
When customizing or upgrading your Glock, investing in a complete slide can be a quick and effective way to enhance your firearm’s performance, style, and compatibility with accessories. A complete slide comes with the slide, barrel, recoil spring, and often other components like sights or red dot cutouts, which can save you time on assembly and ensure all parts are perfectly compatible. Let’s dive into what makes a good complete slide and look at some of the best options available for Glock enthusiasts.
What to Consider When Buying a Complete Glock Slide
Compatibility
Ensure the slide is compatible with your Glock model (Glock 17, 19, 43, etc.). Many aftermarket slides specify which models they fit, but check carefully, especially if you have a Gen 4 or Gen 5 Glock, as there may be slight differences in slide dimensions.
Material and Durability
Quality slides are usually made from materials like 17-4 stainless steel or other durable alloys to withstand the rigors of regular firing. Look for coatings such as Cerakote, Nitride, or DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) for enhanced corrosion and wear resistance.
Cutouts and Porting
Some slides come with weight-reducing cutouts or porting. These features not only reduce slide weight for faster cycling but can also improve your gun's aesthetics. Porting is beneficial for reducing recoil and muzzle rise, helping you maintain accuracy for rapid follow-up shots.
For those who plan to add a red dot, an optics-ready slide with an RMR or other optic cut is ideal. Some slides come with high-quality sights installed, while others are blank, allowing you to install your preferred sights.
Customization
Complete slides come in various designs, finishes, and color options, allowing you to personalize your Glock to your taste. Choose something that enhances both the performance and looks of your gun.
Top Picks for Complete Glock Slides
1. ZEV Technologies Z19 Spartan Slide
Compatibility: Glock 19
Key Features:
CNC machined from billet 17-4 stainless steel
RMR cut for optics
Aggressive slide serrations for improved grip
ZEV Technologies is known for producing some of the most innovative aftermarket Glock parts, and their Spartan Slide is a great example. The aggressive styling and unique front and rear serrations give users a better grip for racking the slide under any condition. The slide also includes an RMR cut, making it easy to mount a red dot optic.
2. Lone Wolf AlphaWolf Slide
Compatibility: Glock 17, 19, and others
Key Features:
Made from 416 stainless steel with various finishes
Available with or without RMR cuts
Customizable with various sight options
Lone Wolf's AlphaWolf slides are designed with the serious shooter in mind. Known for their excellent tolerances and durable materials, these slides are versatile enough for competitive shooting or EDC. The slides come in different configurations, with options for optic cuts, sight setups, and different finishes.
3. Brownells RMR Cut Slide
Compatibility: Glock 17, 19 (Gen 3 or Gen 4)
Key Features:
Made from 17-4 stainless steel
RMR cut and windowed designs for enhanced cooling
Various Cerakote finish options
Brownells has a strong reputation in the firearms community, and their RMR cut slides are reliable, durable, and stylish. The slide includes an RMR cut, ideal for those who want to add a red dot sight. The windowed designs not only look sleek but also help keep the barrel cool, particularly during extended shooting sessions.
4. Grey Ghost Precision V2 Slide
Compatibility: Glock 19, 17, 43, and 34
Key Features:
Precision machined from 17-4 billet stainless steel
Aggressive angled serrations
Optional optics cut for red dot compatibility
Grey Ghost Precision offers a high-quality V2 slide designed for Glock enthusiasts looking to boost both form and function. The slide’s precision machining and tight tolerances enhance reliability, while the serrations ensure solid handling. This slide is optics-ready and has models compatible with most major Glock models, making it a versatile choice.
5. Agency Arms Urban Combat Slide
Compatibility: Glock 19 and 17
Key Features:
Features serrations and window cuts for reduced weight
RMR cut and Trijicon SRO compatibility
High-end aesthetics with enhanced slide grip
For those wanting a slide that combines high performance with a tactical look, the Agency Arms Urban Combat slide fits the bill. Designed for tactical shooters and professionals, this slide includes window cuts for a lighter overall build, making the slide cycle faster. It’s compatible with popular red dots like the Trijicon RMR and SRO, giving you flexibility in optic choices.
Honorable Mentions
Rock Slide USA Complete Slide – A budget-friendly option that provides solid reliability and is available in various configurations for Glock models.
Rival Arms Glock Slide – Known for high-end finishes and meticulous craftsmanship, Rival Arms offers slides that are visually impressive and highly functional.
Strike Industries Mass Driver Slide – A unique option featuring porting and weight reduction with a futuristic design.
Why Choose a Complete Slide?
A complete Glock slide offers convenience and peace of mind, knowing all parts are compatible and optimized for performance. Whether you’re looking to add an optic, improve cycling speed, or just want a unique look, investing in a complete slide can transform your Glock into a highly functional, reliable, and stylish firearm. With the variety of non-OEM options available today, customizing your Glock is easier and more rewarding than ever.
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