Quick! What’s the most customizable handgun on the market?
You could argue it’s the 1911 but…I’d hazard to say Glock pistols beat out most handguns when it comes to customizing.
Glock, Glock, Glock — I know it’s easy to get sick of hearing all about Glock. They are a platform that can’t be ignored.
A dominant force.
The series is in use by every type of user. Cops, military members, and your every day, Dick and Jane carry Glocks.
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A benefit to this, though, is a massive aftermarket. Upgrades range from sights, triggers, and even weird subgun-esque brace kits.
And today our focus is on these brace kits.
Off the top of my head, I can think of close to half a dozen different models. We have the Kidon, the KPOS, The Flux, the Hera kits, the CAA Micro Roni, and the newest model, the Recover Tactical 20/20 brace system.
The KPOS, Flux, Hera, and even the Kidon kits are quite expensive, but the Roni and 20/20 are downright affordable.
Seeing as how I have both, I decided to take a look at them in detail to see which is the best.
Buckle up, because in this article we are going to compare and contrast the Gen 4 Micro Roni and the Recover Tactical 20/20. Ultimately, we’re going to get to the bottom of which is superior.
Table of Contents
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What the Heck Are These Things?
If you are new to turning Glocks into much bigger pistol platforms, then the confusion might be palpable.
These kits are simple, though.
Clamping on or around a Glock, they turn your small pistol into a much larger pistol — often making it the size of a subgun style pistol like an SP5, Scorpion, etc.
To many, these kits are somewhat silly. And I get that.
They are more of a fun novelty with very niche practical use.
The majority of come from Israel, and there’s a reason for that.
Israel’s gun laws make it harder to get semi-auto rifles than pistols. Israel initially made these kits with stocks — not braces — for use in Israel.
They don’t have SBR laws, so attaching a stock to their Glock isn’t an issue.
Because America is America, we love customization! Gun laws….not so much.
It’s a hefty requirement to pay $200 for a true SBR. Let’s not forget the paperwork. All to finally be allowed to toss a stock on your pistol.
And that, kids, is why we love pistol braces.
Want to dive into the history of pistol braces and the ATF? Check out our article explaining it all.
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Manufacturers are happy to tap into that and provide braced variants of these products.
The Micro Roni and Recover Tactical 20/20 are two such Israeli-invented items that have made their way to American shores.Â
They are mighty similar, but also quite different in their approaches.
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Right now, I’ll tell you both are pretty neat and well made. They both provide a braced option for your Glock pistol, and neither has any crazy issue that immediately disqualifies it.
Overall Specs
The Recover Tactical 20/20 is a more minimalistic design that keeps things a good bit lighter.
The Micro Roni system makes your Glock longer in both directions and features a full-on shell that wraps around the gun.
Weight-wise, the RT 20/20 weighs 1-pound in its base level configuration.
Meanwhile, the Micro Roni weighs 2.5-pounds.
The RT 20/20 is also about 3.4-inches shorter, and overall, it’s a lot slimmer.
There are three variations of the Roni: the Micro, the MCK, and the standard Roni system.
The Micro Roni will fit the full-size and compact Glocks in the standard frame configuration. This means Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, and the .357 SIG and .45 GAP guns.
Users only have to adjust the compensator forward or rearward to accommodate different slide lengths.
Your standard Roni will fit the same guns, but will also accommodate the Glock 17L and weird format Glocks like a 34 slide on a 17 frame.
If big-bore Glock 21 and 20 models are your favorite flavor, you’ll want to make sure you get the MCK designed just for these.
Sadly, no such option exists for the RT 20/20 just yet.
Installation
Let’s talk about how to put these dang things on! At first glance, they can look a little complicated, but I assure you — they’re not.
First up: The Micro Roni.
This brace features a quick drop-in installation that requires zero tools or changes to your Glock platform.
Simply open the bottom hatch of the Roni, attach the Glock to the integral charging handle, and push the Glock forward, locking it into the brace.
Boom, easy!
The Recover Tactical 20/20 has a more involved installation that requires the use of an Allen wrench to remove a bolt to install/remove the Glock.
You have to remove the bolt, ensure the brace is unlocked, and then install the Glock into the device.
It’s less simple, but still pretty effective.
I also appreciate that the Recover Tactical 20/20 comes with two optional charging handles: a low and a high charging handle.
While they are optional, it’s tough to easily use the RT 20/20 without them. Installation requires a smaller Allen wrench and can be a minor hassle.
