How I Used the Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 and What I Found
As an individual who spends a considerable amount of time with gear across various demanding environments, I’m always on the lookout for components that promise enhanced performance and longevity, especially in firearms. The Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 caught my eye with its claims of improved service life and precision. My existing Glock pistols, reliable as they are, operate with stock components, and I’d begun to wonder if an upgrade was due, particularly after encountering some minor wear on older parts in a heavily used workshop pistol.
I sourced this particular striker from a local gun store, intending to upgrade a Brownells Glock slide that I had configured for various training drills. The initial impression upon opening the package was positive; the striker had a distinct feel of quality, with a smooth finish and a weight that suggested robust construction. I was curious to see if this aftermarket component could truly outperform the factory parts I’d come to rely on. A brief consideration was given to other brands, but the specific claims of the Rival Arms offering—particularly the 17-4 Stainless Steel construction and PVD coating—drew me in. My immediate reaction was one of pragmatic optimism; would this precision part deliver on its promise of enhanced durability?
Real-World Testing: Putting Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing was conducted on my workbench and at the local indoor range. I carefully installed the Rival Arms striker into a Brownells Glock 19 Gen 3 slide, alongside other aftermarket internal components. The installation was straightforward, with no unusual resistance or fitment issues. I performed a series of dry fires to ensure proper function of the trigger mechanism and striker engagement.
Once installed, I took the slide to the range for its maiden firing session. I ran approximately 200 rounds of standard 9mm ammunition through the pistol. The striker performed flawlessly during this initial period, with consistent ignition on every primer. There were no light strikes or malfunctions related to the striker itself.
The conditions during this first use were controlled: a clean, indoor environment with consistent temperatures. The ease of use was as expected for a Glock component; it integrated seamlessly with the existing trigger group. My only surprise was how smooth the striker action felt during dry fire compared to a stock striker, a subtle but noticeable difference.
Extended Use & Reliability
Following that initial range session, I carried the pistol for about three weeks, which involved a fair amount of dry firing as part of my daily routine. Ammo costs and other personal commitments unfortunately limited live fire opportunities significantly during this period. I dry-fired the pistol hundreds, if not thousands, of times during this phase.
The real test came when I was finally able to get back to the range for more extensive shooting. It was after this extended period of dry fire and a subsequent range trip, where I attempted to fire approximately 300 more rounds, that issues began to surface. What started as a promising component gradually revealed a significant flaw.
After about 100 live rounds and an unknown, but substantial, number of dry fires accumulated over several weeks, I encountered my first failure to fire. The trigger reset, but pulling it yielded no ignition. A quick tap and rack resolved the immediate issue. However, this pattern repeated itself with unnerving frequency.
Upon field stripping the pistol after experiencing multiple failures to fire, the problem became starkly apparent. The tip of the striker had completely sheared off, rendering it incapable of striking the primer. This was incredibly disheartening, especially considering the striker’s billet stainless steel construction and the advertised low-temperature vacuum PVD coating. I had expected a component with a significantly extended service life, especially given the relatively low round count of live fire.
Maintenance was straightforward; cleaning the slide and reassembling was no different than with a factory component. However, the premature failure meant I couldn’t speak to its long-term durability under proper function. This failure point, occurring with less than 500 total rounds fired and a significant number of dry fires, is a critical drawback. Compared to my experiences with OEM Glock strikers, which have endured well over 10,000 rounds and countless dry fires without issue, this performance is unacceptable.
Breaking Down the Features of Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4
Specifications
The Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 is engineered to be a direct replacement for the firing pin in Glock 9mm and .40 S&W pistols (excluding the G43/43X/G48 models) across Gen 3 and Gen 4 platforms. Its construction from 17-4 PH stainless steel billet is a key specification, chosen for its strength and corrosion resistance. This material is known for its ability to be hardened to excellent levels, making it a superior choice for high-stress components.
A defining feature is the low-temperature vacuum PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating. This coating creates an exceptionally hard and durable barrier that resists wear and corrosion, designed to withstand repeated impacts. The striker is CNC-machined from a solid billet, implying tighter tolerances and a more precise manufacturing process than typically found in stamped or MIM (Metal Injection Molding) parts.
The specifications also highlight that each striker is individually hand-inspected for accuracy, suggesting a commitment to quality control. The product is designed for a no gunsmith required installation, making it accessible to the average firearm owner. The black PVD finish is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, providing a subdued look that complements most Glock builds.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of its primary function—igniting primers—the Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 performed adequately during its initial phase. For the first roughly 200 live rounds and numerous dry fires, it provided reliable ignition. The striker tip, though a different profile from the rounded OEM Gen 5 tip, functioned as intended, transferring energy effectively to the primer.
However, the performance sharply deteriorated once the component experienced cumulative stress. The failure point, a broken striker tip, indicates a fundamental issue with the material’s fatigue resistance or the design’s ability to withstand the stresses of consistent dry firing and repeated impact. This led to an unacceptable rate of failures to fire, turning a reliable firearm into an unreliable one.
