What Makes The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped Stand Out?
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped is a premium aftermarket slide designed to enhance the performance and aesthetics of your Glock 19 Gen 5 pistol. Manufactured by The Gun Company, this slide boasts features like an RMR optic cut, aggressive serrations, and custom styling that set it apart from factory Glock slides. I immediately noticed its aggressive styling and promise of improved handling.
As an experienced shooter and tactical gear enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to improve the performance and customization of my firearms. The factory Glock slide, while reliable, leaves something to be desired in terms of ergonomics and optics readiness. I needed a slide that could accommodate a red dot sight without requiring extensive gunsmithing, while also providing enhanced grip and a unique look.
Upon unboxing, the The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped immediately impressed me with its robust construction and attention to detail. The slide feels substantial and well-machined, with clean lines and a durable finish. Its weight feels balanced, hinting at improved recoil management.
Compared to other aftermarket slides I’ve considered, such as those from ZEV Technologies or Agency Arms, The Gun Company‘s offering struck a balance between aggressive styling, practical features, and price. While ZEV and Agency slides often come with more intricate milling and higher price tags, this slide delivers a similar level of performance and aesthetics at a more accessible price point. The included RMR cut and cover plate were a significant selling point.
My initial impression was one of excitement. The aggressive aesthetics and promise of improved handling made me eager to get it installed and onto the range. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing how this slide would transform the feel and performance of my Glock 19.
Real-World Testing: Putting The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped at my local outdoor shooting range. The installation was surprisingly straightforward, requiring only basic Glock disassembly knowledge and a few minutes of my time.
The weather was slightly damp, providing a good test of the slide’s serrations in less-than-ideal conditions. The enhanced serrations, particularly the full-length LVL-1 serrations at 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00, proved invaluable for maintaining a solid grip when racking the slide.
Using the slide was intuitive, and I immediately appreciated the improved grip offered by the aggressive serrations. There were no initial issues, and the slide cycled smoothly with various ammunition types. The sight picture was noticeably improved with the RMR mounted.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It has seen several hundred rounds fired, including a mix of factory ammunition and reloads, without a single malfunction.
The slide’s black finish has held up well, showing only minimal signs of wear and tear around the ejection port. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a basic field strip and a quick wipe-down with gun solvent and lubricant. The finish seems very durable.
Compared to my previous experiences with factory Glock slides, the The Gun Company slide offers a noticeable improvement in handling and performance. The enhanced serrations and RMR cut have made a significant difference in my shooting accuracy and overall enjoyment. It has absolutely outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped
Specifications
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped is specifically designed for Gen 5 Glock 19 pistols. This ensures a proper fit and reliable function.
It features a rear optic cut for Trijicon RMR footprints. This allows for easy mounting of popular red dot sights.
The slide includes an anodized aluminum optic cover plate with a machine-engraved FREEDOM FLAG. This plate protects the optic cut when an RMR is not mounted and adds a touch of custom flair.
It comes with custom stainless steel low-profile screws for mounting the optic or cover plate. These screws are designed to sit flush with the slide surface, minimizing snagging.
The slide has full-length LVL-1 Serrations at 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00. These serrations provide enhanced grip for racking the slide in various conditions.
It features 45-degree full-length FAST chamfers. These chamfers provide smoother edges for easier handling and holstering.
There is a barrel peep front nose scallop. This scallop allows for easy visual confirmation of the barrel and chamber.
Barrel peep/lightning windows are located at 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00. These windows reduce weight and add to the slide’s aesthetic appeal.
These specifications enhance the slide’s functionality by providing improved grip, optic readiness, and a lighter overall weight. They cater to users looking for both performance and aesthetics.
Performance & Functionality
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped performs exceptionally well in live fire. The aggressive serrations provide a solid grip, even with wet or gloved hands, making racking the slide quick and easy.
The RMR cut allows for seamless integration of a red dot sight, significantly improving target acquisition and accuracy. The slide cycles smoothly and reliably with a variety of ammunition types. Overall, the reliability is top-notch.
The primary strength of this slide is its ability to enhance the performance and customization of a Glock 19 Gen 5. However, the relatively high price point might be a weakness for some users.
The slide has exceeded my expectations in terms of both performance and aesthetics. It has transformed the feel and capabilities of my Glock 19.
Design & Ergonomics
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped boasts excellent build quality. It is constructed from high-quality materials with precise machining.
The slide feels balanced and comfortable in hand, with well-placed serrations and chamfers that enhance grip and handling. The design is user-friendly and requires no specialized knowledge to install or use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped is built to last. Its durable finish and robust construction suggest it will withstand years of regular use.
The slide is easy to maintain, requiring only a basic field strip and cleaning after each shooting session. No specialized tools or knowledge are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped comes with an anodized aluminum optic cover plate and custom stainless steel low-profile screws. The most significant customization option is the ability to mount a Trijicon RMR or other compatible red dot sight.
The slide is compatible with most standard Glock 19 Gen 5 internal components, such as barrels, guide rods, and recoil springs. This allows users to further customize their pistol to their specific preferences.
Pros and Cons of The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped
Pros
- Enhanced grip with full-length LVL-1 serrations.
- RMR optic cut for easy red dot sight installation.
- Durable construction and finish.
- Improved aesthetics with custom styling.
- Easy to install and maintain.
Cons
- Relatively high price point.
- Stripped slide requires purchase of internal components.
Who Should Buy The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped?
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped is perfect for shooters looking to enhance the performance and aesthetics of their Glock 19 Gen 5 pistol. It is also ideal for those who want to mount a red dot sight without requiring extensive gunsmithing.
This product may not be for budget-conscious shooters or those who are satisfied with the stock Glock slide. The slide does not include any internal components, so they would need to be purchased separately.
A must-have accessory is a Trijicon RMR or compatible red dot sight to take full advantage of the slide’s optic cut. A quality set of co-witness iron sights is also recommended for backup.
Conclusion on The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped
The The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped is a well-designed and high-quality aftermarket slide that significantly enhances the performance and aesthetics of the Glock 19 Gen 5. Its aggressive serrations, RMR optic cut, and durable construction make it a worthwhile upgrade for serious shooters.
While the price is relatively high, the benefits it offers in terms of improved grip, optic readiness, and overall appearance justify the investment. I would personally recommend this slide to anyone looking to take their Glock 19 to the next level.
If you’re ready to transform your Glock 19 into a high-performance and customized firearm, the The Gun Company GEN 5 Combat Duty L-1 Glock G19 Slide 2.0 Stripped is an excellent choice. Consider the upgrade; you will not be disappointed.