Overall, I prefer the installation of the Micro Roni over the Recover Tactical. It’s simple, and the drop-in design is rather nice. The tool-based design of the RT 20/20 isn’t a big pain in the bum, but I like to minimize the need for tools when possible.
Customization
When it comes to customization between brace styles, the competition is not necessarily fair.
It’s like watching Star Wars and Star Trek. Sure, they are similar in many ways, but also vastly different.
Roni’s customization comes from the shell itself. The large shell allows you to install lights, lasers, and optics.
The massive scope rail at the top leaves room for anything from red dots to LPVOs or tacked on NVG monoculars and magnifiers.
Side rails allow for lights and lasers, and there is a slot for a specially made integral flashlight should you choose it.
The Micro Roni also doesn’t impede the use of aftermarket frame upgrades. New triggers, safeties, and slide releases all remain in play. There is also an additional integral magazine attachment, but according to the YRS website, this classifies the Roni as an “any other weapon.”
On the other hand, the RT 20/20 allows you to use all of your frame upgrades as well as all your slide upgrades.
This includes mounted mini red dots, threaded barrels with suppressors or compensators, as well as night sights, and whatever other doodads you choose to attach.
The RT 20/20 also sports side rails, as well as a button rail for attaching accessories. While it’s not released yet, there is an upcoming optics mount that will bolt to the side of the brace and allow for the mounting of full-sized red dots.
Being able to toss on a suppressor is a big plus for guys who love their cans. I imagine it makes the platform compact and quiet.
What I like about the RT 20/20 is that it’s quite modular, and Recover Tactical is releasing various upgrades to the system.
This includes a forward magazine mount that is not a grip, the aforementioned optic mount, and even a stock for those who choose to go full SBR with it.
The RT 20/20 also has a holster setup that allows you to completely cover the trigger and carry safely.
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It uses the IWI style roto pattern, and there is a number of aftermarket options to change the configuration of the holster. The platform is small and light enough that it’s not a hassle to carry via holster, but don’t expect to concealed carry this thing.
Ergonomics
Both of these kits make it rather difficult to use the slide lock with a single hand. They hover above it, leaving very little room for my sausage fingers to work. For reloads, stick to the charging handle. Locking the slide to the rear — get used to using two hands.
Neither system will work with a left-hand slide release either…so, sorry, lefties.
The Micro Roni’s larger size gives you enough room to rest your hand forward of your firing hand. There is an angled grip integrated into the frame that offers a more subgun style grip to it.
Conversely, the RT 20/20’s design has you holding the Glock…like a Glock.
A Micro Roni uses an ambidextrous charging handle and it’s an Uncanny Valley version of an AR-15 charging handle.
As expected, it reciprocates with the slide. However, the positioning doesn’t create any issues.
The RT 20/20 has a huge overhang that accommodates the length of the Glock slide reciprocating, and this protects you and the gun. Without it, something may strike or interfere with the slide as you fire the gun.
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The addition of a charging handle makes it easy to grip and rip the slide, and I imagine if a malfunction occurred, the charging handle would make it easier to clear.
The open-top design means you don’t have a minimized ejection port, and this type of design makes clearing a failure to eject easier.
Brace Design
These are pistol braces, and the design of a pistol brace is meant to be strapped to your forearm to better stabilize the pistol.
Regardless of how you use them, the main purpose is to be a brace.
The Roni uses a soft rubber style brace similar to the SB Tactical designs with a velcro strap, Meanwhile, the RT 20/20 uses a hard brace curved to accommodate the arm, and there is a velcro strap to allow you to strap it on.
Both fit any forearm, but they do work a bit differently.
With the RT 20/20, you can hold the Glock at various angles and the gun is easily manipulated. Unfortunately, the Micro Roni forces you to hold the gun at specific angles and is not as comfortable as the RT 20/20.
Roni’s heavier design does ensure the recoil is absorbed, and the gun barely moves. However, you better bring a red dot because using AR-style peep sights is difficult with long eye relief.
The RT 20/20 allows you to use stock Glock sights, and that’s a lot more comfortable when braced outwards.
The RT 20/20 also acts as a third arm on the Glock, which gives you excellent control over the gun. Pistol braces were initially designed for disabled shooters, and the RT 20/20 is perfect for that. It makes one-armed shooting nearly as stable as shooting with two arms.
I found that the Micro Roni is a bit heavy for one-handed use. It’s not impossible, but not as comfortable as the RT 20/20.
If you choose to misuse the brace in some weird way, I doubt you’d notice a major difference between the two.
