First Impressions of Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide
The Glock 43. It’s a popular single-stack 9mm for concealed carry, known for its slim profile and Glock reliability. But what if you want to customize it, add a red dot, or simply want an alternative to a factory slide? That’s where the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide comes in.
I’ve been building and modifying Glocks for years. My interest in the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide stemmed from wanting to add a red dot to my G43 without sending my factory slide off for milling. A pre-cut slide seemed like a cost-effective and time-saving solution.
The slide arrived well-packaged. My initial impression was positive; the black nitride finish looked clean and even, and the slide felt solid. Compared to a factory Glock slide, the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide has more aggressive serrations, both front and rear. I considered slides from Brownells and Zaffiri Precision, but the Patmos Arms slide had the right combination of features and price. My first thought was, “This looks like a serious upgrade, but will it perform?”
Real-World Testing: Putting Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide at my local outdoor range. The weather was clear, but the wind was gusting, presenting a slight challenge for accuracy. Installation was straightforward, dropping onto my Glock 43 frame with minimal fuss.
The first few magazines were…unimpressive. I experienced a few failures to extract and some inconsistent ejection patterns. Thankfully, after about 50 rounds, things smoothed out significantly, and the slide began cycling reliably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions totaling around 500 rounds, the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide has proven to be reasonably reliable. I’ve noticed the nitride finish is durable, showing only minor wear marks around the ejection port. Cleaning is simple, just like any other Glock slide.
Compared to my experience with factory Glock slides, this one needed a break-in period, which was a bit concerning. However, now that it’s broken in, it performs acceptably, but doesn’t quite have the rock-solid reliability of a factory Glock slide.
Breaking Down the Features of Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide
Specifications
The Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide is chambered in 9mm Luger, matching the Glock 43’s original caliber. The slide is CNC machined from 416 stainless steel, a common material for aftermarket slides, and then coated with a black nitride finish for enhanced corrosion resistance and hardness. It’s designed for a sub-compact Glock 43 frame.
The slide features front and rear serrations. These serrations provide ample gripping surface for manipulating the slide, even with wet or gloved hands. It also has an RMSc red dot sight cut footprint. This allows for direct mounting of popular micro red dot sights like the Holosun 507K or Shield RMS without the need for adapter plates.
Performance & Functionality
When properly broken in, the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide functions adequately, although some users have reported issues with light strikes and failures to eject. The deeper serrations definitely improve grip during racking. The RMSc cut is a huge plus for adding an optic.
The slide’s main strength is its ability to accept a red dot without requiring custom gunsmithing. The weaknesses are that it needs a break-in period, and some users report inconsistent reliability. The slide meets basic expectations as a functional Glock 43 slide, but it doesn’t exceed them in terms of reliability compared to a factory Glock slide.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is decent for the price. The 416 stainless steel feels robust, and the nitride coating provides a good level of protection. The slide is comfortable enough to manipulate and doesn’t add significant weight to the pistol.
The design is user-friendly, especially for anyone familiar with Glock platforms. There is a slight learning curve associated with getting used to the feel of the new serrations.
Durability & Maintenance
The nitride finish appears to be fairly durable. With proper care, the Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide should last for a reasonable amount of time. Maintenance is the same as any other Glock slide – regular cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The slide itself doesn’t come with any accessories. The main customization option is the RMSc red dot sight cut, allowing you to mount your preferred optic. Compatibility with aftermarket barrels, guide rods, and internal components is generally good.
Most standard Glock 43 parts should work with this slide. Aftermarket iron sights can also be installed to co-witness with the red dot. However, some fitting may be required, as highlighted in some user reviews.
Pros and Cons of Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide
Pros
- Affordable way to add a red dot sight to your Glock 43.
- Aggressive front and rear serrations for improved grip.
- Durable nitride finish.
- Compatible with most standard Glock 43 internal components.
- RMSc optic cut offers a clean and direct mounting solution.
Cons
- Requires a break-in period to achieve optimal reliability.
- Some users report issues with light strikes or failures to extract.
- May require some fitting of aftermarket parts.
Who Should Buy Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide?
The Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide is perfect for Glock 43 owners looking for an affordable way to add a red dot sight to their pistol without permanent modifications to their factory slide. It is also a good option for those building a custom Glock 43 from scratch.
This slide might not be the best choice for those who prioritize absolute reliability above all else or who are unwilling to potentially deal with minor fitting issues. Those who demand 100% Glock factory reliability right out of the box should stick with a factory Glock slide. Must-have accessories include a quality RMSc footprint red dot sight and potentially new iron sights to co-witness with the optic.
Conclusion on Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide
The Patmos Arms Revelation Glock G43 Single Stack Slide offers a budget-friendly way to upgrade your Glock 43 with a red dot sight. While it may require a break-in period and some minor fitting, it provides a functional and aesthetically pleasing alternative to a factory slide. The aggressive serrations and durable finish are welcome additions.
The value proposition is strong, considering the price compared to other aftermarket slides with similar features. I would recommend this slide to budget-conscious Glock enthusiasts comfortable with a little DIY gunsmithing. If you’re looking to add a red dot to your G43 without breaking the bank, this slide is worth considering. Give your G43 a new look and improved functionality – but be prepared to put in some initial range time to ensure optimal performance.