Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD Review

Let’s Dive into Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD promises a high-quality solution for assembling the internal components of your Glock slide. Manufactured by Rival Arms, this kit aims to provide accuracy and consistency with CNC-machined parts and a durable Black PVD coating. I’ve spent over a decade building and customizing firearms, always seeking that perfect balance of reliability and performance, and this kit piqued my interest as a potential upgrade for my Glock 43X.

I was looking for a reliable slide completion kit that offered enhanced durability and performance over the factory parts. The Rival Arms kit’s promise of CNC-machined stainless steel and a PVD coating seemed like a significant upgrade. Upon unboxing, the parts appeared well-machined and the PVD coating gave them a sleek, professional look; the weight felt substantial, hinting at quality materials.

Compared to similar kits from brands like Glock OEM and Brownells, the Rival Arms kit stood out with its enhanced materials and finish. I chose the Rival Arms kit hoping for improved longevity and smoother operation. My initial reaction was optimistic, believing this kit could provide a noticeable improvement in my Glock’s performance and reliability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit in my Glock 43X slide and headed to my local shooting range. I put the kit through its paces with various 9mm ammunition types, including FMJ and defensive hollow points. The first few magazines experienced several failures to extract, a problem I’ve rarely encountered with my Glocks.

The issues persisted despite thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the parts. I needed time and careful observation to diagnose the problems – the extractor seemed to be the main culprit. The initial frustration was significant; I expected better performance from a kit marketed as an upgrade.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds, the extraction issues remained inconsistent. Some magazines would run flawlessly, while others would have multiple failures to extract. This inconsistent performance is unacceptable for a defensive firearm.

I noticed some minor wear on the extractor claw and the striker face, but nothing excessive for the round count. Cleaning the kit was straightforward, but the extractor channel required extra attention due to the tight tolerances. Compared to my experience with Glock OEM parts, the Rival Arms kit proved significantly less reliable and ultimately disappointing.

Breaking Down the Features of Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD

Specifications

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD includes the following components: striker (firing pin) spring, extractor, striker (firing pin) safety spring and safety, back cover plate, extractor depressor plunger, RA precision striker (firing pin), striker (firing pin) spacer sleeve, depressor plunger spring, spring loaded bearing, striker (firing pin) spring cups and slide channel liner. The kit is designed for Glock 43, 43X, and 48 pistols chambered in 9mm Luger. Select parts are CNC-machined from solid stainless steel billet, and feature a Black PVD finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance.

These specifications are crucial for a reliable and durable slide assembly. The stainless steel construction should provide greater resistance to wear and corrosion compared to polymer or MIM (Metal Injection Molded) parts. The PVD coating enhances surface hardness and reduces friction, potentially improving the smoothness of operation.

Performance & Functionality

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit aims to improve the performance and reliability of the Glock 43, 43X, and 48 pistols. However, in my testing, the kit’s performance fell short of expectations due to the extraction issues. While the striker and firing pin components seemed to function correctly, the extractor’s inconsistent performance significantly impacted overall reliability.

The kit’s primary weakness lies in the extractor design or tolerance, leading to the failures to extract. The Rival Arms kit did not meet my expectations for a drop-in upgrade, requiring further troubleshooting and potentially replacement parts.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit features a clean and professional design with the Black PVD finish giving it an aesthetic appeal. The parts felt solid and well-machined. The fit in the slide was generally good, with the exception of the extractor, which seemed excessively tight.

There wasn’t a significant learning curve to installing the kit for someone familiar with Glock disassembly and reassembly. However, the extractor’s tight tolerances made the installation process slightly more challenging than with OEM parts.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction and Black PVD coating should contribute to the kit’s long-term durability. However, the extraction issues I experienced raise concerns about the longevity of the extractor spring and claw. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintaining the kit’s performance.

Replacing individual components may be necessary if the extraction issues persist or worsen.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit doesn’t directly offer accessories or customization options beyond the included components. However, it is compatible with various aftermarket slides and barrels designed for the Glock 43, 43X, and 48 platforms. The backplate can also be swapped out for different designs and colors to add a personal touch.

Pros and Cons of Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD

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Who Should Buy Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD?

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit might appeal to experienced gunsmiths or Glock enthusiasts who enjoy tinkering and troubleshooting. Individuals looking for a project gun where they can fine-tune and customize components might find this kit suitable. However, those seeking a reliable, drop-in solution for their Glock 43, 43X, or 48, especially for self-defense purposes, should exercise caution due to the potential extraction issues.

Individuals prioritizing flawless reliability should skip this product and consider Glock OEM parts or other kits with a proven track record. Must-have accessories might include a Glock OEM extractor and extractor spring, or alternative aftermarket extractors known for their reliability.

Conclusion on Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD

The Rival Arms RA42G002A Slide Completion Kit Glock 43, 43x, 48 9mm Luger Black PVD presents itself as an upgrade with its enhanced materials and finish. However, my experience with inconsistent extraction reliability makes it difficult to recommend without reservation. While the durable stainless steel construction and Black PVD coating are appealing, the potential for malfunctions outweighs these benefits for those seeking a reliable defensive firearm.

At $112.79, the price point is comparable to other aftermarket kits, but the value proposition diminishes if troubleshooting and parts replacement are required. I would not personally recommend this kit based on my experience. It’s crucial to prioritize reliability, especially in a carry pistol, and the Rival Arms kit fell short in this critical area. Consider alternative, more proven options before investing in this slide completion kit.