Compared to OEM Glock strikers, which are designed for immense durability through tens of thousands of rounds and extensive dry fire, this precision striker fell significantly short. While it offered a smooth feel initially, its functional lifespan in my testing was dramatically less than expected, especially given its premium materials and manufacturing claims. It did not meet expectations for reliability under extended use, particularly considering the emphasis on service life.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 is centered around enhancing performance and durability. The use of 17-4 stainless steel and the PVD coating are significant design choices aimed at improving wear resistance and corrosion protection. The CNC-machined billet construction promises tight tolerances, which ideally should translate to improved ignition consistency and a crisper trigger feel.
Ergonomically, the striker itself is not something one directly interacts with during normal shooting. However, its function directly impacts the trigger feel and the overall operation of the firearm. The initial impression was of a very smooth, solid component. There were no rough edges or imperfections visible.
The specific design of the striker tip, while visually distinct from some Glock generations, seemed functional. Unfortunately, the long-term design integrity proved to be a critical flaw. The sheared tip is a direct indicator that the chosen material or heat treatment, or perhaps the design of the tip itself under stress, was insufficient for the intended use, including significant dry firing.
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is where the Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 fell critically short in my experience. With less than 500 rounds fired and considerable dry firing, the striker tip broke off. This suggests a material fatigue issue or a design flaw that makes it unsuitable for prolonged dry practice, which is a common and often necessary part of firearm maintenance and skill development.
Maintenance of the striker itself, once removed from the slide, is simple. It requires cleaning to remove fouling and lubrication. However, the inherent fragility of the component under stress means that “maintenance” ultimately leads to replacement rather than continued use.
The potential failure point, breaking at the sear contact or, as in my case, the tip shearing off, is a significant concern. This is not a component that one would expect to fail with such low round counts. For an EDC (Everyday Carry) or duty weapon, this level of fragility is frankly unacceptable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 is a single component and typically does not come with accessories. It is designed as a direct drop-in replacement part for the OEM striker. There are no inherent customization options for the striker itself, beyond its installation in compatible Glock models.
The product’s value lies in its potential to enhance performance, not in its accessory ecosystem. Its compatibility is limited to specific Glock generations and calibers, as noted in its specifications. One might consider pairing it with other aftermarket internal components, such as connectors or ejectors, but the striker itself is a standalone upgrade. There are no external add-ons or modifications that typically accompany such a part.
Pros and Cons of Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4
Pros
- Constructed from robust 17-4 Stainless Steel, promising improved strength over standard materials.
- Features a durable PVD coating designed to resist wear and corrosion.
- CNC-machined from billet for potentially tighter tolerances and improved precision.
- Installation is straightforward, a no gunsmith required upgrade.
- Offers a smoother striker action during dry fire compared to some stock components.
Cons
- Catastrophic failure observed: The striker tip broke off with less than 500 rounds fired.
- Significant reliability issues encountered, including numerous failures to fire, rendering the firearm unusable.
- Durability is questionable, especially concerning its ability to withstand extensive dry firing.
- The observed failure makes it unsuitable for EDC or duty use.
- Warranty claims may require proof of purchase from an unknown duration, potentially limiting recourse.
Who Should Buy Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4?
Given my experience, this particular striker is not recommended for anyone prioritizing reliability and longevity in their firearm. It is especially ill-suited for individuals who engage in frequent dry fire practice or carry a firearm for self-defense or duty purposes. The demonstrated lack of durability and the resulting unreliability make it a poor choice for those applications.
The only scenario where one might consider this component is if they are building a dedicated range gun for very limited live fire, intend to replace it after minimal use, and are willing to accept the significant risk of failure. However, even then, the cost-benefit analysis is highly unfavorable. For most Glock owners, sticking with factory-original internal components, especially for critical parts like the striker, is the safest and most reliable option. If an upgrade is truly desired, I would strongly advise thorough research into brands with a proven track record of extreme durability and customer satisfaction in this specific component type.
Conclusion on Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4
The Rival Arms RA40G001A Precision Striker Compatible With Glock 9/40 Gen 3/4 17-4 promised a significant upgrade in performance and service life over standard Glock strikers, boasting premium materials and precision manufacturing. While it offered a smooth initial operation and seemed robust upon installation, its performance proved to be disastrously short-lived. The catastrophic failure of the striker tip, occurring with minimal live fire and accumulated dry practice, renders this component unreliable and fundamentally flawed for its intended purpose.
At $69.99, the value proposition is extremely poor when considering the component’s limited lifespan and the resulting unreliability. While the materials and machining suggest quality, the execution and long-term durability are demonstrably lacking, especially when compared to OEM parts that endure tens of thousands of rounds and extensive dry fire without issue. I cannot personally recommend this striker for any application where reliability is paramount. For those seeking a dependable Glock, sticking with factory internals or exploring aftermarket options with a proven history of extreme durability is strongly advised.