Let’s Talk About American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut
The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut offers a compelling upgrade for Glock 17 owners and Polymer 80 builders alike. This slide aims to enhance performance through improved grip, reduced recoil, and optic compatibility. American Tactical Arms is positioning this as a match-grade alternative to factory slides, at a competitive price point.
I’ve always been a fan of customizing my firearms to better suit my needs and preferences. I was looking for a slide that could accommodate an optic and provide improved ergonomics without breaking the bank. The ATA17 Badger seemed to offer a promising combination of features at a reasonable cost.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the aggressive serrations and the clean optic cut. The slide felt solid, and the Flat Dark Earth Cerakote finish appeared well-applied. The weight seemed comparable to a factory Glock slide, but the window cuts gave the impression of a lighter reciprocating mass.
Compared to similar aftermarket slides from ZEV Technologies and Brownells, the ATA17 Badger is significantly more affordable. While those brands offer arguably more refined machining and aesthetic options, the ATA17 Badger aims for a balance of performance and value. I ultimately chose the ATA17 Badger because of its ambidextrous slide release cut and positive user reviews about optic fitment.
My initial impression was excitement mixed with a little apprehension, especially given the few reviews indicating parts compatibility issues. I was eager to see how it would perform on the range. I hoped it would deliver on its promise of enhanced grip and improved accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut at my local outdoor range. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. I mounted a Trijicon RMR and used a Glock 17 Gen 3 frame with a new lower parts kit.
The slide functioned flawlessly through the first 100 rounds. The angled serrations provided excellent grip, even with sweaty hands. The recoil felt noticeably softer compared to a factory Glock slide, likely due to the reduced weight from the window cuts.
The only initial issue I encountered was a failure to lock back on the last round. This was likely due to the new recoil spring being stiffer than necessary, which resolved itself after a few more magazines. This can be common with new parts and easily addressed with break-in.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds, the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut has proven to be remarkably reliable. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the slide or the Cerakote finish. Cleaning the slide is straightforward, and the stainless-steel construction resists corrosion.
Maintenance has been minimal, involving only routine cleaning and lubrication after each range session. I’ve used a variety of ammunition types, including 115gr FMJ, 124gr JHP, and 147gr FMJ, all with consistent performance. The slide has consistently performed better than my previous experiences with non-optic ready factory slides.
This slide has significantly improved my shooting experience, as I am able to acquire my target faster than I could with iron sights. I would consider this a vast improvement over the standard factory slide that came with my Glock.
Breaking Down the Features of American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut
Specifications
- Manufacturer: American Tactical Arms. This company is known for producing affordable firearms and accessories.
- Gun Make: Compatible with Polymer 80 PF940c and Glock 17 platforms. This provides flexibility for both custom builds and upgrading existing firearms.
- Gun Model: Designed for Polymer 80 PF940c and Glock 17 models. This ensures proper fitment and function.
- Model Generation: Compatible with Glock Gen 3 and Gen 4 models. This is achieved by including the ambidextrous slide release cut.
- Optic Cut: Designed for Holosun and Trijicon RMR footprint optics. This allows for direct mounting of popular red dot sights without adapter plates.
- Color: Available in Flat Dark Earth (FDE). This provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
- Length: 7.32 inches. This is the standard length for a Glock 17 slide.
- Width: 1 inch. This ensures compatibility with standard Glock 17 holsters.
- Fabric/Material: CNC machined from American 416R Stainless Steel. This provides excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability.
- Condition: Can be found as Factory Demo. These can be purchased for a reduced price.
- Last Chance: Some may be a “Last Chance” item. These are likely discontinued or limited availability.
- Projectile Caliber: .355 Caliber (9mm). This is the standard caliber for Glock 17 pistols.
- Lower ejection port to assist in ejection of casings. Improved ejection reliability reduces malfunctions.
- Match grade, tight tolerances that are more specific than factory grade. This promotes consistent barrel lockup and enhances accuracy.
