First Impressions of The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide
For years, I’ve been customizing Glocks. After countless builds, I am always on the lookout for slides that offer a blend of performance, aesthetics, and reliability, and that led me to The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide. This aftermarket slide promises an upgrade to the standard Glock 19 Gen 3, with enhanced features like aggressive serrations and an RMR cut, all while maintaining a duty-focused design.
I was looking for a slide that would improve grip during slide manipulation, offer a reliable mounting platform for a red dot optic, and maintain the classic Glock lines without unnecessary frills. My search landed me squarely on this product. Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was of solid, no-nonsense construction. The slide feels substantial, with clean machining and a smooth, black finish.
Compared to some other aftermarket slides I’ve used – ZEV Technologies’ slides with their intricate cuts or Brownells’ economy options – The Gun Company slide struck a balance. It isn’t overly flashy, but it also doesn’t feel cheap. My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of a practical upgrade that wouldn’t compromise the Glock’s inherent reliability. While I was cautiously optimistic, the slightly blemished cerakote from another user’s review has me on the lookout for imperfections.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide to the Test
First Use Experience
The first range trip with The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide was dedicated to zeroing my RMR and assessing the slide’s overall functionality. I installed it on a Gen 3 Glock 19 frame with a factory barrel and internals. The test was performed at an outdoor range in sunny conditions.
The aggressive serrations immediately proved their worth, offering a secure grip even with sweaty hands. After about 200 rounds, no immediate issues arose, and the RMR held zero perfectly. One surprise came from the barrel peep, it gives a new meaning to “checking your six,” I’ve never seen anything like it, and it has proven to be remarkably useful.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, totaling over 1000 rounds, The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide has proven to be a reliable addition to my Glock 19. There are no significant signs of wear and tear on the slide’s finish.
The slide still cycles smoothly, and the RMR mount remains secure. I’ve cleaned and lubricated the slide after each range session. This has proven to be an easy task due to the simple design. This slide has definitely outperformed other aftermarket slides I’ve used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide
Specifications
The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide is designed for Glock 19 Gen 3 platforms. It features a Trijicon RMR optic cut, allowing for direct mounting of popular red dot sights.
The slide is finished in black and features full-length LVL-1 serrations at 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00. These serrations provide enhanced grip for slide manipulation. The 45-degree full-length FAST chamfers aid in smoother holstering. These specifications enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the Glock 19.
Performance & Functionality
The slide performs exceptionally well in live-fire scenarios. The aggressive serrations allow for confident manipulation under stress. The RMR cut is precise, ensuring a secure and repeatable zero for the optic.
The only potential weakness lies in the stripped nature of the slide; users must source their own internal components. This may be an issue for novice builders. Overall, the slide meets and exceeds expectations for a duty-focused upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide is excellent. The materials feel robust and well-machined. The weight is comparable to the factory slide, maintaining the Glock’s balance.
The design is user-friendly. There is no significant learning curve for those familiar with Glock platforms. The slide’s ergonomics are enhanced by the aggressive serrations and chamfered edges.
Durability & Maintenance
The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide appears to be built for longevity. The finish is holding up well against regular use and cleaning. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only standard Glock cleaning procedures.
The slide’s robust construction suggests it will withstand thousands of rounds without issue. This makes it a good investment for serious shooters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The primary accessory for The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide is a Trijicon RMR or compatible red dot sight. Users can also customize the slide with different iron sights to co-witness with the optic.
Since it’s a Glock 19 Gen 3 platform, it’s compatible with a wide array of aftermarket barrels, guide rods, and recoil springs. The slide’s compatibility with standard Glock components makes it highly versatile.
Pros and Cons of The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped SlidePros
- Aggressive serrations provide superior grip during slide manipulation.
- Precise RMR cut ensures a secure and repeatable zero for red dot optics.
- Durable construction and finish withstand regular use and cleaning.
- Full length LVL-1 Serrations at 12:00, 3:00 and 9:00 add to the usability of the slide
- The barrel peep window gives you a new way to check if a round is chambered
Cons
- Stripped slide requires users to source their own internal components.
- Rear optic cut has a “FREEDOM FLAG” engraved on it, which is great if that’s your thing, but for some it might be a deal breaker.
Who Should Buy The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide?
Pros
- Aggressive serrations provide superior grip during slide manipulation.
- Precise RMR cut ensures a secure and repeatable zero for red dot optics.
- Durable construction and finish withstand regular use and cleaning.
- Full length LVL-1 Serrations at 12:00, 3:00 and 9:00 add to the usability of the slide
- The barrel peep window gives you a new way to check if a round is chambered
Cons
- Stripped slide requires users to source their own internal components.
- Rear optic cut has a “FREEDOM FLAG” engraved on it, which is great if that’s your thing, but for some it might be a deal breaker.
The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide is perfect for shooters looking to upgrade their Glock 19 Gen 3 for duty or competition use. It also benefits individuals who want a reliable RMR mounting platform and enhanced slide manipulation.
Those who prefer a complete slide assembly or are new to Glock modifications should skip this product. A high-quality RMR optic and co-witness iron sights are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide
The Gun Company Combat Duty LVL-1 Glock 19 Gen 3 No Side Windows Stripped Slide offers a significant upgrade to the standard Glock 19 Gen 3. The price is justified considering the enhanced features, durable construction, and reliable performance.
I would personally recommend this slide to anyone looking for a duty-focused upgrade. Upgrade your Glock 19 today and experience the difference!
