Glock handguns (and the so-called "Glock clones") are some of the most popular firearms in the world. They are being used widely across the globe by civilians, law enforcement, and many others. And if you’re a fan of action movies, it’s almost impossible you haven’t seen a Glock pistol at least once in them.
Because of its popularity, there are lots of aftermarket Glock parts manufacturers (aftermarket refers to parts not originally made by the manufacturer, in this case, Glock).
And since you’re here right now, chances are you are looking for a new slide for your Glock pistol to upgrade its performance, recoil, or even add support for micro red dot sight for example.
However, among many different aftermarket manufacturers, you can get overwhelmed by the vast selection of products and may not know which one is best for you.
That’s why we’re writing this article - to help you choose the best Glock slide, and at the same time, we will provide you our top 5 picks if you’re not sure which ones are best.
Why Change Glock Slide?
There are many reasons why you could upgrade your Glock pistol.
For example, you may want to add support for mini red dot sights, made for pistols.
On the other hand, you may want a longer slide or you may find aftermarket slides more attractive than the original one. There are plenty of reasons and probably you know best why would you like a better slide.
Considering these factors above, let’s explore what you should look for when choosing a Glock slide.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Glock Slide
Compatibility
Before purchasing a slide for your Glock, get to know which Glock you have.
For example, these pistols come in various models denoted with numbers like Glock 17, Glock 19, or Glock 29. Another factor is generation: these pistols are marked as Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5.
Once you know your handgun generation, you can proceed with searching for specific slides matching the model and generation you already own.
Many manufacturers selling slides provide compatibility information so don’t forget to check specifications before making a purchase.
Material
The most commonly used materials for Glock slides are aluminum and steel.
As you can guess, steel slides are a bit heavier than aluminum, but they offer better recoil control.
If however, you prefer a lighter firearm, then go with aluminum slides. With a lighter firearm, you have better handling and balance.
Keep in mind that aluminum slides may not be durable as those made of steel, however, picking material depends on your personal preference.
Finish
When it comes to corrosion and wear resistance of your handgun, finishes, and coatings play important roles in their protection.
For example, stainless steel is popular not only because of its durability but also because it’s corrosion-resistant.
Here are a few examples of finishes known for their corrosion resistance:
- Stainless steel - as mentioned, it has great corrosion resistance. Stainless steel contains chromium, which forms a passive layer on the surface, protecting it from rust and corrosion.
- DLC (Diamon-Like Carbon) - hard and durable coating with excellent corrosion resistance. It’s a type of carbon coating that offers low friction and high hardness, making it resistant to wear and corrosion.
- Cerakote - ceramic-based finish offering good corrosion resistance. It’s a durable coating that provides a protective barrier against moisture and other corrosive elements.
- PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) - PVD coatings, such as TiN (Titanium Nitride) and TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride), provide a hard, thin layer on the surface of the slide, offering corrosion resistance.
List of the Best Aftermarket Glock Slides
- Killer Innovations Velocity MOD1 Stripped Slide
- Trinity Nevada GRND ZR0 Complete Slide
- Faxon Firearms Hellfire Slide
- Nomad Defense Stripped Slide
- Norsso Reptile Compact RMR Slide
- Swampfox Wolverine Stripped Slide
1. Killer Innovations Velocity MOD1 Stripped Slide
Compatibility: Gen 3 Glock
This stripped slide made by Killer Innovations features EGF (Enhanced Grip Feature) cuts. These cuts are designed to create a positive wall that you can effortlessly push against when racking your slide. Whether you like pulling the slide from the front or back, the Velocity Slide provides a firm grip, giving you the assurance and command you require during crucial moments.
The Velocity Slide is made specifically for Glock 19 Gen 3 models, so you can easily upgrade your firearm without needing to make any major modifications. This slide is carefully made from 17-4 stainless steel. It offers the ideal combination of strength and lightness. Precision and attention to detail were used in its construction. At just 8.7 ounces (stripped slide with cover plate and screws), it offers optimal maneuverability without compromising on reliability or performance.
If you like using red dot sights, the Velocity Slide has a handy Red Dot Sight Cut (Version 1) that works with popular brands such as Trijicon's RMR and Leupold's Delta Point Pro.
Price: $449.00
Purchase here!
2. Trinity Nevada GRND ZR0 Complete Slide
Compatibility: Gen 4 Glock
Trinity Nevada GRND ZR0 Complete Slide features a threadless, anti-rotation design. This ensures that your compensator stays securely in place, delivering consistent performance shot after shot.
