First Impressions of Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide
The Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide promises an upgrade for Glock enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance and optics-ready capabilities straight out of the box. With its RMR cut and distinctive TiN (Gold) coating, it aims to blend aesthetics with functionality. As someone who’s spent over a decade tweaking and trusting Glock platforms in demanding environments, I was keen to see if this aftermarket slide lived up to the hype.
My search for a reliable, pre-cut RMR slide for my Gen 3 Glock 19 led me to the Zaffiri Precision offering. I was looking for a slide that would allow me to easily mount a Trijicon RMR without the need for custom milling, and the “Ready To Ship” aspect appealed to my need for a quick upgrade.
Upon unboxing, the slide immediately impressed with its visual appeal. The TiN (Gold) finish was flawlessly applied, and the RMR cut appeared clean and precise. The slide felt solid and well-machined, hinting at the quality I expected from Zaffiri Precision. It weighed slightly less than my factory Glock 19 slide, which I hoped would translate to a faster cycling time.
I considered slides from Brownells and Agency Arms. Ultimately, the Zaffiri Precision slide’s combination of price point, aesthetics, and “Ready To Ship” availability swayed my decision.
Initially, I was excited by the prospect of a simple, effective upgrade. However, the included disclaimer that GLOCK does not warrant or represent compatibility with aftermarket parts gave me slight pause, making me wonder about potential reliability issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide at my local shooting range. I wanted to assess its performance with various ammunition types and under controlled conditions.
The weather was dry and sunny. This allowed for optimal visibility and handling. Mounting my Trijicon RMR was straightforward using the provided screws, though I immediately applied Blue Loctite as recommended. The first few magazines ran smoothly, but ejection patterns quickly became erratic.
After the first 50 rounds, I experienced multiple failures to eject. This was a significant concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the ejection issues persisted. No amount of tweaking seemed to resolve the erratic ejection.
The finish held up well to regular cleaning, showing no signs of significant wear. However, the reliability issues became a consistent source of frustration. Cleaning the slide and barrel was no more difficult than with the OEM slide.
Compared to my experience with other aftermarket slides, such as those from Brownells, the Zaffiri Precision slide was a disappointment. While the Brownells slide offered flawless reliability, this slide caused constant malfunctions.
Breaking Down the Features of Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide
Specifications
- The Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide is machined from 17-4 Stainless Steel. This is a common material in aftermarket slides, known for its strength and corrosion resistance.
- It is designed to fit Glock 19 Gen 3 frames and Polymer 80 PF940c frames. This compatibility makes it a popular choice for custom builds.
- The slide features an RMR optic cut compatible with Trijicon RMR / SRO and Holosun 407c / 507c optics. This allows for a wide range of red dot sight options.
- It has a Cerakote Armor Black finish (although the reviewed model is TiN Gold). This offers enhanced protection against scratches and wear.
- The slide’s dimensions are 6.75 inches in length, 1 inch in width, and 1 inch in height. These are very close to the OEM Glock 19 slide dimensions.
These specifications are important because they dictate the slide’s overall durability, compatibility, and performance. The 17-4 stainless steel and Cerakote finish should ensure longevity. The RMR cut provides the flexibility to mount various optics.
Performance & Functionality
The Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide had significant performance issues during testing. The erratic ejection pattern was a major concern, causing frequent malfunctions.
While the slide looked good and the RMR cut was precise, the reliability issues overshadowed any potential benefits. The slide did not meet my expectations for a premium aftermarket product. The description indicated a “tight tolerance to increase accuracy”, but this was not observable with the ejection problems.
Design & Ergonomics
The slide’s design is aesthetically pleasing, especially with the TiN (Gold) finish. The machining appeared to be high-quality.
However, the ergonomics were negatively impacted by the persistent malfunctions. Confidence in the firearm’s reliability is key, and this slide failed to deliver that.
Durability & Maintenance
The slide’s materials and finish suggest good durability. The Cerakote (or TiN) should withstand normal wear and tear.
Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward, similar to a factory Glock slide. However, the underlying reliability issues were a bigger concern than routine maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide is primarily designed to accommodate RMR-footprint optics. It also includes a black anodized optics cover plate for when an optic isn’t mounted.
It’s compatible with standard Glock 19 Gen 3 internal components, allowing for extensive customization. However, the product description clearly states that a channel liner is not included.
Pros and Cons of Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide
Pros
- Aesthetically appealing design, especially with the TiN (Gold) finish.
- Precise RMR cut for easy optic mounting.
- Compatible with standard Glock 19 Gen 3 components.
- Durable materials (17-4 stainless steel) and finish (Cerakote or TiN).
- “Ready To Ship” availability for quick upgrades.
Cons
- Significant reliability issues with erratic ejection.
- Front sight post hole possibly off center (based on user feedback).
- Channel liner not included.
Who Should Buy Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide?
The Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide might appeal to someone prioritizing aesthetics and a quick RMR upgrade, if they are willing to potentially troubleshoot reliability issues. Someone building a range toy where perfect reliability isn’t critical might find it acceptable.
Someone relying on their Glock for self-defense or duty use should avoid this product due to the reported reliability concerns. It’s also not ideal for those who are not comfortable troubleshooting firearm malfunctions.
A must-have accessory would be a complete set of Glock OEM internal parts to swap in and test for potential compatibility issues.
Conclusion on Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide
The Zaffiri Precision RTS Glock 19 Gen 3 ZPS.6 RMR Cut Slide presents a mixed bag. While it boasts attractive aesthetics and a convenient RMR cut, the reliability issues I encountered are a significant drawback.
At $349.99, the price isn’t justified given the performance problems. Other aftermarket slides offer better reliability at a similar price point.
I cannot recommend this product based on my experience. The erratic ejection and potential front sight misalignment issues make it unsuitable for serious use. Look elsewhere for a reliable Glock 19 slide upgrade.
