Want a sexier and better-performing Glock?
Of course, you do.
If you’re upgrading your current slide, diving deep into the world of Polymer80 Glocks (Full Build & Parts Guide), or want to add a red dot, you’ll need an aftermarket slide.
There are tons out there, and we’ve tried a lot of them.
So we’re bringing our expertise to you with a list of our favorite Glock slides spanning a variety of looks and budgets.
Keep reading…
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Budget Pick
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Best Bare Bones
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Great for Gloved Shooting
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Most Stylish
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RMR Ready
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Editor’s Pick
Table of Contents
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How We Chose the Best Glock Slides
The entire team at Pew Pew Tactical had a hand in contributing to this post. Most of us have tinkered and worked on our guns and the ones with Glocks, especially, have swapped a slide out before
So, we know a thing or two about goes into picking a decent slide for your fave Glock.
We constantly test gear and regularly update articles as new models become available, so if you’re favorite isn’t here, check back soon!
Best Aftermarket Glock Slides
1. Best Budget Pick – Brownells
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Affordable
- Plenty of options
Cons
- May be too basic for some
Brownells has always been my go-to for gun parts. But I was surprised to see they made Glock slides in regular, optics cut, and windowed varieties.
I went with the windowed version, of course, since I was pairing it with a gold Faxon TiN barrel (full review…hint, it’s awesome).
It fits well on two factory Glock frames plus two Polymer 80 frames.
They certainly got the tolerances correct. No need to strong-arm or fit any parts.
You’ll see the one above isn’t optics cut for the RMR, but instead, I went with an Outer Impact red dot mount that allows you to add almost any red dot to a normal slide (Best Pistol Red Dots).
For me, the best bang-for-the-buck slide at around $160, still gives some coolness factor with the window.
2. Best Bare Bones – Lone Wolf Distributors
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Minimalistic
- Durable
Cons
- May be too basic for some
When it comes to Lone Wolf, they probably know Glock guns better than anyone, except maybe Glock themselves.
Maybe.
If you’re looking for a bare slide for your 9mm that’s similar to your factory slide, the AlphaWolf OEM profile is a great choice for you.
The AlphaWolf G17 is almost identical to your original slide, except this comes with no sights.
The AlphaWolf G17 is made from 416 stainless steel and has a sleek matte finish to it. It’s designed to fit the G17 (Gen 1-3 compatible) but is also able to convert to other models.
The great thing about Lone Wolf is that you have some control over the design of your slide. Along with laser engraving, you can also have your Lone Wolf slide painted black, custom ported, and even completely customized.
And for a little extra, you can also have your AlphaWolf cut to support RMR optics.
Need something insane?
Oh yes…that’s a Damascus steel slide. Check it out along with their other custom creations.
Also, when buying bare slides from Lone Wolf Distributors, don’t forget to buy a slide parts kit along with your slide.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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You’ll also need a barrel to finish up your slide or if you plan on converting your current Glock into a different caliber. We cover all those in Best Glock Barrels.
Tried a Lone Wolf slide? Give it your rating below!
3. Great for Gloved Shooting – Killer Innovations
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great for gloved shooting
- Good looks
Cons
- May take a little while to get used to
Makers of awesome barrels and really cool compensators, Killer Innovations also has a badass Glock slide.
Focusing on giving you the best slide possible, KI has the Velocity Glock Slide “Enhanced Grip Feature.” These aren’t your normal slide serrations. Instead, these are deep-cut scallops that give you a rock slide platform to pull against.
They take a little getting used to after years of the same feel on almost every slide — your fingers aren’t sure where to grab at first.
Once you get over that after a few pulls, it’s smooth shooting. From gripping or rear gripping, the slide is much easier to get a hold of, even with gloves or wet hands.
We’re big fans!
Rating score
4. Most Stylish – Agency Arms
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Looks great
- Good build quality
Cons
- Pricey
A relative newcomer that’s taking over by storm with their sexy looks and enhanced performance.
Sage Dynamics is an outstanding content creator and full-time instructor. He has a lot of positive things to say about Agency Arms and even has a Sage Dynamics edition pistol.
Take a look!
5. RMR Ready – ZEV Technologies
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Red dot compatible
- Solid build
Cons
- Expensive
Zev Technologies is known for customizing and reinventing Glock handguns. The company offers a number of custom parts and modifications that can turn your plain-looking Glock into a radical handgun.
Most of the slides accommodate all generation models, so no one has to worry about being left out.
The Dragonfly is one of Zev’s first customized slides, as well as one of its most popular. While much of the material in this stainless steel slide is removed, the slide still maintains its structural integrity.
Its cutouts are said to make the barrel cool more effectively, and like other Zev slides, it also comes RMR ready.
We’re also big fans of their newer Orion slide that focuses less on cuts and more on futuristic styling.
See the rest of Zev’s slide creations.
6. Editor’s Pick – Grey Ghost Precision
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Feels great
- Red dot ready
Cons
- Not for those that want bare bones
These don’t just look amazing, they run amazing too. Tested on both a Glock frame and a Polymer80, Grey Ghost stood out on both.
