First Impressions of Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit
The Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit promises a cost-effective solution for completing a pistol slide, offering components manufactured to tight tolerances using quality materials. As someone who’s built numerous Glocks over the years, from full-size competition guns to compact concealed carry options, I was intrigued by this kit’s potential to simplify the process and offer a reliable alternative to sourcing individual parts. My experience with aftermarket Glock parts has been a mixed bag, so I approached this with cautious optimism, hoping Strike Industries would deliver on their promise of quality and compatibility.
I’ve been working on a custom Glock 43X build, and sourcing all the individual slide components was becoming a tedious and surprisingly expensive task. The allure of a single kit containing everything I needed, save for the barrel and sights, was very strong.
The kit arrived neatly packaged, each component individually bagged and labeled. Initial inspection revealed a clean, uniform finish on all the parts, with no obvious defects or blemishes. The 4140 steel components felt substantial, and the MIM (Metal Injection Molded) parts appeared well-formed. I immediately compared it to OEM Glock parts I had on hand. While not identical in every cosmetic detail, the dimensions and finish appeared comparable.
I considered buying individual OEM Glock parts or a similar kit from another manufacturer, but the Strike Industries kit offered a compelling combination of price and claimed features. Specifically, the hardened 4140 steel for critical components like the firing pin safety and extractor depressor plunger swayed my decision. My biggest concern was the potential for aftermarket parts to introduce reliability issues.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The components appeared well-made, but the true test would be in the installation and, more importantly, performance at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit in my Glock 43X slide, which I planned to use as my EDC(Every Day Carry) and range practice weapon. I performed the installation in my workshop, using standard Glock armorer’s tools and following readily available online guides. The installation process was straightforward, with all parts fitting properly within the slide. There was no excessive play or tightness, which is crucial for proper function.
My first range session consisted of 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition, including 115gr FMJ, 124gr FMJ, and 147gr JHP. The pistol performed flawlessly during the initial break-in period. There were no failures to feed, failures to eject, or any other malfunctions related to the slide components.
The only minor issue I encountered was with the included recoil spring assembly, which felt slightly “looser” than the factory Glock RSA. The recoil felt marginally snappier, but it did not negatively impact the pistol’s accuracy or reliability during my initial testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 1000 rounds of usage, the Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear or tear on any of the components. The finish on the firing pin and extractor remains intact, and the springs retain their tension.
I have noticed a slight smoothing of the extractor claw, which is normal with use, but it has not affected its ability to reliably extract spent casings. I’ve made sure to clean and lubricate the slide components after each range session. This helps prevent corrosion and ensures smooth operation. The Strike Industries kit is easy to disassemble and clean, making maintenance a breeze.
Compared to my previous experiences with aftermarket Glock parts from less reputable manufacturers, this kit significantly outperforms expectations. I’ve previously encountered issues with soft extractors, weak firing pin springs, and poorly machined firing pin safeties. The Strike Industries kit has proven to be a reliable and durable alternative to OEM parts.
Breaking Down the Features of Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit
Specifications
The Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit includes everything needed to complete a Glock 43, 43X, or 48 slide, with the exception of the barrel and sights. It’s compatible with Gen3-5 models, providing versatility for different builds.
- Recoil Spring Assembly: Ensures proper cycling of the slide.
- Firing Pin & Spring: Responsible for igniting the cartridge primer. The firing pin is MIM 174 PH and hardened to H900 condition with a Black Nitride finish.
- Firing Pin Spacer Sleeve: Positions and supports the firing pin within the slide.
- Firing Pin Spring Cups: Retain the firing pin spring.
- Extractor Depressor Plunger & Spring: Applies pressure to the extractor, ensuring proper cartridge extraction. The Extractor Depressor Plunger is made from 4140 steel with 42-46Rc hardness.
- Spring Loaded Bearing w/ Load Chamber Indicator (LCI): Functions as part of the LCI system.
- Firing Pin Safety Plunger & Spring: Prevents accidental discharge. The Firing Pin Safety is made from 4140 steel with 42-46 Rc hardness.
