First Impressions of Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw
The Glock 17 is a ubiquitous handgun, a workhorse trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Upgrading or building a Glock from the ground up is a popular pastime, and the Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw promises to be a comprehensive solution. It offers all the essential components for completing the upper receiver.
I was looking for a reliable and reasonably priced parts kit to refresh an older Gen 2 Glock 17. My factory parts were showing their age, and I wanted to improve reliability and potentially enhance performance.
The kit arrived well-packaged, with each component individually bagged. My initial impression was positive; the parts felt substantial and well-machined. The stainless steel construction was immediately apparent and gave a sense of durability.
I considered parts kits from Glock themselves and from Brownells, but the Centennial Defense Systems kit offered a compelling combination of price and features. The inclusion of Torx screws was also a welcome addition. I was immediately eager to get this kit installed and see how it performs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the upgraded Glock was at my local outdoor range. I spent the afternoon running drills and testing the pistol’s functionality. The weather was clear and warm, typical for a late summer day.
The installation was relatively straightforward, more on that later, and the improved feel of the slide action was immediately noticeable. The pistol cycled smoothly and reliably, even with a variety of ammunition types. There were no immediate malfunctions or issues that arose.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including weekly range sessions and a defensive pistol course, the Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit has proven its worth. It continues to perform flawlessly. There have been no failures to extract, eject, or feed.
The stainless steel parts show no signs of rust or corrosion, despite being exposed to sweat, humidity, and cleaning solvents. The parts remain easy to clean and maintain. Compared to the original parts, this kit has breathed new life into my Gen 2 Glock 17, exceeding my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw
Specifications
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw is specifically designed for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 pistols. It is manufactured by Centennial Defense Systems. The components are made from Stainless Steel for increased durability and corrosion resistance.
The kit includes all the necessary internal parts for the upper receiver, such as the firing pin, extractor, spring cups, and channel liner. The kit also includes upgraded Torx Screws for secure and reliable fastening. These specifications are vital for ensuring proper fit, function, and longevity of the pistol.
Performance & Functionality
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit significantly enhances the reliability and performance of a Gen 1-3 Glock 17. The stainless steel construction ensures smooth cycling and consistent operation. The upgraded Torx screws provide a more secure and reliable fastening solution.
The improved extractor and firing pin assembly contribute to consistent ignition and extraction. One minor weakness is that the channel liner requires specialized tools for installation. Overall, the kit meets and exceeds expectations for a drop-in upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit is designed to be a direct replacement for factory Glock parts. The stainless steel components offer increased strength and corrosion resistance compared to the original polymer or MIM parts. The kit’s weight is negligible, maintaining the Glock’s excellent balance.
The kit is generally user-friendly, requiring only basic gunsmithing skills for installation. However, as mentioned before, installing the channel liner does require a specialized tool, which adds a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with Glock assembly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit is built to last. The stainless steel construction ensures excellent corrosion resistance and long-term durability. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for optimal performance, but the stainless steel parts are relatively easy to maintain.
Given the high-quality materials and construction, this kit should provide years of reliable service. It is a significant upgrade over the original factory parts in terms of longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit focuses primarily on replacing internal components rather than adding external accessories. However, it’s fully compatible with all standard Glock 17 Gen 1-3 slides, barrels, and recoil spring assemblies. Shooters can still customize their pistols with aftermarket sights, slides, and barrels while benefiting from the upgraded internal components of the kit.
The kit itself doesn’t include any specific accessories, but it enhances the reliability and performance of existing Glock 17 accessories and customizations. The stainless steel construction and improved tolerances ensure consistent operation with various aftermarket components.
Pros and Cons of Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx ScrewPros
- Enhanced Reliability: The stainless steel components provide increased durability and smoother operation compared to factory parts.
- Improved Corrosion Resistance: The stainless steel construction significantly reduces the risk of rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the components.
- Secure Fastening: The included Torx screws offer a more secure and reliable fastening solution than standard screws.
- Drop-In Replacement: The kit is designed as a direct replacement for factory parts, making installation relatively straightforward.
- Noticeable Performance Upgrade: The enhanced extractor and firing pin assembly contribute to more consistent ignition and extraction.
Cons
- Channel Liner Installation: The channel liner requires specialized tools for installation, which may be a barrier for some users.
- Price: The kit is more expensive than some basic replacement parts kits, but the improved quality justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw?
Pros
- Enhanced Reliability: The stainless steel components provide increased durability and smoother operation compared to factory parts.
- Improved Corrosion Resistance: The stainless steel construction significantly reduces the risk of rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan of the components.
- Secure Fastening: The included Torx screws offer a more secure and reliable fastening solution than standard screws.
- Drop-In Replacement: The kit is designed as a direct replacement for factory parts, making installation relatively straightforward.
- Noticeable Performance Upgrade: The enhanced extractor and firing pin assembly contribute to more consistent ignition and extraction.
Cons
- Channel Liner Installation: The channel liner requires specialized tools for installation, which may be a barrier for some users.
- Price: The kit is more expensive than some basic replacement parts kits, but the improved quality justifies the cost.
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw is perfect for Glock owners looking to refresh or upgrade their Gen 1-3 Glock 17. It’s ideal for shooters who prioritize reliability, durability, and consistent performance. It is also well-suited for those building a Glock from scratch.
This kit may not be necessary for those who are content with the basic functionality of their factory Glock parts and aren’t experiencing any issues. A must-have accessory for installation is a Glock channel liner tool. A punch set and basic gunsmithing tools will also be needed.
Conclusion on Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw
The Centennial Defense Systems MOD3 Upper Parts Kit for Gen 1-3 Glock 17 w/Torx Screw is a worthwhile investment for Glock owners seeking to enhance the reliability and longevity of their pistols. The price of $149.95 is justified by the high-quality stainless steel construction, improved tolerances, and enhanced performance.
I would personally recommend this kit to anyone looking to upgrade their Gen 1-3 Glock 17. It offers a significant improvement over factory parts and provides peace of mind knowing that your pistol is equipped with durable and reliable components. Upgrade your Glock today and experience the difference!