By TTAG reader Andrew Jennings
The world of firearms is full of accessories, from practical to tactical. Most gun enthusiasts are looking for adaptability: an accessory’s ability to seamlessly interface with the gun owner’s existing equipment. Products like the Hatfield’s Tactical Racker . . .
The Hatfield’s Tactical Racker replaces a GLOCK brand GLOCK’s rear slide plate cover, creating a wide surface area for racking the slide. Using the Tactical Racker you can rack a GLOCK’s slide with one hand against solid objects. That’s excellent for quickly addressing malfunctions. Yes, GLOCK fanboys, even one of Gaston’s finest can malfunction. The next question: why bother? Can you rack a GLOCK’s slide one-handed without it?
Yes and no. You can rack a GLOCK’s standard rear sight against something solid. But there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to master the motor skills necessary in a stressful situation. The wide, U-shaped Tactical Racker stands proud of the gun’s butt on both side of the pistol. This increases your one-handed racking options – and ability – considerably.
I test-racked the Tactical Racker installed on a GLOCK 17 one-handed against myself and a variety of objects around Mr. Hatfield’s custom gunsmithing shop: table top, door jam, pants pocket, plate carrier and so on. After forcibly racking the slide on a door frame several times, it laughed and asked for more. Importantly, the Racker worked perfectly when I used it against my belt, even when it was buried underneath my shirt. That is not a done deal with a standard GLOCK rear sight.
You can purchase a Tactical Racker for around $50 with an option of a Crimson Trace adaptation for an additional $10. It’s been over a year since I installed the Tactical Racker on my GLOCK 19. It’s improved the way that I manipulate the firearm, and given me even more confidence (yes confidence) in my choice of carry gun. Whether carried in an inside-the-waistband or outside-the-waistband holster, the Racker never protruded enough to pinch my person.
This simple modification could be a matter of life-or-death for an armed self-defender. Even if it isn’t, just knowing it’s there makes it worth the price of admission.
Ratings (out of 5 stars):
Build Quality * * * *
The Racker is rock solid on the rear of the GLOCK’s slide.
Finish Quality * * *
The finish is not perfect; there are machining marks. And? If you’re worried about marking up something meant to be used and abused, you’re doing it wrong.
Ease of Installation * * *
I had to lightly file one side of the inner lip to fit smoothly on the G19. It could have fit with force, but taking a hammer to the Tactical Racker didn’t seem like the best of options.
Value * * * *
I reckon it’s worth every penny. Given the odds of having to use it, others may disagree. Profoundly.
Overall * * * *
It works as advertised.