- Extractor w/ LCI: Removes spent casings from the chamber. The Extractor is MIM 174 PH and hardened to H900 condition.
- Slide Cover Plate: Covers the rear of the slide, retaining the internal components.
- Material: Primarily 4140 Steel
- Finish: Black Nitride
- Compatibility: Glock 43, Glock 43X, Glock 48 (Gen3-5)
These specifications are critical because they determine the overall reliability and longevity of the pistol. High-quality materials and precise manufacturing tolerances are essential for ensuring consistent performance and preventing malfunctions. The use of hardened 4140 steel for key components like the firing pin safety and extractor depressor plunger indicates a commitment to durability.
Performance & Functionality
The Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit performs its intended function admirably. The pistol cycles reliably, extracts spent casings consistently, and exhibits excellent accuracy.
The firing pin consistently ignites primers without light strikes, even with various brands of ammunition. The extractor firmly grips the cartridge rim, preventing failures to extract. The firing pin safety effectively blocks the firing pin until the trigger is pulled, adding a crucial layer of safety.
The recoil spring assembly, while slightly looser than OEM, still adequately manages recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots. However, this looseness is a potential area for improvement.
Overall, the Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit meets and, in some aspects, exceeds expectations for an aftermarket slide completion kit. It provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative to sourcing individual OEM parts.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit is commendable. The components are well-machined, with clean edges and a uniform finish. The materials used are durable and feel substantial.
The kit is designed to be a drop-in replacement for OEM parts. No gunsmithing is required for installation, making it accessible to both experienced and novice Glock builders. The only potential issue I had was the looser guide rod as stated above.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my extended use, the Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit appears to be highly durable. The hardened steel components exhibit minimal wear, and the springs retain their tension. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining the kit’s performance.
The kit is easy to disassemble and clean, allowing for thorough maintenance. The black nitride finish provides excellent corrosion resistance. It ensures the kit will withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit does not come with any accessories beyond the included slide components. However, it is fully compatible with a wide range of Glock 43, 43X, and 48 accessories, including aftermarket barrels, sights, and recoil spring assemblies.
I replaced the Strike Industries recoil spring assembly with an aftermarket stainless steel guide rod and spring from another manufacturer. That resulted in a slightly tighter recoil impulse, allowing for even faster follow-up shots. The compatibility with aftermarket accessories allows for extensive customization and fine-tuning of the pistol’s performance. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who want to personalize their Glock build.
Pros and Cons of Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit
Pros
- Cost-effective alternative to sourcing individual OEM Glock parts.
- High-quality materials and precise manufacturing tolerances ensure reliable performance.
- Easy to install, requiring no gunsmithing.
- Compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.
- Durable construction for long-lasting performance.
Cons
- Recoil spring assembly feels slightly looser than OEM, though this does not impede overall functioning.
- Some users may prefer the feel of a factory Glock recoil spring assembly.
- Limited customization options included (no sights or barrel).
Who Should Buy Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit?
The Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit is perfect for:
- Individuals building a custom Glock 43, 43X, or 48.
- Gun owners looking to replace worn or damaged slide components.
- Enthusiasts seeking a cost-effective alternative to OEM Glock parts.
Who should skip this product?
- Individuals who prefer to use only OEM Glock parts.
- Those unwilling to perform basic firearm maintenance and cleaning.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- High-quality aftermarket barrel.
- Preferred sights (iron sights or red dot optic).
- Potentially an aftermarket recoil spring assembly (depending on personal preference).
Conclusion on Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit
The Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit offers a compelling combination of value, performance, and durability. While the recoil spring assembly may not be to everyone’s liking, the overall quality of the components and the ease of installation make this kit a worthwhile investment. The price is justified by the quality of materials and the convenience of having all necessary slide components in one package.
I would personally recommend the Strike Industries kit to anyone building a Glock 43, 43X, or 48, or looking to replace worn slide parts. It’s a reliable and cost-effective alternative to OEM parts, offering excellent performance and durability.
If you’re looking to complete your Glock slide build without breaking the bank, give the Strike Industries Glock G43/G43X/G48 Gen3-5 Slide Completion Kit a serious look. You might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance it offers.