American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit Review

First Impressions of American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit promises to be a cost-effective solution for completing a Glock 17 Gen 3 compatible slide. This kit from American Tactical Arms aims to provide essential internal components needed for a functional firearm, turning a stripped slide into a fully operational part. I approached this kit with a mix of hope and skepticism, given the lower price point compared to other offerings on the market.

My recent Polymer80 build project hit a snag when sourcing reliable internal parts proved more expensive than anticipated. I was looking for a complete, budget-friendly solution to get my build up and running. The ATA17 Slide Completion Kit seemed like a viable option to save money and potentially get the project done quickly.

Upon unboxing, the kit appeared complete, containing the necessary springs, pins, and small parts. The parts had a somewhat rough finish but felt reasonably solid. Compared to higher-end completion kits I’ve used from Glock or Brownells, the American Tactical Arms kit felt less refined, but I was hoping the performance would speak for itself.

My first impression was a hesitant optimism. The price was certainly attractive, and the kit seemed to contain everything needed, however the noticeable difference in quality from other kits left some lingering doubts. Only real-world testing would reveal the true value of this ATA17 Slide Completion Kit.

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Real-World Testing: Putting American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit into a brand-new, aftermarket Glock 17 Gen 3 compatible slide and immediately headed to an indoor shooting range. The range provided a controlled environment to test the functionality and reliability of the kit. I used a mix of 115 grain and 124 grain FMJ ammunition for the initial testing.

The first few magazines ran without issue, with the pistol cycling smoothly and ejecting spent casings consistently. After about 50 rounds, however, I started experiencing occasional failures to extract. The pistol started to become unreliable and inconsistent with ejection.

There was no time needed to get used to it, other than getting used to it potentially not ejecting the next round. The recoil felt normal, however the unreliability issue already put the kit in a negative light. The issues after the first few magazines were definitely a surprise and raised serious concerns about the long-term reliability of the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After the initial range session, I cleaned and lubricated the pistol thoroughly and returned to the range a week later for further testing. I wanted to see if the initial issues were a fluke or a sign of deeper problems. I fired approximately 300 rounds during the second session.

The failure to extract issues persisted, and I also experienced a broken firing pin after about 350 total rounds fired. This made the pistol completely inoperable. The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit did not hold up well under extended use, and the broken firing pin highlighted a significant durability concern.

Maintenance was standard, but the durability issues made any further cleaning feel pointless. Compared to previous builds using Glock factory parts or reputable aftermarket components, the ATA17 Slide Completion Kit was a major disappointment. The kit’s poor performance and eventual failure were not acceptable, and the product did not meet my expectations for reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit

Specifications

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit is designed to provide the necessary internal components for a Glock 17 Gen 3 compatible slide. It includes the following parts: firing pin assembly, extractor, extractor depressor plunger, spring-loaded bearing, slide cover plate, recoil spring assembly, and other small parts. It is chambered in 9mm, compatible with Glock 17 and Polymer80 PF940v2 frames, and specified for Glock 17 Generation 3 models.

These specifications are crucial for ensuring proper fit and function within a Glock 17 platform build. The correct spring weights and pin dimensions are essential for reliable cycling and ignition. The use of quality materials in these components directly impacts the overall performance and longevity of the firearm.

Performance & Functionality

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit initially functioned adequately, but exhibited significant reliability issues during extended use. The most glaring problem was the consistent failure to extract, which disrupted the shooting experience and raised serious safety concerns. The firing pin snapping was an additional, serious performance failure.

The kit’s major weaknesses were the unreliability of the extraction and the premature failure of the firing pin. The kit did not meet expectations. In a self-defense scenario, the unreliability of this ATA17 Slide Completion Kit could have catastrophic results.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit appeared adequate at first glance, but the materials used seemed to be of lower quality compared to OEM Glock parts. The parts felt slightly rough, and the finish was less refined. There was no learning curve.

The kit was generally user-friendly, but the poor materials and lack of durability marred the overall impression. The rough finish and lower-grade materials didn’t inspire confidence.

Durability & Maintenance

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit demonstrated poor durability, with the firing pin failing after only a few hundred rounds. This indicates a fundamental flaw in the materials or manufacturing process. Cleaning and maintaining the kit was straightforward, but the underlying durability issues rendered routine maintenance less meaningful.

Given the observed rate of failure, the ATA17 Slide Completion Kit is not expected to last long under regular use. The need for frequent replacements would negate any initial cost savings.

Accessories and Customization Options

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit does not include any additional accessories beyond the necessary internal components. It is designed to be a standalone kit for completing a stripped slide. Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is generally good, as it adheres to Glock 17 Gen 3 specifications, which has wide aftermarket support.

Users can customize the slide with different sights, barrels, and guide rods. The ATA17 Slide Completion Kit itself does not offer specific customization options, but its compatibility with the Glock platform opens a wide range of aftermarket possibilities.

Pros and Cons of American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit

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Who Should Buy American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit?

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit might appeal to budget-minded individuals seeking an inexpensive solution for completing a Glock 17 slide. It might be acceptable only for very light use or range training, if one is willing to accept the high chance of failure. It is not recommended for anyone prioritizing reliability or self-defense purposes.

Anyone seeking a reliable and durable slide completion kit should skip this product. Spend a bit more on a kit from a reputable manufacturer. A must-have modification would be replacing the firing pin with an aftermarket one from a known quality manufacture if using the kit regardless.

Conclusion on American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit

The American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit is a budget-friendly option that ultimately falls short due to significant reliability and durability issues. The kit’s initial low cost is quickly overshadowed by the risk of component failure and the potential need for frequent replacements. The unreliability makes the product unusable.

The value proposition is questionable, as the low price does not justify the high risk of failure. Given my experience, I cannot recommend the American Tactical Arms ATA17 Slide Completion Kit. For anyone relying on their firearm for self-defense or even regular range use, investing in a higher-quality, more reliable completion kit is essential.