KKM Precision Barrel for G17 - Initial Impressions

[ShaneS]

I've had Glocks for years, and never had any problems with Glock factory barrels, but decided to buy my first aftermarket barrel in case I decided to shoot lead bullets in the future (bullet prices).

After considering all the options and going back and fourth in my mind for a week or so, I settled on a drop-in KKM Precision barrel for my new Glock 17.

I decided against a Bar-sto barrel because it might have to be fitted a little. I read mixed reviews about Lone Wolf and Storm Lake barrels. After 10 days, Lone Wolf finally delivered my KKM barrel :steamed:.

The barrel looked great - precisely machined and nicely finished - almost a work of metal art. It slid right into the slide and locked up tight. The stainless barrel looks really good in contrast to the all black pistol, I think.

I took it to an indoor range this morning and shot a variety of factory and reloaded ammo (80 rounds) including fmj, jhp and +p rounds. Not a single malfunction. Fed everything like a champ! I'm always leery of changing anything on my Glocks for fear I'll start to have reliability problems.

Maybe it was a fluke or I was having an exceptionally good morning, but I shot better with the new barrel. I usually shoot slightly left but everything was right on center this time with even an occasional shot to the right! My groups were better.

I am impressed with the KKM barrel so far.

[gwhit]

That's great. I ordered, I think, the last G36 barrels from Jarvis and should be getting it this week. I shoot lead reloads. Glad to hear the KKM is working. KKM does not make one for the G36.

[ccooter79]

That is good to hear as I came to the same conclusion about which barrel to order.

I hope it shoots as good or better than factory.

[ShaneS]

I took the new KKM barrel, that is the subject of this post, out to the range again this afternoon. This time at an outdoor range with steel plates.

I fired another 75 or so rounds out of it with no feeding or ejection problems whatsoever. Accuracy was good - better than me.

The barrel locks up perfectly. Not too tight, not too loose. I think the chamber is big enough for reliable feeding but still offers plenty of chamber support. It was truly drop-in as advertised. The feedramp came nicely polished.

I wish the KKM Precision name wasn't so prominent but its not a big deal.

I wouldn't buy an aftermarket barrel unless you are going to shoot lead. But if you do, I recommend a KKM barrel. It may cost a little more but seems to be very well made and is truly drop-in.

[ShaneS]

I took the G17 with the KKM barrel to the range last Saturday. All rounds fed perfectly. Accuracy is definitely better. I used to shoot consistently a little to the left but am now shooting to point of aim. I don't think my technique has changed. I consistently shoot better than ever with the KKM barrel.

I was shooting handloads with Xtreme or Berry's plated bullets. Accuracy was excellent.

The KKM barrel is precision made and nicely finished. I'm still glad I paid the extra money for the barrel. The satin stainless barrel looks good in constrast to the all black Glock.

[ShaneS]

I shot another 50 rounds through the G17 KKM barrel this past weekend at an indoor range in Tyler, Texas (Lock n Load). 50 rounds were my quality plated reloads and 3 were Speer +p Gold Dot factory ammo. All fired and fed flawlessly. Accuracy and reliability are still great. So far the barrel has shot factory and reloaded FMJ round nose ammo and factory JHP's from Cor-bon and Speer with good accuracy and complete reliability. No unusual wear on the barrel or pistol. Lock up is perfect.

I keep this thread updated because there didn't seem to be a lot of detailed information about aftermarket barrels on the forum.

[Ridge Runner]

Is the KKM barrel a fully supported chamber?


How much?

[ShaneS]

First, let me say that I don't know. It doesn't say on their website, and I can't really tell.

However, most aftermarket Glock barrels are more supported in the chamber area and have tighter dimensions in every area. I suspect my KKM barrel is designed the same way. My brass doesn't show any bulges or anything. The chamber doesn't seem to be particularly tight or loose, maybe just right.

The chamber surface is a little rougher than the factory barrel. It leaves little tiny scratches on the brass unlike my Beretta 92FS or other Glock barrels. It isn't noticeable to anyone other than a handloader and not problematic.

[Paulie G]

Did you do any sort of break-in for your new barrel. I can't find any information on this, maybe it isn't necessary.

[ShaneS]

I didn't do any break-in. Fact is I haven't even cleaned it yet. Just dry mopped the inside and spread some CLP on the outside. I've never heard of barrel break-in for pistols. The inside of the barrel had a mirror finish when it was new. Probably not necessary.

I am impressed with the quality of the machining and finish.