Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 Review

Putting the Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 to Work

As someone who’s spent over a decade putting gear through its paces across everything from dusty field sites to precision workshops and well-lit shooting ranges, I approach new equipment with a healthy dose of scrutiny. The Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 recently landed on my bench, promising an upgrade for a platform I’m very familiar with. My existing Glock 19, a reliable workhorse, was due for a refresh, and the allure of improved aesthetics and potential performance gains was strong. I was particularly interested in how it would handle an RMR optic, a setup I frequently employ. While other slides were on my radar, like those from Lone Wolf or Strike Industries, Faxon’s reputation for quality AR components made their pistol slide an intriguing option. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid craftsmanship, a promising start.

Real-World Testing: Putting Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 to the Test

My testing began on a crisp Saturday at the local indoor range, a familiar environment for me. I opted for a standard Glock 19 parts kit, aiming for a direct comparison with a factory slide. The initial assembly of the slide onto a Gen 3 Glock 19 frame, using a P80 polymer frame for good measure, was the first critical phase. This is where I encountered an immediate divergence from a seamless experience, a detail I’ll elaborate on. Subsequent range sessions involved drills focusing on drawing, rapid fire, and precision shooting at varying distances.

Over several weeks, this slide saw consistent use, not just at the range but also during dry-fire practice and bench testing. It endured being disassembled and reassembled multiple times as I swapped out different recoil spring assemblies and barrel options to ensure compatibility and optimal function. The Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 was exposed to typical range conditions: gun oils, cleaning solvents, and the occasional bit of dust kicked up from brass. Maintenance was straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a quality CLP and a fresh application of lubricant were sufficient to keep it running smoothly. Compared to some budget slides I’ve worked with in the past, this Faxon offering felt a step above in terms of material quality and finish, though some initial fitment issues did require attention.

First Use Experience

The initial installation of the Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 on my Gen 3 Glock 19 frame was undertaken on my workshop bench. I was fitting it with an OEM Glock parts kit, a common practice for ensuring reliable function. It was immediately apparent that the ejector hole was shallower than standard, preventing the ejector from sitting flush against the frame’s ejector shelf. This significantly impacted the ability to properly seat the ejector pin, a crucial step for proper firearm function.

Additionally, the slide arrived without the anticipated billet aluminum cover plate for the optic cut, a feature explicitly mentioned in the product description. This absence meant that when not running an optic, the milled area was exposed, leaving it vulnerable to debris. The serrations, however, were impressively sharp and well-defined, offering excellent grip during manipulation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After completing initial fitting and addressing the ejector fitment by carefully filing the frame’s ejector shelf, the slide began to function as intended. Reliability improved markedly once the internal components were correctly seated. The DLC coating proved quite resilient, showing minimal wear even after numerous slide cycles and holster draws during range sessions.

During extended use, the enhanced front, rear, and top serrations proved their worth. They provided a secure purchase for both press checks and racking the slide under stress, a significant improvement over the factory Glock slide’s more basic texturing. The posts milled into the optics cut were a standout feature, offering solid alignment and recoil absorption for the mounted Trijicon RMR. This detail significantly reduced the need for constant zero checks after firing.

Breaking Down the Features of Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3

Specifications

The Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 is a meticulously crafted component designed to elevate the performance and aesthetics of your Glock 19. Manufactured in-house from 17-4 stainless steel, this slide is built for durability and corrosion resistance. Its DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating is a significant enhancement, offering increased lubricity and protection against the elements.

The slide is precisely milled for Trijicon RMR & Holosun 507C Red Dots, ensuring a robust and secure optic platform. It also features enhanced front, rear, and top serrations for improved grip during slide manipulation. Importantly, it accepts standard sights for Glocks, allowing for iron sight co-witnessing if desired. The inclusion of posts milled into the optics cuts adds a critical layer of alignment and recoil absorption for mounted red dot sights, a feature often overlooked on lesser slides. It ships with a billet aluminum cover plate for the optic cut, offering a clean look when an optic is not in use. Compatibility is assured with Gen 3 parts for Glock pistols, and it is chambered for 9mm. The overall dimensions are a standard 6.8 inches in length and 1 inch in width, maintaining the familiar Glock 19 profile.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of a pistol slide is to house the firing mechanism and guide the barrel during cycling. The Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3, once properly fitted, excels in this regard. The 17-4 stainless steel construction provides a rigid platform, contributing to consistent lockup with the barrel and frame. The DLC coating not only looks sharp but also reduces friction between the slide and frame rails, theoretically leading to smoother cycling.

