What Makes The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped Stand Out?
The The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped is designed for Glock enthusiasts looking to upgrade their pistol with enhanced features and aesthetics. The Gun Company aims to provide a superior slide that improves grip, manipulation, and optic mounting capabilities. This stripped slide is compatible with Gen 3 Glock 19 frames, offering a direct replacement for those seeking a performance boost.
My quest for a more aggressive and functional Glock slide led me to this product. I specifically sought enhanced serrations and a reliable RMR cut for optic mounting without sending my factory slide off for months. The allure of improved ergonomics and a unique aesthetic sealed the deal, as I’ve always appreciated a well-executed slide upgrade.
Upon unboxing, the immediate impression was one of quality craftsmanship. The slide felt solid and well-machined, with a noticeable heft that inspired confidence, and the coating appeared evenly applied. It was evident that The Gun Company put considerable effort into the machining and finish of this slide.
While considering this slide, I also looked at offerings from ZEV Technologies and Brownells. I chose the The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped due to its more aggressive serration design and the included optic cover plate, offering a more complete package for the price. The others felt like they were nickel-and-diming me for features that should have been standard.
My first impression was excitement coupled with a healthy dose of skepticism. Could this aftermarket slide truly deliver on its promises of enhanced performance and reliability? The initial inspection certainly gave me hope.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, where I subjected the The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped to a variety of drills. These drills included rapid target acquisition, malfunction clearing, and accuracy testing at varying distances. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for a thorough evaluation.
The slide performed admirably in the dry conditions, with the enhanced serrations providing a significant improvement in grip compared to the factory Glock slide. Even with sweaty hands, I felt confident in my ability to manipulate the slide quickly and efficiently. I experienced no issues with cycling or feeding during the first range session.
The slide was incredibly easy to install. It was a direct swap with my Gen 3 Glock 19 slide, needing no modifications to the frame or barrel. It took less than five minutes to go from unboxing to firing the first rounds.
After the first 100 rounds, I was surprised by how well the slide tracked and how much easier it was to manipulate during drills. The enhanced serrations made a noticeable difference in my grip, even with gloves on. This gave me confidence in its ability to perform in adverse conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including weekly range trips and a few practical shooting competitions, the The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped has proven to be remarkably durable. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, with only slight holster marks appearing on the finish. The slide continues to cycle smoothly and reliably.
The finish has held up surprisingly well. It has resisted scratches and dings, even after being subjected to rough handling and exposure to the elements. I attribute this to the quality of the The Gun Company’s surface treatment.
Maintaining the slide is simple. Regular cleaning with a standard gun solvent and lubrication with a quality gun oil keeps it running smoothly. There have been no issues with rust or corrosion.
This slide has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and durability. It’s a significant improvement over the factory Glock slide and has enhanced my shooting experience considerably. I am significantly faster in malfunction drills due to the better grip.
Breaking Down the Features of The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped
Specifications
- Manufacturer: The Gun Company.
- Gun Make: Glock.
- Gun Model: Glock 19.
- Compatibility: Gen 3 Glock 19 frames.
- Material: Heat Treated 17-4 SST Bar Stock. This provides excellent strength and corrosion resistance.
- Color Options: FDE, Gray, Black.
- Serrations: Full wrap around and ENHANCED front serrations. These serrations significantly improve grip and slide manipulation, even in adverse conditions.
- Serration Depth: .025” Deep Serrations.
- Chamfers: 45-degree full-length FAST chamfers with serrations. This aids in faster holstering.
- Barrel Peep: Front nose scallop and lightning window at 12:00.
- Optic Cut: Rear optic cut for Trijicon RMR. This allows for direct mounting of a Trijicon RMR red dot sight.
- Optic Cover Plate: Anodized aluminum with machine engraved FREEDOM FLAG. This protects the optic cut when an optic is not installed.
- Screws: Custom stainless steel low-profile screws included.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the slide’s performance, reliability, and aesthetics. The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures durability, while the enhanced serrations and RMR cut improve functionality. The Gun Company prioritized both form and function in this design.
Performance & Functionality
The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped excels in its primary function: improving the performance and handling of a Glock 19. The aggressive serrations provide a secure grip for slide manipulation, even with wet or gloved hands. The RMR cut allows for easy and reliable optic mounting, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition speed.
The slide’s strengths lie in its improved grip, enhanced aesthetics, and reliable RMR mounting platform. The only potential weakness is that the aggressive serrations might be too abrasive for some users, although I found them to be perfectly comfortable. It met and exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with the slide feeling solid and well-machined. The 17-4 stainless steel construction gives it a substantial weight, which helps to reduce felt recoil. The chamfered edges provide a comfortable grip and prevent snagging on clothing or gear.
There is a slight learning curve associated with the enhanced serrations, as they require a more deliberate grip than the factory Glock slide. However, I quickly adapted to the new feel, and I found it to be a significant improvement in overall ergonomics.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its robust construction and high-quality materials, the The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped is expected to last for many years with proper care. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion, and the finish appears to be very durable. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s needed to keep it in top condition.
Replacing worn parts, such as the striker or extractor, is a straightforward process that can be done with basic gunsmithing tools. The Gun Company stands behind their products, and replacement parts are readily available.
Accessories and Customization Options
The slide comes with an anodized aluminum optic cover plate and custom stainless steel low-profile screws for mounting a Trijicon RMR. It’s compatible with all standard Glock 19 Gen 3 internal components, allowing for a wide range of customization options, and any Glock 19 compatible barrel.
Popular accessories include aftermarket barrels, guide rods, and recoil springs, allowing users to further fine-tune the performance of their pistol. Compatibility with readily available Glock parts makes this slide a versatile platform for customization.
Pros and Cons of The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: Full wrap around and ENHANCED front serrations provide exceptional grip in all conditions.
- RMR Optic Cut: Allows for direct mounting of Trijicon RMR red dot sights, improving accuracy and target acquisition speed.
- Durable Construction: Machined from heat-treated 17-4 SST bar stock for long-lasting performance.
- Improved Aesthetics: The slide’s aggressive design and chamfered edges give it a distinctive and modern look.
- Easy Installation: Direct replacement for Gen 3 Glock 19 slides, requiring no modifications.
Cons
- Aggressive Serrations: The very aggressive serrations might be too abrasive for some users, particularly those with sensitive hands.
- Price: At $414.99, the slide is more expensive than some other aftermarket options.
Who Should Buy The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped?
Perfect for Glock enthusiasts looking to enhance the performance and aesthetics of their pistol. It is also an ideal choice for competitive shooters, law enforcement personnel, and those who prioritize a reliable and easily manipulated slide. The aggressive serrations and RMR cut make it well-suited for those who demand the best in both form and function.
Those who are on a tight budget or who prefer a more subtle slide design might want to skip this product. The aggressive serrations and higher price point may not appeal to everyone.
A quality red dot sight, such as a Trijicon RMR, is a must-have accessory to take full advantage of the slide’s capabilities. I would also suggest a set of suppressor-height sights to co-witness with the optic.
Conclusion on The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped
The Gun Company LVL-2 Combat Duty Enhanced Glock 19 Slide Stripped is a top-tier aftermarket slide that delivers on its promises of enhanced performance, durability, and aesthetics. While the price may be higher than some competitors, the quality of materials, attention to detail, and improved functionality make it a worthwhile investment. The value proposition is strong.
I would highly recommend this slide to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 19 with a reliable and high-performing component. It has significantly enhanced my shooting experience, and I am confident that it will do the same for others. The Gun Company has created a truly exceptional product that deserves serious consideration. Upgrade your Glock today.