There’s nothing wrong with the factory slide that came with your gun. Like all other parts that typify their guns, Glock slides are durable, machined to tight tolerances, and easy to maintain. Some of them even feature an MOS, or “modular optic system” compatible with some popular types of handgun optics.
But are Glock slides perfect? Far from it, and in most cases, the stock slide is lacking in terms of personality, unless, of course, you like the all-matte-black aesthetic of Glock pistols in the first place.
If not, replacing the Glock slide with a compatible alternative may just be the easiest project out there with respect to customization. On that note, here are 5 pointed benefits of doing just that.
Lower Recoil
You will not automatically get the benefit of lower recoil from replacing your Glock slide, so be very aware of that disclaimer. However, it is a distinct and potential advantage that should not be overlooked, and all in all, probably the best reason for the prospect of replacing a slide on your pistol in the first place.
This is because your Glock’s slide constitutes a portion of the overall mass called reciprocating mass - that is, the portion of the gun’s mass that moves during cycling. This component should be lowered to reduce recoil, whereas static mass, the portion that does not move, should be increased.
Some Glock-compatible replacement slides are made with machined windows or cutouts that lower the overall mass of the slide kit, which directly counterproduces recoil. Some also come with barrels that are equipped with compensators, which, for their part, also reduce recoil.
So keep this in mind when you’re looking for a pistol slide replacement.
Faster Cycling
If the Glock slide replacement has machined windows or cutouts incorporated into the design, as mentioned in the previous section, it might also offer another direct benefit: faster, snappier cycling.
This is also tied to the reduction in mass. Glock pistols are recoil-operated, and reducing the mass of the slide means that the force of recoil on the slide is magnified; this can cause the slide to cycle much more quickly than it would otherwise.
Which, for you, means you can make faster follow up shots, although, Glocks are pretty quick cyclers to begin with and this probably won’t amount to a huge change. But it is something to be called out nonetheless.
Better Manual Manipulation
Glock slides, from the factory, are made with machined serrations on the rear part of the slide which help improve traction and ergonomics, particularly when the slide is wet or greasy, or when the operator’s hands are dirty, cold, or gloved.
But they’re not perfect, and some replacement slides are made with much more tactile, much more ergonomic serrations or other machined elements that significantly improve manual manipulation of the action, which can be mission critical to cycle out a dud round, to clear a jam, or for any other reason.
Expanded Attachment Points
In the event you got your Glock handgun before Glock unrolled its “MOS” for optics, then beyond making a modification to the existing Glock slide itself, if you want to add something to it, you need a new pistol slide.
Many aftermarket pistol slides compatible with Glock models are expressly “combat cut” for specific types of popular optics and red dot sights like RMR optics. This flexibility to add an RDS or other optic to your Glock pistol can significantly improve its suitable for use in defensive engagements, especially high-stress situations in which the intuitiveness of using an RDS significantly outperforms the use of iron sights, wherein sight radius complications can cause issues with accuracy.
Options for Personalization or Customization
Lastly, replacing your Glock slide with a suitable, compatible aftermarket alternative, remains nonetheless one of the main reasons that so many people look into this project.
Many Glock slide replacements are true plug-and-play compatible upgrades that don’t require you to have an encyclopedic knowledge of firearm mechanics to execute the project, and there are many eye-catching replacement slides out there.
If you’ve been looking for a way to add a touch of color or character to your favorite Glock and replacing the sights or adding WML isn’t going to cut it, then replacing the slide might just be the project you should be looking at.
Be Sure of Glock Slide Compatibility First
One final note. Remember that when you are looking for a Glock slide replacement you should be certain of the generation, not just the model itself. For instance, a Glock 19 slide replacement that’s compatible with Generations 1 to 3 might not be compatible with a Gen 4 or 5 G19. So, make sure you know both the model and its generation before you get a replacement.
Shop Pistol Slides Here
Here for a pistol slide replacement for your favorite handgun? Take a look through our collection at the previous link and if you have any questions about slide kit specifications of model compatibility, get in touch with us directly at Sales@MCSGearup.com.