The package consists of a match-grade barrel with integral compensation, a stainless slide and compensator made from 17-4 stainless steel, a front sight post designed for sight-tracking, and a Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight paired with a blacked-out rear sight. These components work together to deliver excellent accuracy, improved sight visibility, and a stylish appearance.
Both the slide and barrel feature a durable PVD coating. This coating enhances the aesthetics of your Glock and also provides excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
GRND ZR0 is equipped with an optic cut, allowing for a seamless installation of popular red dot sights. This will improve your shooting accuracy and target aiming, giving you an advantage in competitions or self-defense situations.
Price: $1,445.00
Purchase here!
3. Faxon Firearms Hellfire Slide
Compatibility: Gen 3 Glock
The Faxon Hellfire Slide is carefully milled to fit popular red dot sights like the Trijicon RMR and Holosun 507C. This means you can effortlessly install your preferred optic, resulting in quicker target acquisition and enhanced accuracy.
The Faxon Hellfire Slide is made in-house using strong 17-4 stainless steel, emphasizing quality in its design. This ensures remarkable durability, reliability, and longevity. You can trust the Hellfire Slide to withstand rigorous shooting sessions and provide consistent performance for years to come.
The Faxon Hellfire Slide is DLC coated. This specialized coating increases lubricity, ensuring smooth and reliable slide operation. Additionally, it provides excellent corrosion resistance, protecting your slide from the elements and preserving its appearance over time.
The Faxon Hellfire Slide is designed to accept standard sights for Glocks, allowing you to easily customize your sight setup to match your preferences. Whether you prefer traditional iron sights or aftermarket options.
Price: $379.05
Purchase here!
4. Nomad Defense Stripped Slide
Compatibility: Gen 4 Glock
The Nomad Defense Stripped Slide is built to withstand the demands of rigorous shooting sessions. It’s made from 17-4 stainless steel, this slide offers unparalleled strength, durability, and longevity. Count on it to deliver reliable performance and endure the test of time.
The Nomad Defense Stripped Slide has a precise RMR cut, allowing for easy and secure optic mounting. With a red dot sight in place, you'll enjoy enhanced target acquisition, improved accuracy, and faster follow-up shots.
The slide is finished with a durable Cerakote coating, which offers exceptional protection against wear, corrosion, and the elements. Not only does it enhance the longevity of your slide, but it also provides a sleek and stylish finish.
Price: $295.00
Purchase here!
5. Norsso Reptile Compact RMR Slide
Compatibility: Gen 3 Glock
The Reptile C Slide features ports on top that are specifically designed to accommodate a factory Glock 19C barrel. These ports are meticulously 3D machined to provide a custom look, setting them apart from generic slot designs commonly found on ported slides.
For ease of slide manipulation, the Reptile C Slide incorporates angled forward and top serrations. These serrations aid in press checks and slide racking, allowing for quick and effortless handling. The top serrations feature a beveled edge, seamlessly blending them into the chamfers and creating a scale-like texture.
The Reptile C Slide boasts multifaceted contours on the front and rear, giving it a sleek and streamlined appearance. This design element removes any sharp edges and smoothes the corners, enhancing both aesthetics and comfort.
This slide comes ready with a Trijicon RMR cut, allowing for easy and secure mounting of Trijicon RMR optics. It also comes finished in a sleek black coating, adding a touch of sophistication and durability.
Price: $456.00
Purchase here!
6. Swampfox Wolverine Stripped Slide
Compatibility: Gen 3 Glock
The Swampfox Wolverine Slide is crafted from a durable 416 stainless steel billet. This premium material guarantees exceptional strength, longevity, and resistance to wear and tear. With its high-quality construction, this slide is built to last. It also comes with a sleek graphite black nitride finish. Not only does this coating add a touch of elegance and durability to your slide, but it also provides excellent protection against wear and corrosion.
This slide is designed from the ground up to work with Swampfox Kingslayer, Liberty, and Justice optics. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for the right combination of slide and optic.
With its precise optic cut designed to fit the RMR footprint, you can seamlessly mount your preferred optic without any hassle. The included internals, such as the channel liner, ensure a smooth installation process.
Price: $309.00
Purchase here!
Conclusion
Well, that’s it for now. We listed our suggestions for your next Glock slide and you won’t have to break the bank.
Also, by now you’ll know what to look for when choosing a new slide and how to pick the best one suitable for your needs.
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