Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide Review

Let’s Dive into Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide promises an upgrade to the venerable Glock platform, offering enhanced features and a customized look. As someone with over a decade of experience in the tactical gear world, I’m always eager to see how aftermarket components can improve performance and aesthetics. I was looking for a slide that not only offered improved grip and aesthetics but also a reliable RMR mounting solution for faster target acquisition.

My journey to the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide started with a desire to improve the grip and overall handling of my Gen 3 Glock 17. The factory slide, while reliable, always felt a bit slick, especially during extended range sessions or in adverse weather. I was also itching to mount a red dot optic and wanted a slide with a robust and precisely cut RMR footprint.

Upon receiving the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide, I was immediately impressed by the machining quality. The slide felt substantial in my hand, with clean lines and aggressive serrations. The black nitride finish appeared even and durable, promising resistance to wear and corrosion.

I considered the ZEV Technologies Dragonfly slide and the Brownells Glock 17 slide. I chose the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide because of the combination of aggressive serrations, RMR cut with boss points, and the promise of high-quality manufacturing at a reasonable price point. The pre-installed channel liner was a welcome bonus, saving me the hassle of installation.

My initial impression was one of excitement. This slide felt like a significant upgrade over the factory offering. I couldn’t wait to get it installed and put it through its paces at the range.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide was at my local outdoor range. The range offered various shooting distances and simulated scenarios. The weather was slightly overcast, with a light drizzle, which provided a good test of the slide’s grip in less-than-ideal conditions.

The enhanced serrations made a noticeable difference when racking the slide, even with wet hands. The RMR cut allowed for a seamless and secure mounting of my Trijicon RMR, and the boss points ensured a stable and repeatable zero. I found the slide easy to manipulate, and the pre-installed channel liner meant I could get straight to shooting.

Initially, I experienced a few failures to extract during the first few magazines. This was easily resolved with a quick cleaning and lubrication of the extractor and chamber. After that, the slide ran flawlessly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide has proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it, ranging from cheap practice ammo to higher-end self-defense rounds. The slide has consistently performed without any malfunctions (after that initial cleaning).

The black nitride finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear despite repeated holster use and exposure to the elements. Cleaning the slide is simple; a quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked cloth is all it takes to keep it running smoothly. The aggressive serrations still provide excellent grip, even when covered in dirt or grime.

Compared to my previous experience with a factory Glock slide, the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide offers a superior shooting experience. The enhanced grip, combined with the RMR optic, has significantly improved my accuracy and speed. The reliability and durability of the slide have exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide

Specifications

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide is designed for Glock 17 Gen 3 frames. It is machined from high-quality steel and features a durable black nitride finish. The slide includes front and rear serrations, a pre-installed channel liner, and an RMR optic cut with boss points for secure mounting.

The RMR cut is designed to accept Trijicon RMR and Holosun 507C pattern optics. The front and rear serrations enhance grip and facilitate easier slide manipulation. The pre-installed channel liner saves time and effort during installation. These specifications combine to create a slide that enhances the performance and usability of a Glock 17 pistol.

Performance & Functionality

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide excels in both performance and functionality. The enhanced serrations provide a more secure grip, allowing for faster and more reliable slide manipulation. The RMR cut with boss points ensures a stable and repeatable zero for red dot optics.

The slide’s accuracy is comparable to a factory slide, but the enhanced grip and optic mounting capabilities allow for faster target acquisition and improved shooting performance. The slide meets and even exceeds expectations for an aftermarket Glock slide. The only initial weakness was resolved with a simple cleaning, leading to flawless performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide features a well-thought-out design and comfortable ergonomics. The slide is machined with precision, resulting in clean lines and a tight fit on the frame. The front and rear serrations are aggressive without being overly sharp, providing a secure grip without causing discomfort.

The weight of the slide is similar to a factory slide, maintaining the balance of the pistol. The slide is user-friendly and requires no special tools or modifications for installation (aside from standard Glock disassembly). The learning curve is minimal, making it accessible to both experienced and novice shooters.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide is built to last. The high-quality steel and black nitride finish provide excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. With proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, the slide should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the slide is simple; a quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked cloth is all it takes to keep it running smoothly. No special tools or repair skills are required for basic maintenance. The durable finish helps to resist rust and corrosion in harsh environments.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide is primarily designed to enhance an existing Glock 17 and is directly compatible with accessories that would fit a standard Glock 17. The most notable accessory is a red dot optic, such as a Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C, which can be easily mounted using the integrated RMR cut.

The slide is also compatible with aftermarket barrels, guide rods, and recoil springs. While the product doesn’t come with grips, it maintains compatibility with all standard Glock 17 grip options. The design makes the slide a versatile platform for further customization.

Pros and Cons of Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide?

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide is perfect for Glock owners looking to upgrade their pistol’s performance and aesthetics. It is an excellent choice for competitive shooters, tactical users, and those who value improved grip and optic mounting capabilities. Anyone wanting to mount an RMR to their Gen 3 Glock 17 will appreciate this slide.

This product is not ideal for those on a tight budget. The price of the slide might be prohibitive. It is also not suitable for those who prefer the classic Glock look and feel.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality red dot optic such as a Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C. A quality holster designed for a Glock with an RMR is also essential.

Conclusion on Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide

The Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide is a well-designed and high-quality upgrade for the Glock 17. It offers enhanced grip, reliable optic mounting, and durable construction. While there was an initial hiccup with extraction, the slide has proven to be reliable and performs flawlessly after a simple cleaning.

At $253.99, the price is justified by the quality of materials, precision machining, and enhanced features. It is a worthwhile investment for those seeking to improve their Glock’s performance and aesthetics.

I would personally recommend the Bishop Defense Glock 17 Pistol Slide to anyone looking to upgrade their Glock 17 Gen 3. If you are seeking a reliable, accurate, and aesthetically pleasing slide that enhances your shooting experience, look no further. Upgrade your Glock today and experience the difference!