- Light weight, improves accuracy and performance. This reduces felt recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots.
- Front and rear side serrations for maximum grip and slide manipulation. Enhanced grip facilitates easier racking of the slide, even with wet or gloved hands.
- H-series cerakote for increased durability and corrosive resistance. This finish protects the slide from wear, scratches, and environmental elements.
Performance & Functionality
The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut performs admirably in its intended role. It cycles reliably, offers enhanced grip, and facilitates accurate shooting with a red dot sight. The ambidextrous slide release cut is a welcome addition, making it compatible with a broader range of Glock frames.
One notable strength is the improved grip provided by the aggressive serrations. The slide is easy to manipulate, even under stress. A potential weakness is the need for aftermarket parts to complete the slide assembly.
Overall, the ATA17 Badger meets my expectations and enhances the performance of my Glock 17 build. The optic cut is precise, and the slide cycles smoothly with a variety of ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut is impressive, especially considering the price point. The 416R stainless steel construction feels robust, and the Cerakote finish provides a durable and attractive coating. The weight is comparable to a factory Glock slide, but the window cuts give it a slightly lighter feel.
The slide is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The angled serrations and the enhanced grip make it easy to manipulate. The optic cut is precisely machined, allowing for a seamless installation of my Trijicon RMR.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut appears to be a durable and long-lasting upgrade. The stainless-steel construction and Cerakote finish resist wear and corrosion. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that is required to maintain its performance.
The slide should last for thousands of rounds with proper care. The American Tactical Arms limited warranty provides additional peace of mind.
Accessories and Customization Options
The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut comes stripped, meaning it does not include internal components such as the firing pin, extractor, or channel liner. These parts must be purchased separately or sourced from an existing slide. The slide is compatible with standard Glock 17 barrels and guide rods.
The optic cut is specifically designed for Holosun and Trijicon RMR footprint optics, allowing for direct mounting without adapter plates. Users can also customize the slide with aftermarket sights, such as suppressor-height sights for co-witnessing with a red dot. The slide is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket Glock parts, providing ample customization options.
Pros and Cons of American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut
Pros
- Aggressive serrations provide excellent grip for easy slide manipulation.
- Optic cut allows for direct mounting of Holosun and Trijicon RMR optics.
- 416R stainless steel construction offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance.
- Ambidextrous slide release cut enhances compatibility with Gen 3 and Gen 4 frames.
- Reduced weight from window cuts can potentially reduce felt recoil.
Cons
- Requires purchasing separate internal components to complete the slide assembly.
- Factory Demo conditions may exhibit minor cosmetic imperfections.
Who Should Buy American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut?
The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut is perfect for Glock 17 owners and Polymer 80 builders looking to upgrade their firearms with an optic-ready slide. This is also ideal for those seeking improved grip and enhanced aesthetics. Competitive shooters, home defense enthusiasts, and recreational shooters can all benefit from this upgrade.
This product is not suitable for those who prefer a complete, drop-in slide assembly or who are not comfortable installing internal components. Those seeking a more refined or aesthetically customized slide may also want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory is a complete slide parts kit, including a firing pin, extractor, channel liner, and other essential components. Suppressor-height sights are also recommended for co-witnessing with a red dot optic.
Conclusion on American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut
The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut offers a compelling combination of performance, features, and value. The slide is well-built, functions reliably, and enhances the shooting experience with its improved grip and optic compatibility. While it requires purchasing separate internal components, the overall cost remains competitive compared to other aftermarket slides.
The price is justified considering the quality of materials, the precision machining, and the enhanced functionality. I would personally recommend the ATA17 Badger to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 17 or Polymer 80 build.
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable optic-ready slide that offers enhanced grip and performance, the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Badger Stripped Ambidextrous Slide w/Optic Cut is an excellent choice. Upgrade your pistol today and experience the difference!