Price
Oh man, here it is, what’s often the biggest deciding factor in purchases…the price. When it comes to goofy accessories, I prefer to spend less money than more.
So what’s cheaper?
Well, the RT 20/20 can be had for about $100 for the base model. There are various tiers in which accessories are added.
This includes the addition of optional rails, the holster, a sling, optics mount, etc., as the tiers increase as does the price.
However, even the top tier is still cheaper than the Micro Roni.
The Roni varies in price depending on accessories, but the base model is around $250. You get a lot more shell with the Roni, and the ability to handle it more like a subgun and less like a pistol.
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Conclusion
Both the Micro Roni and Recover Tactical 20/20 have similar goals of turning a Glock pistol into a subgun, but they offer different methods to arrive there.
My personal preference? The RT 20/20. Though it provides less room to customize, it’s lighter, smaller, and more handgun-like.
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The RT 20/20’s price is also a huge selling point for most people.
With that said, I do like the Micro Roni’s tool-free installation. It’s a nice perk, especially if you like simple and easy.
Which is for you? Or have you tried different models with the same concept? Let us know and tell us what you think. You might also want to mosey on over to our list of the Best Glocks, too!
28 Leave a Reply
Will a G44 fit in these kits?
No, not in these specific ones we reviewed.
Do you know of a kit that will accept a G44?
Love this article. I'm a disabled shooter and bought the 20/20. I'm still getting used to it but it really helps to keep my shooting arm/wrist stable.Thanks for keeping us informed.
I had a Micro Roni and at 25yds it had about a foot and a half "grouping". It was due to too much play inside the chassis system. After every shot my host pistol would shift mostly in windage but in elevation as well. I tried to contact the company numerous times to no avail so I made a few of my own modifications which brought the "groupings" to about 10-12" at 25 yards. Sold it to a guy that really wanted it even after I explained the issues it was having.
Picked up the 20/20 this week and I have yet to try it out but there is absolutely no play where the firearm is held in place. I believe this will be a much more accurate platform, as well as a smaller package.
I've been testing these types of products because I need something as concealable as possible. That's the niche with these things. Yea, their goofy... super gimmicky... but if I can become proficient with it after some training, their trade off as a micro concealed carbine type defensive firearm is invaluable. To those that say "These things are dumb... I'd rather just use my Glock 17 to hit a 8" group at 25yds instead" I ask, How fast can you put 10 rounds in an 8" group at 25 yards? because with the right brace/chassis set up thingy, I bet you can cut that time by 60%, and its all about being efficient.
Both are a waste of money. Very gimmicky anyone who says different should realize that no police, FBI or special unit uses any of these things.
While your point may very well be valid, the way you justify it is a bit silly. Most folks also typically realize that Police, FBI, and ‘Special Units’ do not operate under the same legal and budgetary restrictions that your Average Joe Citizen does.
Yet !
Absolutely true a range toy at best. I happened to fall for this and bought a 20/20 not for me
Duh, because they are handicapped by the restrictions generally place on civilians, and easier for them to get much better subguns/PDWs. If I could have that stuff too without the restrictions, tax stamps, higher costs, I would too as I think most would.
Gotta butt in here. There are police units using similar braces, just not in the US. The Roni and RT are (albeit not regularly) used in israel by law enforcement and Military. But i wager the both of us are neither swiss nor israeli.
I‘m austrian, and the law here limits the number of semiauto guns i can possess at a time to 2. these braces are really popular because it allows you to just take your glock 19, throw a stock on it (no sbr restrictions, a front grip isnt an issue either) and it changes nothing in terms of legality. The law sees a stock/brace and a weapons light or a red dot as the same thing.
So, i can have a „rifle“ for 100-400€ instead of using one of my spots on my license for a semiautomatic SBR that realistically starts at 2-3k€ that is restricted to 10 round magazines to boot (pistols, even braced ones, are allowed 19 rnds), which cant be shot at most indoor ranges anyway.
if civilians here could carry, it would be even more useful as a PDW. Still, it‘s a cheap entry into semiautomatic „rifle“ shooting.
Still, i will most likely sell my glock and switch to an AR style rifle platform soon, for sport shooting reasons. Maybe in 5 years i can apply for a 3rd and get a shotgun for 3 gun comp
I have tried a lot of the conversion units for Glocks. KPOS, Roni, SIG ACP over the past 10 years
You can get the RT now for about 80 bucks---the key thing is that new accessory which is over the top mount which is a rail for fixed optics---pretty useless unless you have that.