When fitted with an RMR, the milled optics cut performed admirably. The posts within the cut provided a tactile and visual reference for mounting the optic, and importantly, they appeared to absorb some of the recoil energy, minimizing the optic’s movement. The enhanced serrations were a game-changer for manipulating the slide, offering superior grip compared to the standard Glock slide. However, the initial fitment issues, particularly with the ejector housing, detracted from an otherwise perfect performance profile out of the box.

Design & Ergonomics

Faxon has clearly put thought into the design of this slide, aiming for both form and function. The enhanced serrations are aggressively cut and extend along the top and sides of the slide, providing excellent purchase for press checks and racking. The DLC finish provides a matte black aesthetic that is both attractive and functional, resisting fingerprints and offering a smooth feel.

The milling for the RMR/507C optic is precise and deep, ensuring a low profile when an optic is mounted. The posts within the cut are a thoughtful addition, contributing to the optic’s stability. The overall fit and finish, apart from the ejector hole depth issue, suggest a high level of manufacturing precision. The slide feels robust and well-balanced, a significant upgrade in terms of tactile feedback and perceived quality over a stock slide.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its construction from 17-4 stainless steel and the DLC coating, the Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 is built for longevity. The stainless steel provides a strong, corrosion-resistant base, while the DLC finish adds another layer of wear and chemical resistance. Under typical use, this slide should withstand thousands of rounds without significant degradation.

Maintenance is as straightforward as any Glock slide. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential, particularly around the slide rails and extractor. The DLC coating is relatively forgiving with standard cleaning agents, though avoiding harsh abrasives is always wise. The billet aluminum cover plate is a nice touch for protecting the optics cut when not in use, and it cleans easily.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 comes with a billet aluminum cover plate for the optic cut, which is a valuable accessory for users who prefer to run iron sights or want to protect the milled area. The slide is designed to accept standard sights for Glocks, offering flexibility for users who want to retain or upgrade their iron sights.

Crucially, this slide is compatible with Gen 3 parts for Glock pistols, meaning a vast array of aftermarket triggers, firing pin assemblies, and other internal components can be used. The optics cut is milled for Trijicon RMR & Holosun 507C Red Dots, making it a direct fit for two of the most popular pistol red dots on the market. This level of compatibility with existing aftermarket parts and popular optics is a significant advantage for customization.

Pros and Cons of Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3

Who Should Buy Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3?

This slide is an excellent choice for experienced Glock 19 owners and builders looking to significantly upgrade their firearm’s performance and aesthetics. If you are planning to mount a Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C optic, this slide offers a purpose-built solution with integrated recoil mitigation and alignment features. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate enhanced slide serrations for easier manipulation under stress or for press checks.

However, newcomers to Glock customization or those on a very tight budget might find the initial cost and potential need for minor fitting work less appealing. Individuals who don’t plan on using an optic should also weigh the cost against simpler, non-optic-cut slides. For those who embrace DIY gunsmithing or are building a high-performance competition or duty-style Glock 19, this slide is a solid foundation.

I would strongly recommend pairing this slide with a quality Glock 19 build kit and a reliable optic like the Trijicon RMR or Holosun 507C. A good set of steel sights that allow for co-witnessing with the optic would also be a prudent addition for redundancy. Ensure you have a basic toolkit, including a punch set and potentially a small file or Dremel tool, in case minor frame adjustments are needed for optimal ejector fitment.

Conclusion on Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3

The Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 is a premium upgrade that brings a host of enhancements to the venerable Glock 19 platform. Its robust 17-4 stainless steel construction and slick DLC coating promise excellent durability and a refined feel. The precision milling for RMR and Holosun optics, complete with alignment posts, is a standout feature that provides a rock-solid mounting solution. Coupled with the enhanced serrations, this slide offers a tangible improvement in handling and operational efficiency.

While the price point is on the higher side for aftermarket Glock slides, the quality of materials, the advanced features like the optics cut posts, and the overall finish largely justify the investment. The primary caveat is the occasional need for minor fitting, specifically concerning the ejector hole depth, which requires careful attention. If you’re looking to build a modern, optic-ready Glock 19 with superior ergonomics and a high-performance look, and you’re comfortable with the possibility of minor adjustments, the Faxon Firearms Slide for G19 Gen 3 is a compelling choice that I would confidently recommend.