Let’s Talk About American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models
The world of pistol customization can be a rabbit hole, but sometimes you stumble upon a gem that promises enhanced performance and a personalized touch. The American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models aims to be that gem, offering Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4 and P80 (PF940Cv1) builders a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and performance-driven slide. American Tactical Arms (ATA) positions this slide as a significant upgrade, focusing on tighter tolerances, weight reduction, and enhanced grip.
I’ve always been fascinated by the modularity of the Glock platform, and the allure of building a custom pistol from the ground up has been a long-standing project. My factory Glock 19 slide felt a bit…vanilla. I wanted something with better serrations and perhaps a window cut for aesthetics and improved cycling.
The ATA19 Badger Stripped Slide arrived well-packaged, and my initial impression was positive. The CNC machining looked clean, and the Cerakote finish appeared durable. Compared to a basic OEM Glock slide and a ZEV Technologies Dragonfly slide I’ve handled, the Badger seemed to strike a balance between aggressive aesthetics and functional design at a more accessible price point than the ZEV. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the performance would match the looks.
Real-World Testing: Putting American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial range trip with the ATA19 Badger was at an outdoor range in mixed conditions – a partly sunny day with a slight breeze, and a touch of dust in the air. The slide was installed on a P80 frame with a Glock OEM barrel and internals. Right away, I noticed the difference in slide manipulation thanks to the enhanced serrations. Racking the slide, even with slightly sweaty hands, felt significantly more secure than with a stock Glock slide.
The reduced weight was also noticeable, leading to a flatter shooting experience. After the first 50 rounds, there were no malfunctions related to the slide.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 1000 rounds, the ATA19 Badger has held up admirably. The Cerakote finish has shown minimal wear, even after repeated holster draws. Maintaining the slide is easy. A simple cleaning with a nylon brush and solvent after each range session has kept it running smoothly.
Compared to my experience with some cheaper aftermarket slides, the ATA19 Badger has been remarkably reliable. There have been no FTEs or FTFs directly attributable to the slide. This has exceeded my expectations for a slide in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models
Specifications
- CNC Machined from American 416R Stainless Steel: This ensures strength, corrosion resistance, and precise tolerances, crucial for reliability and accuracy.
- Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4 and P80 (PF940Cv1) Compatibility: Provides versatility for a wide range of builds, making it a solid option for customization enthusiasts.
- Window Cuts: Lightens the slide, reduces felt recoil, and allows for faster follow-up shots. Compatible with ported barrels for maximum performance.
- Angled Front and Rear Side Serrations: Offers enhanced grip for easier slide manipulation in various conditions.
- Lowered Ejection Port: Optimizes ejection for consistent performance.
- Match Grade, Tight Tolerances: More specific than factory grade, enhancing accuracy and barrel lockup.
- H-Series Cerakote Finish: Increases durability and corrosion resistance, prolonging the lifespan of the slide.
- Screws Diameter/Thread Size – 6-32 (not included): Important to know when sourcing screws.
Performance & Functionality
The ATA19 Badger performs exceptionally well. The tighter tolerances, compared to a factory Glock slide, translated to improved consistency in barrel lockup. This resulted in slightly tighter groupings at 15 yards. The reduced weight is not a gimmick. It genuinely helps mitigate felt recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots, especially during rapid-fire drills.
The aggressive serrations are a standout feature. They provide a secure grip, even with wet or gloved hands, making slide manipulation effortless. The lowered ejection port functions as intended, ensuring consistent and reliable ejection of spent casings.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the ATA19 Badger is a good balance between form and function. The window cuts are aesthetically pleasing without compromising structural integrity. The slide’s weight feels just right – not too light, which can compromise reliability, and not too heavy, which can increase felt recoil. The serrations are aggressively textured but not overly sharp, providing a comfortable and secure grip.
Installation was straightforward. The slide fit perfectly on my P80 frame and Glock OEM internals without any modifications.
Durability & Maintenance
The ATA19 Badger‘s durability is impressive, thanks to the 416R stainless steel construction and H-series Cerakote finish. After several months of regular use, there are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the Cerakote finish has held up well. Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and lubrication are sufficient to keep the slide running smoothly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ATA19 Badger Stripped Slide is designed to accept standard Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4 internals, making it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket barrels, guide rods, and other components. The slide is also compatible with various optics mounting solutions for Glock slides (optic cut version sold separately). This allows for easy customization with red dot sights and other accessories.
Pros and Cons of American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: The aggressive front and rear serrations provide superior slide manipulation in all conditions.
- Reduced Recoil: The lightweight design helps mitigate felt recoil, improving accuracy and follow-up shot speed.
- High-Quality Materials: The 416R stainless steel construction and Cerakote finish ensure durability and corrosion resistance.
- Improved Accuracy: Tighter tolerances contribute to more consistent barrel lockup and enhanced accuracy.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: The window cuts and overall design give the pistol a modern and aggressive look.
Cons
- Missing optic cut, requires buying other model:
- Screws not Included: The slide does not come with screws, requiring an additional purchase.
- Cerakote Durability: While generally durable, aggressive holster use can eventually lead to some wear on the finish,
Who Should Buy American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models?
The American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models is perfect for individuals looking to upgrade their Glock 19 Gen 3/Gen 4 or complete a P80 build with a high-quality, performance-driven slide. It’s a great choice for those who value enhanced grip, reduced recoil, and improved accuracy. It is also a great choice for shooters who want a modern aesthetic without sacrificing reliability.
This slide might not be the best choice for someone seeking a drop-in replacement without any customization. This is because it requires the user to source their own internal components and screws. Shooters primarily concerned with budget might find cheaper alternatives, though they may sacrifice quality and performance.
Conclusion on American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models
Overall, the American Tactical Arms OPMOD ATA19 Badger Stripped – 1 out of 2 models is an impressive aftermarket slide that delivers on its promises. The combination of high-quality materials, precise machining, and thoughtful design results in enhanced performance and a more enjoyable shooting experience. At a price of $243.99, it offers excellent value for the money, especially when compared to other high-end aftermarket slides.
I would definitely recommend the ATA19 Badger to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 19 or complete a custom build. It’s a worthwhile investment that will improve your pistol’s performance, appearance, and overall feel. Take your Glock to the next level.