The RT is more akin to the brace stocks available for it rather than a RONI---I currently have both and when I want to carry it as a defensive pdw type---i grab it-if i want extensive shooting time then Roni it is.. I have my RT rigged in a modified UZI drop down holster ala invasion USA shooting type---its comforted me a lot during the riot times this past summer and is easy carry now its winter as well
A great thing about the RT and RONI as well as others as if traveling then only need one gun---regular pistol config to carry and then if shtf ---break out RT or RONI---your not carrying 2 guns and dont have to worry about securing one in trunk or wherever but have a longish gun type option
I use my RT 20 20 with a Laser on the bottom and a swamp fox ref dot side mounted . Accurate and fun .
I am not a Glock guy, but I do have an MCK Gen 4 for my CZ P-10C. I really enjoy shooting it, especially with a Viper Venom Red Dot. With the red dot, very small groupings at 25 yards was possible and I have no doubt that I will be able to punch out the X ring once I get the Venom zero'd.
Mounting a red dot, a light and a laser turns my P-10C into a handly home defense weapon, should I choose to keep it mounted in the MCK frame (which I don't yet).
Mine is a pretty tight fit so inserting the pistol and especially removing it was a PITA at first.
Good article. But as far as I know, you can't attach a fore grip onto a pistol. ATF says illegal on a AR pistol. Pretty sure it would be illegal here also. As was pointed out it is for someone with a disability.
Yeah, makes it an SBR. They point that out on the CAA site.
Not sure what your referring to but the magazine grip for the RT 20/20 is legal and does not make it a SBR----
1--Its not vertical--its angled as akin to magpul AFG
2---Its designed as a mag holder and not a grip -----FLUX also makes a similar one
I have the MCK for my S&W 9mm. Fun to shoot, but cleaning all the residue off the front after a range day can be a PITA.
I'm definitely a fan. Last year I had surgery on my primary hand due to a severe accident in my truck. Now it shakes almost uncontrollably. I'm trying to learn to shoot left handed but it's going slow for this old dawg. As soon as R/T makes one of these for the Polymer 80 I'm snatching one up.
Great article!
It seems those glock braces create a length of pull over 13.5 inches which the ATF is buzzing about like a nest of angry hornets.
I bought the 20/20 early Dec from Bereli.com- $80 for the 20/20BT (Tan) plain Jane version, $20 added for the forward grip (also holds a spare mag). Really nice, tho I haven't shot it yet.
For large frame Glocks in 10mm n 45, the 20/21 will be available soon, 1st qtr 2021.
I thought I have seen every thing stupid in the world in my 80 plus years! But, pistol braces for hand guns are just plain STUPID! I heard once, a long time ago, you can fix nearly anything with duct tape except stupid. Guess what, duct tape can't fix these things!
Yogi - sorry you feel that way. Remember that the original reason the pistol brace was invented was to make it easier or even possible for disabled folks to still be able to shoot a pistol. Glad all of your bits and pieces still work good enough that you don't need any help, like some of us do.
IOW - it ain't 'stupid' if it makes it possible for someone to still be able to shoot.
Pistol braces yes, the roni not so much. Bad system, very inaccurate.
They also especially the Roni make the pistol less accurate with a plastic body that doesnt ensure proper lock up. I saw a guy shoot 5 inches off center at 15 yards with a red dot. I can keyhole the bullseye from that range all day with a real PCC AR9
You are not a student of history then---its similar to the stocks dating back over 100 akin to the Broomhandle Mauser---ever wonder why they call it that?????---as well as the stocks on Lugers and Browning High powers and even longer history wise with attachments for Colt Navy and Single shot Naval handguns.---they make the handgun more controllable and accurate
Overall they are in the market to as a near subsitute a SMG that is very difficult to obtain due to cost and legal constraints.
So, to be clear... the technical advantage of a rifle is better accuracy thanks to the longer barrel, right? The downside is, well, it's longer than a handgun.
So these devices (I'd say I am on the side that considers them rather ridiculous) essentially add the length (and that oh-so-tacticool-flavor) while doing nothing whatever for accuracy. Hmmm - now I want to make my motorcycle look more like a car by adding two wheels on the left side!
A longer barrel does not improve accuracy. Longer barrels improve muzzle velocity and will allow for less drop, but this does not mean it is more accurate.
Devices like the Roni improve practical accuracy by giving you another point of contact and makes aiming easier and more steady.