Photo by John Boch
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From the first time I saw the CAA MCK, or “Micro Conversion Kit” I fell in love with it. At first blush I thought the $250 device would turn my GLOCK into a pistol-caliber carbine. In fact, I had high hopes for it to provide me a low-cost, personal defense braced pistol.

First off, the MCK itself isn’t a firearm. The device (you can call it an accessory if you like) acts as a chassis into which you can mount your handgun. No tools required.

Mated with a pistol, it looks a lot like a subgun of sorts. Illegal to shoulder and fire, you worry? Not thanks to an ATF Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch determination letter, which says users may lawfully shoulder and fire the device with the pistol brace.

Why stuff your pistol into this device? In a nutshell: improved capabilities, especially for novices, along with those with hand strength issues or the disabled. Also under the hand strength category, the charging handle on the MCK has nice wings for ambidextrous use, making it very friendly for disabled or differently-abled (arthritis, etc.) users.

The MCK is readily available for three types of guns: the GLOCK 17-18-19 size models, the SIG P320 series and another for the S&W M&P 2.0 series. See the CAA website or The Glock Store for further details.

The MCK allows the addition of all manner of helpful accessories to your pistol via the device. Flashlight(s), sling, iron sights (with a longer sight radius for increased precision) all would potentially improve versatility and ergonomics of the pistol platform. Toasters, compasses, bayonets and other stuff that will mount to pic rails, maybe not so much.

Photo by John Boch

Throw on a holographic red-dot sight and even novice users (or those with disabilities) can shoot reasonably well with faster target acquisition and better recoil control. Co-witnessing is a breeze.

Photo by John Boch

Whoever designed the MCK did so with a lot of thought. It even stows a spare magazine for a handy reload.  A little leverage is required to retrieve the spare magazine that’s held primarily through friction. It won’t fall out on its own. Not even close.

Photo by John Boch

At the same time, the brace conveniently folds. In the folded configuration, the whole thing becomes a nice, easily transported package that fits in a computer bag. It even fits in my range bag, albeit snugly.

What will it cost you? The device itself sells for about $250 from The Glock Store (where I got mine) and other outlets. Every once in a while, they go on sale for $200.

The thumb rests are very useful.  Photo by John Boch

An optional accessory kit runs about $185 (or $150 on sale). The accessory kit includes a single-point sling, sling swivel, right and left side thumb rests, a flashlight and some generic-looking pop-up “iron” sights made mostly of plastic.

I had to Dremel about an eighth of an inch off my front sight to allow it to go down far enough to properly co-witness the irons with the SIG Romeo 5 red dot.

Overall, if you get the MCK, I recommend the accessory kit. The thumb stops are very nice

Photo by John Boch

They claim the flashlight has an output of 500 lumens. Not a chance. I’d say it’s closer to a hundred lumens to be generous. However, that’s plenty for its intended use. It fits very nicely into the designated slot in the MCK chassis without the use of tools.

By rotating it 180 degrees, you control which side to activate it with a “clicky” on-off switch. There is no momentary function (sad face).

For my first of two rigs, I installed the accessory kit and the SIG SAUER Romeo 5 red dot with a G17 (Gen3 for those counting…a Gen2 would not fit). The second kit got dressed up with a GLOCK 19 (Gen2 fit fine…), another Romeo 5 but with Magpul pop-ups and no accessory kit.

While I’m not reviewing the accessory kit per se, I will say the CAA pop-up irons lacked the dead-nuts rigidity of Magpul’s pop-ups. They didn’t suck, but they weren’t Magpuls.

One observation: the MCK was not auto-zeroing for me. Once I removed my gun from the MCK and reinserted either the same gun or a different one, it caused a change in the point of impact. I noticed a pretty consistent change of about 12 MOA (three inches at 25 yards, often at about the 10:00 position). The same thing happened when swapping out different guns.

Specifications: CAA Micro Carbine Kit (MCK)

Width: 2.48″
Height: 5.70″
Length: 13.70″
Price:  $249 (street)

Ratings (out of five stars):

Reliability:  * * * * *
I experienced zero malfunctions while using either of the MCKs. At the same time, the Gen2 GLOCK 17 would not fit into either of the units, while a Gen2 GLOCK 19 would, without any issue.  In other words, you’ll know right away if the MCK won’t play nicely with your gun. If it fits properly, at least with the GLOCKs, it doesn’t create reliability problems. Which is good if you’re going to use it for personal defense or defense of the homestead.

Accuracy: * * *
Short version: admittedly (and like most) I don’t shoot like Travis Haley or Bill Oglesby. At the same time, this device easily provided me the means to shrink my group size at 25 yards by half or more. That borders on dramatic.

