 2 main issues:

1. The real rails are all out of spec in relation to the drilled holes. I spoke to several buddies who had also done the build and they all confirmed they had run into the same issues. Basically, you are going to see metal and the pin will not go in. I contacted P80 and their response was a link to a video which showed how to elongate the holes downwards until you could drive the pin in. The issue with that is you now have upwards slop. Basically, P80 told me to go screw myself when i asked for a fitted rear rail replacement.

2. The second issue is the slide stop has a sort of plastic ledge built into the frame. The issue is the ledge doesn't allow the slide slide to fully seat. I don't know if someone was drunk on the job when designing this feature or what. Again, i contacted other builders....All of them ran into the same issue. The "solution" to this is to basically dremel away the entire ledge so the slide stop can seat properly. P80's response to this was also denial that it could possible be a manufacturers defect.

What made this situation even worse was Polymer 80's complete denial that these were issues. Linking you to a video on how to jimmyrig a frame is not proper customer service. They've always had good customer service in the past so this is a pretty big departure.

At this point in time, i can't recommend their G43 frames at all, nor the company. Whatever you do, stay away from the PFSS9.

I just completed my G43 ss 9mm build and you are right! The holes in the metal didn’t come close to the jig drilled holes!
And I’ve done quite a few of them!
What I do now is to use my Northern Tool knife sharpener (band sander) to adjust the frame rails..
The sanding belt I use is the mid grade and is very easy to see where the rails need to be sanded down (the curved are on the rear rail.. I did not sand much but it was by far easier than a curved file or sand paper.. it took just a few minutes to see the holes beginning to “line up” once I got closer to the holes, I use the fine sanding belt (more like a polishing belt) to take off any sharp edges and even polished the rails a little to assist in the break-in process..
This got me in business very easily and super quick!
I will never elongate holes or adjust them with JB Weld again!The metal rails are easy to make fit just as any competent gunsmith does parts to repairing guns..
And I’m actually a locksmith that is used to adjusting things a lot!!

 

[bendelchris25]

Hey guys, i've been wondering about the new poly80 glock 43 build and i decided to make a go of it. Ordered the frame and also ordered all oem everything, from frame to internals. It ended up being a nightmare! It is nothing like the other builds from p80. Virtually all of the other models are easy to build and you don't run into too many issues. The new PFSS9- glock 43 frame is just riddled with problems. I'm recommending everyone stay away from these until P80 gets their act together. I ran into 2 main issues: 1. The real rails are all out of spec in relation to the drilled holes. I spoke to several buddies who had also done the build and they all confirmed they had run into the same issues. Basically, you are going to see metal and the pin will not go in. I contacted P80 and their response was a link to a video which showed how to elongate the holes downwards until you could drive the pin in. The issue with that is you now have upwards slop. Basically, P80 told me to go screw myself when i asked for a fitted rear rail replacement. 2. The second issue is the slide stop has a sort of plastic ledge built into the frame. The issue is the ledge doesn't allow the slide slide to fully seat. I don't know if someone was drunk on the job when designing this feature or what. Again, i contacted other builders....All of them ran into the same issue. The "solution" to this is to basically dremel away the entire ledge so the slide stop can seat properly. P80's response to this was also denial that it could possible be a manufacturers defect. What made this situation even worse was Polymer 80's complete denial that these were issues. Linking you to a video on how to jimmyrig a frame is not proper customer service. They've always had good customer service in the past so this is a pretty big departure. At this point in time, i can't recommend their G43 frames at all, nor the company. Whatever you do, stay away from the PFSS9.

You just **** qt building that's all I have 2 of them no problem at all stop buying garbage parts and thinking you going to be Jon wic

 

[Callducks7]

It's odd all the issues with that frame. I built a PF9ss for my girlfriend in June this year. Easiet build I've done of many.
I used all aftermarket parts except Glock mag and rear sight.
The only issues I had was assembling the trigger assembly which takes 3 hands. Also the Glock mag V-2 would not take 6 rounds without sanding down the front of the follower!
Other than that build was easy and has run flawlessly. She loves it!

 

[Mitch Mitchell]

Polymer80 must have fixed a lot of the issues listed in this thread because I didn’t have any trouble with my build.

The only issue I have seen is that the RSA is very sensitive to how you position it when reassembling after field stripping. Symptoms of not getting it just right are either binding when removing the slide or the outer spring hitting part of the frame and preventing pulling the slide all the way back.

it’s more of matter of being careful when reassembling it though as once positioned correctly it shoots just fine.

 

[CBTENGR]

While the PF9SS does have its quirks that the other frames do not have, it still isn't hard to finish or assemble. Like with any build, it is important to get the pin holes drilled correctly, fitting rails and making sure they are level, along with making sure the RSA channel is 100% finished.

And those that have issues with the -02 G43 magazines, it is the magazines and NOT your frame. I had similar issues with the -02 mags in my older OEM G43, PF9SS and SS80 frames.

 

[Callducks7]

Yes, it is absolutely the magazines not the frame. Glock changed the follower and the spring in Version 2.

 

[CBTENGR]

There is a long thread about the changes. I ended up filing off a very small amount of material from the bottom of the -02 followers to get them to work. Others have clipped the spring to get them to work.