Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit Review

First Impressions of Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit

Building a Glock, whether from a Polymer80 frame or upgrading an existing one, is a rite of passage for any serious firearms enthusiast. The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit promised to be a cost-effective solution for completing a custom slide build, offering all the necessary internal components in one package. With my decade-plus of experience in the tactical gear world, I was eager to see if this kit could deliver on its promise of quality and performance, especially given the allure of saving a few bucks compared to OEM parts.

My motivation for purchasing this kit stemmed from a recent P80 build. I wanted to ensure complete compatibility with a Zaffiri Precision slide I was using. I have a fully functional Glock 34 upper, and sought to emulate its performance in this new build. I’d heard mixed reviews about aftermarket Glock parts, but the price point of $79.99 was tempting, especially compared to the purported $100+ for an OEM kit.

Upon receiving the kit, my initial impression was a mixed bag. The components appeared well-machined, but the finish on some parts, particularly the ejector, seemed lackluster. The polymer slide back plate was a bit of a surprise, given my expectation of aluminum. I compared this kit to a previous OEM Glock upper parts kit I had purchased and used, as well as a Strike Industries parts kit. The Zaffiri Precision kit was significantly cheaper, but the initial fit and finish didn’t inspire the same confidence.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic, tinged with a bit of skepticism. I was hoping the kit would perform flawlessly and prove my initial reservations wrong. It remained to be seen whether saving a few dollars would translate into a reliable and high-performing upper assembly.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and dry, perfect conditions for putting rounds downrange. The completed slide was installed on my P80 Glock 17 build. I was using standard 115-grain FMJ ammunition.

Initially, the slide had trouble returning to battery after each shot. This was frustrating, and concerning. After about six magazines, however, the issue seemed to resolve itself, and the pistol began cycling more reliably. The heavy recoil spring was noticeable, and I wondered if this contributed to the initial cycling problems.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions totaling approximately 500 rounds, the Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit is performing adequately. There are some nagging issues that remain. The striker sleeve still has a tendency to come loose during disassembly.

There are no significant signs of wear and tear beyond normal use, but the initial issues I experienced leave me questioning the long-term durability of some components. Cleaning and maintaining the parts is straightforward, as with any Glock. Compared to my experience with OEM Glock parts, the Zaffiri Precision kit feels less refined and requires more attention to detail during assembly and maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit

Specifications

• The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit is designed for Glock 17, Glock 17L, and Glock 34 pistols in Generations 1 through 3. This makes it versatile for a range of Glock platforms.
• The kit includes essential components such as the striker assembly, extractor, ejector, firing pin safety, and associated springs and small parts. This offers a complete solution for upper assembly needs.
• The parts are manufactured from metal and plastic. This is typical for Glock internal components.

The specified fitment to multiple Glock models is certainly a bonus. However, the material choices and manufacturing tolerances directly impact the reliability and longevity of the kit, especially under the stresses of repeated firing.

Performance & Functionality

The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit performs its core function of enabling the pistol to fire, but with some caveats. The initial failure-to-return-to-battery issue raised concerns about reliability. While it eventually resolved itself, it underscores the potential for issues with aftermarket parts. The heavy recoil spring, while potentially helpful in reducing felt recoil, may also contribute to cycling problems, especially with lighter loads.

The kit has its strengths, mainly its affordability and the inclusion of all necessary components. The weaknesses, however, lie in the potential for inconsistent manufacturing tolerances and the questions surrounding long-term durability. It meets expectations for basic functionality, but falls short of the flawless performance one would expect from OEM parts.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit is decent, but not exceptional. The materials used appear to be of reasonable quality, but the overall fit and finish lack the refinement of OEM Glock parts. There is no learning curve associated with installing this kit. If you know how to disassemble and assemble a Glock, you can install this kit.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit remains to be seen. Given the initial issues and the less-than-perfect fit of some components, I have some reservations about its lifespan compared to OEM parts. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. The ease of repair will depend on the specific issue. Replacing individual components is relatively simple, as Glock parts are widely available.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit does not come with any additional accessories beyond the included internal components. Customization options are limited to replacing individual parts with aftermarket alternatives. The kit is compatible with standard Glock accessories, such as aftermarket slides, barrels, and recoil springs. This allows for a degree of customization, but the core components of the kit remain fixed.

Pros and Cons of Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit

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Who Should Buy Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit?

The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit is perfect for budget-conscious Glock builders who are comfortable troubleshooting potential issues and have some experience with aftermarket parts. It’s also suitable for those looking to complete a project gun without investing heavily in OEM components.

Those seeking guaranteed reliability and flawless performance should skip this product. Individuals who prioritize peace of mind and are unwilling to risk potential cycling problems or durability issues should opt for OEM Glock parts or higher-end aftermarket alternatives. A must-have modification might be a lighter recoil spring if you find that the included spring is causing cycling issues with your chosen ammunition.

Conclusion on Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit

The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit offers an affordable entry point into the world of custom Glock builds. It provides all the necessary components to complete an upper assembly at a fraction of the cost of OEM parts. However, this cost savings comes with some trade-offs.

The potential for inconsistent manufacturing tolerances, initial cycling issues, and questions surrounding long-term durability are valid concerns. The value proposition is debatable. While the price is certainly attractive, the potential for needing to replace components down the line could negate those initial savings.

Would I personally recommend it? With reservations. If you’re on a tight budget and are willing to accept some risk, it’s a viable option. However, if reliability and peace of mind are your top priorities, I would recommend investing in OEM Glock parts. Proceed with caution, and be prepared to troubleshoot. The Zaffiri Precision Glock 17/34/17L Gen 1-3 Upper Parts Kit may get you shooting, but it’s not a guaranteed home run.