by David Crane
david (at) defensereview (dot) com
Photo Credit: FSSG
June 5, 2001
Every once in a while, something comes along that is so interesting, it is simply hard to believe that it’s actually possible–that it really exists. The FSSG Fire-Selector System is just one of those things. In a nutshell, this is the single coolest aftermarket product we’ve ever encountered for the Glock family of pistols. Unfortunately, it is also a highly restricted item that is only available to law enforcement and military clients. The device is constructed of reinforced glass filled polymer, and attaches to the back of any Glock pistol, turning it into a fully automatic select-fire weapon. It’s currently being marketed by Jerry Peterson’s SCARS company to military and law enforcement clients in the U.S. and abroad.
From the reports we’ve gotten, the FSSG is supposed to be extremely durable(as durable as the pistol itself) and reliable, and does not add significant weight to the slide. We’ve actually known about this unit for around 3 years now. Defense Review intends to obtain one of the units for a detailed evaluation at a later date. This will be just one of many weapons evaluations we will be conducting, using our own proprietary testing protocols. Now, back to discussing the FSSG.
It was originally invented by a Mr. Jorge A. Leon of Venezuela, and holds U.S. patent number US5705763. The FSSG Fire Selector System replaces the standard Glock backplate, and is just as fast and easy to change out from one Glock to another as the original factory part is. It does not matter what the caliber of a particular Glock model is. It will fit on any model. This is a huge logistical advantage for any department or military unit, as sometimes a particular pistol will go down in a manner that cannot be fixed by a Glock armorer. If this happens with a standard Glock 18, the factory version full auto Glock, one would have to send the gun back to Glock, and wait for either a repair or replacement. Not so with the FSSG.
With this device, all you have to do is quickly remove it from the inoperable weapon, and attach it to another that is in perfect working order. The other primary advantage to the FSSG is that the Glock 18 only comes in one caliber and one model, 9mm in a Glock 17 sized package. What if you want a full-auto Glock 19 or Glock 21? What if things are really bad, and your team needs a guy who can rock n’ roll with a 10mm. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an FSSG you can just slap on your Glock 20 and call it a day? Keep in mind that the unit, from all reports, does not change the superlative reliability of the standard Glock pistol.
The author would like to state here and now that neither he, nor Defense Review, has any stake in the success or lack thereof of the FSSG in the marketplace. However, when that rare product comes out that turns everything on it’s head, it deserves some positive press–unless of course it does not work as advertised. Again, from all reports, the FSSG device works totally reliably, but Defense Review would still very much like to run one through it’s paces in the not too distant future.
To visit the FSSG website, CLICK HERE
To go to the FSSG page on the SCARS website, click on this link.
Rush International Corp. also has a sales page for the FSSG on their site. Click here to see it.