First Impressions of Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide
The Sig Sauer P320 platform has become incredibly popular due to its modularity and customization options. The Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide aims to capitalize on this, offering a complete slide assembly for those looking to build or modify their P320 without breaking the bank. It promises a blend of value and functionality, incorporating features like front and rear serrations, an RMR cut, and suppressor-height sights (albeit requiring professional installation).
I was looking to build a reliable and accurate compact P320 for concealed carry, without investing in a high-end, name-brand complete slide. The promise of a complete, ready-to-install slide, chambered in 9mm, with RMR compatibility at a competitive price point definitely caught my attention.
Upon unboxing, the slide felt solid, with a decent weight that suggested quality materials. The nitride finish appeared evenly applied, and the serrations were well-defined. However, I immediately noticed the sights were not installed, contrary to my expectation based on the product description, and gave me cause for slight concern.
Compared to complete slides from Sig Sauer and Zaffiri Precision that I have used, the Patmos Arms slide felt less refined, with slightly rougher edges and less attention to detail in the machining. I chose it over the others primarily due to its price and the promise of complete functionality straight out of the box – a promise, as I would later discover, that was not entirely fulfilled.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and the features seemed appealing, but the uninstalled sights and slightly rough finish gave me a nagging feeling that I might have to compromise on quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test was at an outdoor shooting range, with a variety of 9mm ammunition. Installation onto my P320 frame was straightforward, and the slide cycled smoothly by hand. However, the issues started almost immediately.
The slide consistently failed to fully return to battery, stopping about 1/4 inch short. This resulted in failure-to-feed malfunctions with nearly every round. I tried different magazines and ammunition types, but the problem persisted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and about 200 rounds of various 9mm ammunition, the reliability issues remained unresolved. The slide still failed to fully return to battery consistently. Attempts to contact Patmos Arms directly for support proved fruitless, reinforcing negative feedback read in other reviews.
Durability-wise, the nitride finish held up well, with no visible signs of wear or scratches. Cleaning the slide assembly was relatively easy. However, the persistent reliability issues completely overshadowed any positive aspects.
Compared to other P320 slides I have used, the Patmos Arms Revelation slide was a major disappointment. The Sig Sauer and Zaffiri Precision slides performed flawlessly from the start, with significantly better reliability and overall quality. This product fell far short of my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide
Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger. This is the most common and versatile pistol caliber, making it a good choice for self-defense and target shooting.
- Material: 416 Stainless Steel. This material offers good strength and corrosion resistance, contributing to the slide’s overall durability.
- Finish: Nitride Coated. The nitride finish provides a hard, wear-resistant surface, protecting the slide from scratches and corrosion.
- RMR Sight Cut: Trijicon RMR footprint. This allows for the easy mounting of popular red dot sights, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition speed.
- Sights: Suppressor height fiber optic front and black serrated rear (NOT installed). These sights offer improved visibility and co-witnessing with a red dot sight, but require professional installation.
- Includes: Complete internal slide parts, barrel, recoil spring assembly, RMR cover plate and screws. This provides everything needed for a complete slide assembly, simplifying the building process.
- Serrations: Front and Rear. These serrations offer improved grip and manipulation of the slide, particularly in wet or stressful conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide failed to deliver reliable performance in my testing. The consistent failure-to-return-to-battery issue rendered it practically unusable. The RMR cut and suppressor-height sights are nice features, but they are meaningless without basic functionality.
The slide’s primary weakness is its reliability, or lack thereof. The issues with returning to battery undermined the entire product. While the steel and nitride finish appeared solid, the functional performance was unacceptable.
Design & Ergonomics
The slide’s design is aesthetically pleasing, with well-defined serrations and a clean RMR cut. However, the rougher finish compared to other brands detracts from the overall impression of quality. The weight felt appropriate for a compact slide, but the reliability issues make any ergonomic considerations secondary.
There was no significant learning curve to using the slide, as it is a standard P320 design. However, the consistent malfunctions made the shooting experience frustrating and unpleasant.
Durability & Maintenance
The 416 stainless steel construction and nitride finish suggest good long-term durability. After several range sessions, the finish showed no signs of wear. Cleaning and maintaining the slide was straightforward, but the reliability issues outweigh any potential durability benefits.
Accessories and Customization Options
The slide’s RMR cut allows for the mounting of various red dot sights compatible with the Trijicon RMR footprint. Suppressor-height sights (once installed) enable co-witnessing with many of these optics. The slide is compatible with standard P320 frames and magazines.
The ability to mount a red dot sight is a significant advantage, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition. However, the core functionality of the slide needs to be addressed before any customization options become truly valuable.
Pros and Cons of Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to other complete slides.
- RMR cut for red dot sight compatibility.
- Front and rear slide serrations for enhanced grip.
- Complete slide assembly includes all necessary internal parts.
- Durable nitride finish on 416 stainless steel.
Cons
- Unreliable performance: consistent failure to return to battery.
- Sights are NOT installed, requiring professional gunsmithing.
- Poor customer support from Patmos Arms.
- Reports of barrels being out of spec.
Who Should Buy Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide?
The Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide might appeal to budget-conscious builders looking for a project slide and willing to invest time and potentially additional parts to get it running reliably.
This product should be avoided by anyone seeking a reliable, ready-to-use slide assembly for self-defense or competition. A must-have modification would likely be a new, higher-quality barrel to address the suspected tolerance issues contributing to the failure-to-battery problem.
Conclusion on Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide
The Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide promises an affordable entry point into the world of P320 customization, but unfortunately falls short in delivering reliable performance. The attractive price and features like the RMR cut are overshadowed by the consistent failure-to-battery issues and reports of poor customer support.
The value proposition is questionable, as the cost of troubleshooting and potentially replacing parts to achieve reliable function may negate any initial savings. I would not personally recommend this product.
Ultimately, the Patmos Arms Revelation Sig Sauer P320 Compact Complete Slide is a gamble. While the price may be tempting, the risk of encountering significant reliability issues makes it a product best avoided unless you are an experienced gunsmith comfortable with diagnosing and correcting potential tolerance problems. Spend a little more and get something reliable.