Glock 20 Complete Slide

Glock 20 Slide Buyer’s Guide: Upgrading for the 10mm Powerhouse

The Glock 20 slide is a legend in the firearms world, celebrated for its ability to tame the potent 10mm Auto cartridge. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking to complete a build or a seasoned shooter aiming to upgrade your current setup, the Glock 20 slide is a key component.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the reliability of an OEM Glock 20 slide to the customization possibilities of aftermarket options.

We’ll help you navigate the nuances of stripped vs. complete slides, optic cuts, and different generations, so you can make an informed decision for your powerful 10mm pistol.

 Glock 20 Slide Complete vs. Stripped

The first and most important decision you’ll face when shopping for a Glock 20 slide is whether to buy it complete or stripped. This choice directly impacts the complexity and cost of your project.

• Glock 20 Complete Slide: A Glock 20 Complete slide is a “drop-in” solution. It comes fully assembled with all internal components, including the barrel, recoil spring assembly, firing pin, and sights. This is the ideal choice for first-time buyers or anyone who wants a quick, hassle-free upgrade without the need for specialized tools or technical expertise. You can simply mount it to your compatible frame and be ready to shoot.
• Stripped Glock 20 Slide: A stripped slide is the bare metal housing without any internal parts. This option is perfect for experienced builders and enthusiasts who want to hand-pick every single component.

By starting with a stripped slide, you have the freedom to customize everything from the barrel and recoil spring to the sights and internal parts, allowing for a truly personalized and fine-tuned build.

Glock20C Gen 3 Complete Slides

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Reliability or Customization?

The next major consideration is whether to go with an original Glock slide or an aftermarket alternative.

• OEM Glock 20 Slide: An OEM Glock20 slide is manufactured by Glock and offers unparalleled factory reliability and durability. It features Glock’s proprietary finish, known for its corrosion and wear resistance.

On a Gen 5 model, it will also include the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) for enhanced accuracy. For shooters who prioritize proven performance and a perfect fit, the OEM slide is the gold standard.

• Aftermarket Glock 20 Slides: The market for aftermarket Glock 20 slides is vast and diverse. Brands like Alpha Shooting Sports and HGW offer slides with enhanced features such as aggressive serrations for a better grip, unique window cuts for weight reduction and a custom look, and a wide array of finish options like Cerakote or PVD.

While an OEM Glock slide is known for its reliability, aftermarket slides are designed for shooters who want to push the boundaries of performance and aesthetics.

A unique aftermarket option is the Glock 20 long slide. These slides feature a longer barrel and sight radius, which can increase muzzle velocity and improve accuracy, making them a popular choice for hunting or long-range target shooting with the powerful 10mm caliber.

The Optic Revolution: Glock 20 with Optic Cut

Red dot sights have become standard for modern shooters, offering faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. For a powerful caliber like the 10mm, this can be especially beneficial for managing follow-up shots. A Glock 20 slide with optic cut is a must-have for anyone serious about performance.

• MOS (Modular Optic System): The Gen 5 Glock 20 MOS slide comes with a factory-milled cut and a series of adapter plates. This system allows you to easily mount a variety of popular red dot sights directly to your slide.
• RMR Footprint: Many aftermarket slides feature an RMR footprint, which is the most widely supported optic cut and accommodates a massive variety of popular red dots, including Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407C/507C, and more.

A noteworthy example is the Glock 20C Gen 3 Complete Slide. The “C” denotes that the slide and barrel are compensated (ported), which is a key feature that helps reduce muzzle flip and felt recoil from the potent 10mm round. 21 Complete Slide

While this model does not come with a factory optic cut, it is an example of a specialized OEM slide that prioritizes a specific performance benefit.

Compatibility Across Glock GenerationsGlock slides are not universally compatible across all generations. Here’s a quick guide to help you:

• Gen 3: These slides have a single recoil spring assembly and a specific frame design. They are the standard for many aftermarket slides.
• Gen 4 & Gen 5: These slides use a dual recoil spring assembly. While Gen 4 and Gen 5 slides are often similar, there can be subtle differences in the slide’s internal design, especially related to the ambidextrous slide stop lever on the Gen 5. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure your slide matches your frame’s generation.

Conclusion & Buyer’s Checklist

Choosing the right Glock 20 slide is a journey of balancing reliability, functionality, and personal preference. The best slide for you depends on your intended use, skill level, and budget.

Glock20 Slide Buyer’s Checklist:

• Complete vs. Stripped: Do you want a simple “drop-in” solution (Complete) or do you want to customize every internal part (Stripped)?
• OEM vs. Aftermarket: Do you prioritize proven factory reliability (OEM) or unique features and aesthetics (Aftermarket)?
• Optic Cut: Do you plan to use a red dot sight? If so, look for a slide with an optic cut, such as a MOS model or one with an RMR footprint. 22 Gen 3 Complete Slide
• Generation Compatibility: Always double-check that the slide you’re buying is compatible with the generation of your Glock 20 frame (Gen 3, Gen 4, or Gen 5).
• Specialized Models: Consider specialized options like a Glock 20 long slide for hunting or a compensated model like the Glock20C Gen 3 Complete Slide for recoil management.