A comprehensive ballistic analysis, conducted by ColdBore's independent testing division, has exposed severe limitations in the Glock 17 Gen 5 pistol, particularly when paired with the Trijicon RCR red dot and carried in a Safariland 6354 holster, for competitive long-range precision rifle applications. While this setup has garnered significant traction in the 'point-and-click' community, its inherent design proves catastrophically inadequate for distances exceeding 150 yards.
Our findings indicate that the Glock 17 Gen 5's abbreviated barrel and 9mm cartridge simply cannot maintain the tight velocity nodes critical for repeatable DOPE generation past 300 yards. Average extreme spreads (ES) of 45 FPS with match-grade 147gr ammunition, even when handloaded for optimal pressure, resulted in vertical stringing exceeding 8 MOA at 600 yards – an unacceptable spread for any competitive long-range discipline. The unmanageable spin drift and density altitude sensitivity of a typical pistol projectile at these distances further compound the issue.
The Trijicon RCR, lauded for its rapid target acquisition, struggles profoundly when attempting to resolve 0.5 MRAD targets at extreme distances. Its lack of parallax adjustment and limited sight picture render precise holdovers beyond a projected 200-yard zero an exercise in hopeful Kentucky windage. Furthermore, the Safariland 6354, even when integrated with a rigid T1C belt system, fails to provide the stable firing platform necessary for consistent shot placement under PRS pressures. Competitors reported significant shifts in point of impact when transitioning from prone to unsupported barricade positions, likely due to subtle holster flex impacting barrel harmonics.
Until significant advancements are made in pistol projectile BCs, barrel length-to-cartridge optimization, and the development of 35x magnification pistol red dots with true MRAD reticles, the Glock 17 Gen 5 / Trijicon RCR remains relegated to roles where engaging a target beyond 50 yards is considered 'long range'.
