WHAT IS THE GUCCI GLOCK? THE HIGH-TECH PISTOL USED FOR NNSA SECURITY
Security personnel at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) will soon be upgrading their standard sidearm to what some people are comparing to a "Gucci Glock." Security experts for the NNSA Office of Secure Transportation (OST) have essential missions, such as safeguarding caravans of nuclear weapons and other sensitive cargoes. If everything goes smoothly, personnel will upgrade to the Glock-inspired ZEV Technologies' OZ9 X Combat pistol. Let's check out this insane pistol that was made from the ground up. Read next:Here’s How the Sig Sauer M17 & 18 Continue To Outclass the Competition
National Nuclear Security Administration and the Gucci Glock
Before we jump into what the new Gucci Glock entails, some of you may ask, "How does the government transport nuclear weapons?" That's where the Office of Secure Transportation comes into play. According to the National Nuclear Security Administration, OST Federal agents are responsible for "the safe and secure transport of government-owned special nuclear materials in the contiguous United States." On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy, responsible for the NNSA and OST, submitted a contracting notice. The notice explains that "OST has an operational need to replace its current secondary duty weapon with a 9mm handgun that is not only concealable but provides OST FAs with short-range day and night defensive capabilities when their primary weapon is not being utilized." The U.S Department of Energy, NNSA, and OST plan to purchase the ZEV Tech OZ9C X Combat 9mm Pistol for federal agents "by means of other than full and open competition," which most likely is referring to a sole-source contract with the government.
ZEV OZ9C Review
ZEV Technologies is known for producing accessories and upgrades such as high-end slides for Glock pistols. In fact, ZEV Technologies is partially responsible for the term Gucci Glock because of its high-end accessories and custom Glocks. That was until early 2019, when ZEV started producing their own pistols, which, let's say, are reminiscent of Gucci Glocks. OST Federal agents have extremely important – and not to mention dangerous – jobs, so clearly, the OZ9C X Compact has to be a unique firearm, right? Well, indeed it is! The first feature that comes to mind is the removable chassis. The removable chassis system is solid steel and runs the pistol's length, allowing multiple frames and slides to be added without needing an additional chassis. The chassis rail stands out, as well, compared to other weapons, such as the Sig P320, in that it's attached to the chassis, making it extremely sturdy. Another feature that makes the pistol so remarkable is the slide. The slide comes with serrations on the front and back of the gun, which make it easy to grip the slide and, if you're a pro, conduct press checks. The slide also has an RMR cut, allowing for the installation of red dot sights. The frame is inspired by their 1911-type pistols, which utilize an 18-degree grip angle, giving it an excellent fit for the hand while keeping the muzzle down. Lastly, the modular system also offers a lot because users can switch out frames for more compact ones if needed.
Testing for the ZEV OZ9C
We're not the only ones who think the OZ9C is unique; the OST does, too. Specifically, field testing for the OZ9C occurred January 25-27, 2022, and ZEV slayed it based on the testing criteria. According to the contracting notice, "the ZEV 0Z-9 handgun received the highest individual scores when it came to weight, damage resistance, low light operations, point ability, ergonomics, malfunctions, recoil management, and overall impression."
The OZ9C Going Forward
How many OZ9s the NNSA plans to purchase for OST Federal agents is unknown. Additionally, how much the guns will cost is unclear, but according to the ZEV website, the OZ9C X Compact Pistol costs around $1,099. It's by no means a cheap pistol, but considering the elite-level features and high-end accessories, it's bound to cost a pretty penny. They’re double the price of a Smith and Wesson M&P and a Glock 17. According to the contracting notice, OST agents are still open to competitive alternatives ‘til July 9, 2022, so if they don't receive a better offer, Federal agents will be wielding high-end Gucci Glocks. Related read:Meet the Sig MCX Rattler: Latest Defense Weapon for U.S. Special Ops
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