Longer version: with patience and care, I struggled (often unsuccessfully) to keep five-shot strings at 25 yards in a 3-inch circle with both units from the bench. That’s easily half the group size of what I can do firing the handgun conventionally.  Even with the slightly shorter barrel, the G19 didn’t seem to shoot bigger groups than the G17. Both guns were equipped with the 3.5-pound GLOCK “target” triggers.

Meanwhile, at fifty yards (pictured, above), the groups opened to closer to 8-inches (and about 6” low from the 25-yard zero). It is no rifle, that’s for sure.  Not even close.

Moving back to 100 yards, I could keep most shots on a B-27 target, but the rounds fell about 26 inches(!) below my 25-yard zero. This disappointing accuracy came about using the G19 and the finest Federal 115gr. FMJ, aluminum-cased ammo Walmart sold prior to Wally World selling out gun owners. I didn’t run the GLOCK 17 at 50 or 100 yards. (I had seven guns to sight in and limited time that day.  Not to mention that conditions were hot and sunny.)

Also worth noting: The rail on top seemed like it was made of plastic (polymer) and was mounted to the chassis with some screws. There was a tiny amount of play, at least with the CAA Accessory Kit pop-ups.

Ease of Use: * * * *
Yes, it’s easy to use once you get your gun mounted and sighted in. However, that auto-zeroing issue means you have to go to the range to re-sight it in each time you remove the gun from the chassis is a major PITA if you want optimal accuracy. And I prefer optimal accuracy.

Versatility: * * * * *
The MCK has all manner of options for accessories and you can dress it up, just like a Barbie Doll for adults.  You can add lights, lasers, pop-up iron sights, holographic sight(s), as well as a sling and a host of other devices to improve the MCK’s performance for an individual’s needs.

An additional versatility aspect? Putting an MCK in your car as a “trunk gun.” If a bad guy breaks in, at most he steals a bunch of accessories that won’t do a thing without a real gun. And with a pistol, suddenly you have something that will make consistent, solid hits out to 50 yards or even 100, depending upon your skill sets.

Value: * * *
Is is a great value? It depends(tm). Maybe, if you have a bunch of accessories laying around the house, then yes.

Are you’re trying to save a bunch of money over buying a dedicated pistol-caliber carbine…not so much. The math comes easy: $250 for MCK, $185 for the accessory kit, $190 for Romeo 5 plus a $600 GLOCK equals $1250-ish. Sure, you can get some of these on sale now and then, but you’re still over a $1000 on your best day. And you don’t get a fraction of the performance of a nice pistol-caliber carbine like the Freedom Ordnance FX-9 braced “pistol.” ($650 street plus $190 Romeo 5 plus sling & swivel: $900.)

However, you can leave the MCK assembly in your car or trunk to give you the ability to reach out to 50 or maybe even 100 yards without worrying that a thief will break into your car and come away with a gun.

Overall: * * * 1/2
The MCK will help you open new doors to getting more from your pistol. But it won’t turn your pistol into a real pistol-caliber carbine.

Personally, I felt a little let down as the device didn’t turn my GLOCK 17 or 19 into the pistol-caliber carbine like I’d hoped. Yet for young teens or those without solid handgun skills, I suspect the MCK would offer them a big improvement in their ability to confidently and reliably make good hits, especially in less than ideal conditions. Also, those with hand strength issues will probably like the big ambidextrous charging handles.

At the same time, the lack of “auto zeroing”/retaining the point of aim/point of impact when removing and re-inserting the gun into the chassis is a disappointment. Obviously, the MCK isn’t for Olympic-level marksmanship. At the same time, three inches at 25 yards certainly meets the “minute of bad guy” standard of accuracy needed for self-defense.

 

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109 COMMENTS

  1. Never understood these. A true PCC has a true carbine setup, with longer barrel. There was one I considered (that’s not legal in CA if I understand our labyrinthine laws correctly) that comes as a complete upper, and you just connect it to your Glock lower to make a really nice complete PCC. Hickock45 reviewed them in both 9mm and 10mm (preferred).

    But this setup shown in the article is just window dressing. My LGS had one and tried to sell it to me at his cost just to unload it because nobody wanted it. After checking it out and realizing it does nothing to improve the Glock you slip inside it, I passed on it, too.

        • A few years ago GlockStore in San Diego had a CCA Micro Roni kit with a 16″ barrel for us CA folks. It would have make a great HD gun that any family member can use.

        • Magtech Starts at $434 currently. That’s well into budget frankenAR territory. Ruger PC9s can be found under $500 without difficulty. Kel Tecs Sub 2000s are generally between $400 and $500, and I’m sure high point is well under all of those.

          It is supposed to be a free country, so people should be able to buy anything that strikes their fancy. But why bother with Magtech when I can get a pistol caliber carbine for about the same price, and potentially one that shares mags and ammo with my pistol, and not tie up the pistol in the process?

    • You miss the value of this thing.