From ultra-tight tolerances to being able to be ordered with an RMR cut, there is a lot to love about these.
You can get the whole story from our In-Depth Review.
In addition to their Type V1 and V2 shown above…they also have an exclusive with Rainier Arms.
This might be the coolest slide yet with nice serrations, visible windows if you’re going with a sleek-looking barrel, and RMR compatibility.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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And now, they also have G43 slides we’ve used for our Polymer80 PF9SS project!
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Final Thoughts
While functionality and durability come into play when shopping around for a new slide, it’s also about your preferences.
Keep in mind that the list is far from comprehensive. These just happen to be some of the more popular aftermarket Glock slides and ones that we’ve put a lot of rounds downrange.
Anthing we missed? Looking to fully upgrade your Glock? Check out Best Glock Upgrades for our favorite triggers, barrels, sights, and more.
67 Leave a Reply
Brownells slides sometimes tend to be very slightly larger for some models. On one of my Glocks I used a Brownells slide and it was too tight in the holster where the factory slide fit just fine.
psa slides the best for the money.
What I need is a stripped factory type slide for a Glock 22 (.40 S&W) Gen 4. Sooooo.... very difficult to find in stock. Had one on back order for a few months, every time I checked on the order it was "any day now" type of sentiment given me. Finally just cancelled the order, and still today six months later on the company web site its marked 'out of stock' and from what I understand from others they still tell people that 'any day now' sentiment.
Everyone wants to do all these fancy and 'bling' cuts. No one actually needs a hand gun slide with 0.4 ounce weight reducing cuts for $300.00 more than what a standard factory slide costs for a general use EDC firearm (yes, one company does this and acts like its the greatest thing since sliced bread) especially when all they did was take a factory slide and cut it. An optic cut, sure but paying a slide only price that's ~ 3/4 the price of a new gun that already has an optic cut is a little over board.
I too would like to know what type of sight or optic that is on the Brownells slide to the right of the two Grey Ghost slides. Thanks!
Does anyone know what the site/optic is on the Brownell's slide shown on the far right in the photo just under #6)" Grey Ghost Precision" heading? It looks like it's connected to the rear sight but runs up to the chamber? What is that?
SeeAll Open Sights. It was mentioned in the comments of the Polymer80 build guide from 2019, and had its own review in May 2018. Can't post link but search PewPewPewTactical for it.
I tried one of those. The idea is, well, 'sound' but use is something else. Its a variation on an old sighting thing called a 'cats eye' which is at its basics just a small hollow soda-straw diameter sized short tube that's in line with the bore.
I tried on on an MSR. It needed a significant adjustment of my cheek weld. On a hand gun after some practice picking up the delta was easier but at first wasnt
I like the idea but for a defense firearm I would not use it.
That looks to me like a device for someone that has hand issues, or strength issues. It looks like a knob to grab at the back end of the slide, so someone with those issues can work the slide and therefore the action of the Pistol.
Is that what you're asking about...?
The coupon code does not work for me was it just for a limited time?
Thanks for letting us know. I'll look into it!
Checked it out and it was a temporary code. Sorry for the confusion!
Greetings,
What is the average cost for a Glock 9mm
Thanks
If you think Glock slides (or any other slide) are sexy, you are doing something wrong or you need a new partner!
Agreed, sexy is most definitely the wrong adjective used to describe a gun or gun part.
Let me guess youre both Millennials. You must be if you dont perceive how sexy is applicable towards cars, guns or anything you like you need some years behind you and I dont understand why youre here.
I'm 51, so not a millennial. I like my firearms. However, it's pretty sad to think a slide is sexy. Go out, get a gal, get a life. lmao
over 50 and using "lmao" pretty sad
Go stroke your slide all lonely like bud. ha!
I'm 82. glocks are not sexy, period. Besides, beauty (sexiness) is in the eye of the beholder.
Tesla models literally spell S3XY. Appreciation for luxury materials and design literally predates the roman empire. Damascus steel swords were coveted weapons that looked as good as they functioned. Millennials didn't invent desire.
what is the rear sight in the 3 slide image, far right
the image title is
(L to R) Grey Ghost G19, Grey Ghost G17, Brownells G17
That weird thing would be the SeeAll sight. Amazon $100 to $200 bucks.
You guys missed slides by DV8 Dynamics! They make their slides from raw billet stainless steel. They're the only ones I know of that also offer slides for Springfield Armory (as well as for most Glock models).
Ordered slide April 13, 2021 received confirmation and billed. Now July 9th, no further updates, no replies to messages sent. On their website they advertise ship 6-7 weeks. They have not responded to request to cancel order. Would never do business again, am taking time to tell people about them.
I bought a few blanks for custome builds. Their reverse engineering of the Glock slides is terrible. The barrel fit at the muzzle is way oversized. I'm not sure if they even understand how a Glock functions.
Are there any for Glock 22 Gen 4? This entire article’s clickable pages are all for compacts and 9mm pistols. Nothing at all for a full size 40sw. Been looking everywhere for nearly a year now, and no one has anything. Kind of a waste for me looking here unfortunately. Does anyone know of anything out there for full size 40sw glocks or more specifically for the Glock 22 Gen 4? The oem slide is cool and all, but I want to spice it up like I’ve done to my g17 Gen 3. Thanks!
