Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Asfa Rasheed
The Glock 19 pistol is popular among law enforcement and civilian gun owners. Many people choose to customize their weapons with aftermarket slides.
These custom slides offer a variety of features that optimize them for specific functions. Some have ported windows that improve target acquisition speed and accuracy in dynamic shooting situations. Others are designed to accommodate red dot optics.
Custom slides for the Glock 19 are aftermarket slide assemblies designed to replace the factory slide of a Glock 19 pistol. These custom slides offer various enhancements and customization options, allowing Glock owners to personalize their handguns for improved performance, aesthetics, and functionality.
It’s important to note that custom slides for Glock pistols can be a significant investment, and proper installation is crucial to ensure reliability and safety. It’s recommended to have custom slide work performed by experienced gunsmiths or reputable custom firearm shops. Additionally, be aware of any legal regulations regarding firearm modifications in your jurisdiction, as some modifications may affect the firearm’s compliance with local laws.
Table of Contents
Length
Glock slides come in a variety of lengths. Choose one that fits your intended use, skill level, and budget. Some aftermarket slides require a gunsmith; others can be installed at home.
Some aftermarket slides include built-in mounts for red dot sights, enabling shooters to get on target more quickly and easily.
Other aftermarket slides feature aggressive striations or forward serrations to enhance weapon handling and make racking the pistol easy. These are ideal for competition shooting or tactical training.
Weight
Glock 19 custom slide is machined to precise dimensions and can withstand wear and tear. They also offer a high level of personalization, allowing shooters to build the pistol that fits them best.
Some slide designs feature aggressive serrations that make it easier to rack the gun. This can benefit those who want to quickly deploy a red dot optic or compensator when shooting fast-paced matches.
Other slide designs are a more traditional upgrade. This slide offers three windows, and E.G.F. cuts for a look that’s as sleek as it is functional.
Ported Windows
Depending on the intended use of the firearm, some slides have ported windows or R.M.R. cuts. These help reduce weight and reciprocating mass to mitigate recoil. They can also increase sight acquisition speed and accuracy.
Serrations
Front serrations can sometimes be considered a gimmick, but they can come in handy for shooters who need to manipulate the slide quickly under stress. They allow the shooter to press check if there’s a round in the chamber without physically opening the slide.
These can be added around the roll marks (the words and numbers on the left side of the slide), leaving the letters/numbers intact, or cut through with a portion of the numbers/letters being removed on the backside of the serrations. The latter option is usually more effective with a more considerable biting action.
Aside from ported windows, some companies offer serrations on their aftermarket Glock slides.
Finish
The slide is a crucial component of Glock handguns, playing a critical role in their operation and performance. As such, it offers a high level of personalization to suit shooter preferences and requirements. The availability of different slide cuts, serration patterns, and other design elements enables firearm enthusiasts to create one-of-a-kind custom slides for their guns.
While O.E.M. Glock slides provide reliable performance and a factory-standard appearance, third-party manufacturers produce customized Glock 19 slides with numerous enhancements for improved accuracy, target acquisition, and slide manipulation. These slides often include features like ported windows, optics-ready cuts, serrations, and lightening cuts. They also offer unique designs and coatings for a more personalized look. Some even offer additional functionality, such as weight reductions or knurling for better grip when racking the slide.