      As the review describes, if you can’t hit the broad side of a barn with your glock, this might help you to hit the barn.

      It is also extremely valuable as a place to store several pounds of accessories for your glock.

      But, most important for most users, it just looks SO tactikool

  2. “I recommend the accessory kit. The ($185) thumb rests are very nice”…yeah, about that…

    My LGS showed me one recently…had to pass on it. However, they had just taken in a lightly used Sig 226 MK25 (with 4 “standard” capacity mags) in a trade…for $750 and 15 minutes of my time it went home with me…score one for being in the right place at the right time (for once).

  4. I have one with a G17. It’s an improvement over the pistol alone in 2 ways: additional points of contact for faster target transitions, and the use of a non-reciprocating optic allowing faster follow up shots. For me, under stress (timer), target acquisition is faster, and hit probability higher, than with the pistol alone at the same distances. I chose a circle-dot optic; hits land somewhere in the circle, not necessarily on the dot. “Combat accuracy”. If bullseye precision shooting is your game, this probably isn’t for you.

  5. I was explaining how a Glock saftey works to s new gunm user. Their comment”Sounds like to make them safe you don’t load them.” ,.

    • Good point – in this chassis there is no way to cover the trigger, so carrying/stowing/slinging a loaded chamber may not be wise. A Siderlock may be an option; however, some people don’t like the idea of having to go near the trigger guard to manipulate the safety.

  7. Thank you for the thorough review, John. You have convinced me that my Glock 17 should remain a pistol and to purchase a PCC if I want a PCC. You saved me from making a mistake.

  8. Not sure if any changes have been made with more recent revisions, but during an evaluation last year we found these kits didn’t work with Simunition, UTM, or Advantage Arms kits. Furthermore, in short F/A bursts, the flashlight inserts had a tendency to pop off the ends of the guns. They must’ve changed the bulbs though because the units we had were obscenely bright; (almost too bright for the intended uses).

    Random internet advice: Get a B&T USW kit if you really need something like this; (but chances are you don’t). Unlike an MP5, neither the B&T or Roni kits will make a bad shooter better.

  9. I have one and it works well. It makes the Glock very accurate at 50+yards. Knocks the crap out of a gong at 100. Its great to keep in the truck while you carry the pistol. Keep a few hi-caps with it and you have a neat little kit if you need it and there are no concerns about keeping a gun in the car.

  10. I pays to shop around online. Picked one up for fun at Optics Planet for an M&P for 3 bills.
    $169 for the MCK
    $129 for the accessory kit
    Free shipping promo

  11. First, a safety note: this will only properly work with a Gen3-5 Glock. The picatinny slot on the dustcover is one of the retention points, and a tab fits in there to secure the handgun. Without that pic rail the gun is only held in place by the rear block, the trigger guard overmold, and the rubber sleeve over the slide. Those three may be enough, but they aren’t the total of 4 points designed. Given that your weak hand is literally in front of the muzzle as you fire, highly recommend you use all retention available.

    Second, POI shifts on the MCK are atrocious. Change ammo, change mags, stare off in the distance for a couple seconds, and the next 3-5rd group jumps 4-6” in a random direction at 15yds. I noticed that the MCK is susceptible to a lot of flexing in every axis; twist the gun a little and it indeed moves, and does so in any direction you apply pressure. It’s only a 1/8”-1/4” movement at the edge of the pistol…but that translates to whole inches of POI shift at a few yards. I tried using a benchrest to isolate the gun in the chassis, but the madness continued.

    I had high hopes of selling off my MPX and some other PCCs and using the MCK in those roles…nope. MCKs are sold.

    It’s a range toy, nothing more. I’ll admit it was a fun range toy, very lightweight, and fun to flick that brace out to the locked position. But trying to get a red dot zeroed at 15yds was the epitome of frustration.

  13. I love the product but disappointed at the poor customer service from CAA. On three occasions I emailed CAA in regards to purchase a extra charging handle to get no response.

  15. Bought one as a range toy, nothing else. Can’t take my money with me when I go, so might as well have some fun with it I thought.
    Accuracy with the red dot was perfect. Only noticed later that it blew out the flashlight and destroyed the retention clips for it. Really didn’t need that for playing anyway.
    All in all, it was fun, easy, and light to shoot my Glock from.
    Would I buy another? Not very likely.

  16. I dont know but after putting 200 rounds throw my new Conversion kid I have got visible damage on the slid and the front bottom half of my Glock 19 gen 3.

    It’s a great pleace of tec but not at the price of my Glock

  17. Stayed accurate for me when I went to the range, boresighter always zeroes up with my optic when removing and re-inserting. Sure this isn’t user error? Lots of people seem to mess up some part of the locking mechanisms when new to it like one reviewer that had constant jams that ended up being due to not having the rear door locked all of the way.

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