DV8 Dynamics
Glocks are junk out of the box. You Have to replace the trigger, slide, and basically all the tupperware except the Frame. They are great after rework though.
...lies.
I would suggest Heavy Armory Division, i purcgased a slide through them for my 1911 and will be buying one for my glock. Reasonable prices great cuatomer service and lots of options for customizations.
Excellent article, thanks! I bought a Lone Wolf Alphawolf SS barrel for my G22 RTF (leo) pistol, and it would NOT reliably feed Remington UMC 180gr FMJ ammo. We’re not talking about exotic ammo here, just regular practice ammo. Had to return it to CTD. Made me a little gun-shy about not using OEM parts for a pistol that I rely on to defend my life.
Rock Slide USA check them out search Youtube for them.
Sadly these are all 9mm slides, I'd love to see a similar list for .40cal.
The best Glock 19 slides are from ljs they do not wobble at all and are very good in price. And deltateamtactical they are very good for parts and frames. Stay away from us patriot army they will take your money and not send your stuff and won’t answer your phone calls or emails. And eBay is good for parts just use gen 1-3 parts. I’ve built two Glock 19’s now and every time it gets faster. I’m down to one hour to build one now.
Does anyone know how the "grey" from Killer Innovations (specifically the trigger/magwell) compares to the "grey" of other brands (specifically slides) like Zev Orion/Omen/Citidel or GGP.
Dang I’ve been trying to snag me Velocity Slide
From killer for my 19 it’s a Gen 3. No luck it’s been a about two month any word ?
That WAR slide looks pretty cool. There was another one I saw that was cut to look like a 1911 but I’ve not been able to find it again.
Can I get a gen 5 slide in California?
Slides are not regulated, just the part that is considered a firearm per the ATF. So yes you can get a Glock Gen 5 slide in CA, however, I believe the Gen 5 is only compatible with Gen 5 frames.
Looks like PEWPEWGGP20 is dead code. Do you have another?
You forgot suarez slides
Thanks, Joshua, for mentioning the Suarez slides! I have several, and they are the best in the business. They're made for many Glock models, and they have the best RMR machining ever. The new TAG trigger is also outstanding. Suarez is always been on the leading edge of making the ultimate gunfighting pistols. Total winner here!
Was there a discount code for the grey ghost slide? I saved the page to come back to it and now I can’t find the code
NORSSO out of Las Vegas is doing beautiful work and very inovative and well engineered designs!
I've had good results with Rock Slides. Worth looking into and reasonably priced.
Another great slide: Thompson LEH. Very nicely made!
Which slide is this? https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/trijicon-rmr-on-modded-glock.jpg
We don't know, sorry. We had someone else ask that question a while ago and we spent a couple of days trying to track down what slide it was but couldn't find it.
It looks like the DSG Arms logo.
I am finding that it is hard to find .40 slides . All thats done is 9mm. Or am i not looking in the right area?
Nope I have been trying to find a G22 slide and no luck anywhere. Ebay has used slides, Lonewolf has blanks along with Brownells. But I havent found any machined slides ready to be sold for the G22
.40 Glock slide can be found at Suarez International and at 80pbuilder I haven't found any others that stock them Lonewolf does list them but show no stock for months now
Great write up. Would you be able to share the type of rear suppressor height sites on the Suares RMR slide? I like the single dot setup.
What optic is that on the far right slide in the second picture???
SeeAll pistol sight, we have a Complete Review of their sights!
Great article! Now if only someone would make optics ready slides for the rest of the litter. .40/.357 sig/10mm/.45! Dot sights like the RMR not only look cool, but they re-open the world of shooting for people who can see the sights, or the tgt, just not both at the same time. A dot sight gives more improvement for the buck to less able shooters.
Too much recoil with the bigger rounds. Most optics would fall apart.
which manufactures/carry Glock 19 gen3 slides with the rear backup sight cut in front of the red dot?
REALLY someone answer the question below. Who is the manu of the Slide with the Shield in the last pic that looks like Dragonfly and has a flashlight on gun, has four openings. I have seen this slide before and dying to know who it is PLEASE
where can i get a custom slide for my 31
Thanks for this article. Who makes the LIGHTEST Glock slides?
You don't really see much of a difference in weight when it comes to pistol slides. Slides need mass for the gun to function, while a lighter slide can be had if you're willing to use a stronger main spring - this is a bit of a crude way of tuning the pistol and has drawbacks. Thus, most slides are basically the same weight give or take a small amount.
On the picture at the top with the 3 slides, on the far right (Brownells G17) what is the sight called that is mounted on that one?
Hi Matt, it's a See-All Sight. I'm in the middle of testing but will have a full review out.
What slide is the one in the picture that has the shield logo and looks like the dragonfly
I am interested in getting a after market slide for a M&P 40C and Shield 9. Any updated information.
What about Grey Ghost Precision? They just teamed up with Aero Precision whose manufacturing is top knotch. Any experience with these, fit and finish wise?