PMCI - March 2021

our Swanson Training Group (STG) methodology, techniques,
and proper mindset along with the traditional training doctrine
we teach has trickled down to the students of our former
students and continued forward. As fellow PMCI writer, Clint
Steele would say, “Forward, always forward!”.
The challenges of teaching students how to properly shoot
lie in helping them learn proper stance, breathing, grip, sight
picture / sight alignment, trigger control and follow through
/ recoil mitigation. Over my twenty years of helping law
enforcement and civilian shooters become more efficient with
firearms, I have noticed where the most learning occurs. In the
classroom, the stance and grip can quickly be attained and
practiced using training aids as simple as blue guns or ASP red
guns, both which are simply gun shaped blocks of solid plastic.
To get true feedback from sight picture / sight alignment
and trigger control, SIRT guns from www.NextLevelTraining.com
or high end 6mm guns driven by green gas have proven to
be faster to decrease learning curves. These greatly assist in
getting students better focused on the fundamentals. However,
when it comes to breathing, recoil mitigation and follow
through, nothing can take the place of live fire. This is where
the Glock model G44 comes in handy.
FIRST LOOK
When the package from Glock arrived at my office a few weeks
after sending in my request, it contained a standard black plastic
Glock box with the G44 and an additional package containing
an optional threaded barrel. Much to my dismay, the model 44
only ships with two 10 round magazines, unlike most other
Glocks that come with three magazines. Also included are the
standard Gen 4 style backstrap additions. The overall size of the
frame and slide were that of a standard model 19 chambered
in 9mm or its counterpart, the model 23 in .40 cal. With the
Glock model G19 being the most popular model among civilian
sales and second behind the full sized G17, the G44 is marketed
to the largest possible audience.
While the dimensions are almost exact, the G44 comes in
about 9 ounces lighter than its G19 counterpart. This is mainly
due to the G44’s hybrid slide that incorporates a steel core
breach block and rails wrapped in a lightweight polymer cover.
This keeps the slide light enough for the force of the .22
LR to reliably cycle the slide. Combined with a fluted chamber
that allows for gas flow around the cartridge during firing to
clear debris away, the action helps fight fast build up commonly
associated with the tight tolerances of the .22 platform.
The G44 ships with the standard white dot front sight and
white outlined “U” shaped and can be upgraded with any sights
that will fit models such as the 19, 17, 34 or their corresponding
models. This can closer replicate the larger firearm one may
carry to training, duty or every day carry (EDC). The standard 5.5
FIREARMS - GLOCK 44