Handguns, by their very nature, tend to be unstable and are known for being difficult to shoot accurately. However, the real problem lies in the fact that operators are simply incapable of stabilizing them enough to really maximize their full potential. In this spirit, EMA Tactical has constructed an adapter that takes the Glock and transforms it into a stock stabilized SMG that's capable of superb performance in a tight package.
The RONI G1 is an adapter made in Israel by Tactical Applications and imported into the U.S. by EMA Tactical. Created by brothers Eldad and Moshe Oz, the RONI G1 was named after Moshe’s daughter. For the purposes of this article, I'll be referring to EMA Tactical and Tactical Applications both as EMA, so please, no nasty-grams to the editor for my arbitrary abbreviation choices.
The RONI G1 covers a large cross section of Glocks. There are also versions in the works for Sigs, XDs and Berettas. With an ultra rigid polymer and aluminum construction, the RONI offers that much needed facet for increasing the pistol’s accuracy: stability.
Fast Prototyping
I first saw the RONI in 2008, at which time it was a nameless concept platform. Through fast prototyping, EMA created models that could be utilized in research and development testing. Due to this ground breaking technology, models could be tested, scrapped and redesigned very quickly. This allowed EMA to take the RONI from great to outstanding in a relatively short R&D time frame.
On a personal note, my experience with EMA has always been outstanding. The company is fast at fixing problems. In fact, in the brief period of time that I've had the RONI, the company sent me a redesigned version featuring a new barrel shroud. Some issues had arisen with the previous model, and the company completely redesigned the part, fixing the problem but also adding a window breaker that I feel is the perfect evolution for the shroud. It bears noting that the barrel shroud can be removed for the use of suppressors up to 1.38" in diameter.
Follow the Rules
Seeing as how the RONI is an addition to the Glock, which legally turns the pistol into a short barreled rifle, EMA wisely opted to sell them only through Class 3 SOT dealers or to consumers with a registered pistol on an ATF Form-1. As with most weapons accessories, the RONI has the potential for being misused, but the company is clearly committed to ensuring the accessory’s responsible dissemination. It creates a bit of trouble to track down an SOT from which to purchase the RONI, but it's ultimately worth it because you'll likely need their help to fill out the forms you must submit. It’s worth noting that LE Agencies can bypass this process by filling out a Form-5 tax exempt form at no cost to their agency.
Once you start using the RONI, you'll notice an astounding increase in your pistol's accuracy. The $200 you pay for the tax stamp is likely to be the most fun you'll ever have with that amount of money—at least outside of Las Vegas.
Range Time
My testing for this article was completed using a registered Glock 17 9 mm. When I used the RONI, all rounds that were off center mass at 25 yards, free hand, now went into the 10 ring with little effort. Overall, I found the RONI/Glock combo to be intuitive and function seamlessly. The RONI's ambidextrous controls are well placed and easily accessible. The charging handle, which is an easily applied, slip-on adapter that grasps the sides of the Glock's slide with a static hold, is lightning fast to apply. After it's pushed onto the slide, one only has to drop the Glock down into the hinged open RONI. I specifically chose the word drop, because there's no meticulous fitting involved. Just chuck it in, lock in the takedown pins and you’re good to go. The RONI is a quick set up adapter that indefinitely holds its zero, and is a marvel to behold in action.
Safeties
The RONI was clearly labored over, with every key aspect of design and operation thought and rethought. One such aspect was how EMA addressed the conspicuous absence of external safeties on the Glock. The RONI turns the Glock from a holstered duty weapon into a slung SMG. Trainers, such as myself, constantly preach that a slung weapon MUST be on “Safe” when on a sling. Instead of altering the Glock which is as close to perfection as it gets. EMA chose to install an ambidextrous safety on the RONI that covers the trigger. This totally removes the chances of accidental discharges when the weapon is dropped onto its sling—truly a great feature!
Lock & Load
The fact that RONIs are such concealable platforms makes them well-suited for CQC deployment. As such, I felt them to be especially outstanding for the patrolman and SRO. Along with the RONI’s inherent concealability, I was also impressed by the level of modularity afforded by the RONI. I especially like that it offers a full-length top rail along with its side and bottom rails. This top rail allows for a mini red dot reflex sight and enables the use of BUIS as well. Placing too large of an optic onto the RONI is counterproductive to its intended use, which is why I highly suggest minis. With ambidextrous, QD sling adapter points, a removable brass catcher, VFG and multiple rail options, the RONI is an extraordinary all-in-one pistol, SMG and rifle. It even offers an adjustable comb on the stock, should you have the RONI set up with a telescopic sight.
During testing, I found that you quickly forget you're actually holding a pistol and not a rifle. It balances well and delivers solid hits with little effort or recoil. As I mentioned earlier, the RONI does a great job in controlling a G17, but it truly shines when you're forced to shoot at high speeds in target rich environments such as an active shooter attack.
To illustrate, can you hit a bad guy with a pistol at 50 yards? Sure, you can—it’s easily done on the range, however, I would be loathe to try such a shot in a crowded hallway. What if you could use that same pistol to precisely pick out the threat and strike him accurately. The RONI can help you do that. It transforms a handgun from “secondary” to “primary” status. If your agency refuses you the use of a long gun, procure a Glock, SBR it and install it in a RONI. Then you’ll have a viable tool for active shooter calls and instances where greater accuracy and speed mean the difference between life or death.
Conclusion
For those administrators that are fighting city hall on the issue of patrol rifles, consider going with the RONI. With repeatable zero, full ambidextrous compatibility, a compact design and superb customer service from EMA tactical, there’s no reason not to have the RONI in the trunk of your patrol car. From a monetary standpoint it makes fiscal sense. Take the pistol that you already paid for, spend the $200 on the tax stamp and buy the RONI for $400. For less than the cost of an AR-15, you now have the ability to hammer threats at three times the range of a stand-alone handgun. Now, that's priceless.
Until next time, practice hard, and I'll see you on the streets.