I am not a pistol compensator kind of guy. Either I am shooting suppressed or I am carrying a stock pistol on my hip. And a “Roland Special” is a term that is akin to nails over a chalkboard for me – yes, I know the setup and its usefulness, however I just wish the combo didn’t have a call sign. Besides, this gunfighter setup requires a fair amount of customization, including a match grade, threaded KKM barrel and compensator. For those who can’t/won’t alter their carry pistol, Strike Industries has come up with an innovative compensator setup – the G4 SlideComp uses a recoil guide rod extension for mounting and no barrel modifications.

It’s not often that we are allowed to test and evaluate truly innovative gear – as good as most products are, most of them are modifications or variations on a proven theme. However, even though I don’t partake in the comp, I can honestly say that the Strike SlideComp is a genius design rooted in utility.

But before we dig into the installation and use, a few caveats:

My first name is not ‘Roland’ and I am definitely not Special. I am not a gunfighter nor do I pray to the compensator gods. And given the choice and mission requirements, I will pick a threaded barrel and a suppressor every day and twice on Sunday.

Having said all that, I believe I can give you an honest, real-world assessment of Strike’s latest release as it pertains to the “typical” shooter/concealed carrier. Lastly, it is your responsibility to follow all firearms safety rules when handling, shooting, maintaining and owning guns. Your life, and others, depend on it.

Sorry for the interruption, now on with the show.

Overview and Installation:

Rather than my normal pictorial installation guide, let’s take a look at the short and simple video that lays out the ease at which the G4 SlideComp is added to a Gen4 Glock.

In a nutshell:

1. Visually and physically check to make sure the pistol is unloaded and that there is no round in the chamber.
2. Disassemble the slide from pistol per Glock standard instructions.
3. Remove the recoil spring/guide rod combination.
4. Install the “guide rod extension” (my words)
5. Install the included Strike Industries included recoil spring/guide rod combination.
6. Install the compensator
7. Insert/tighten the six included locking screws (use a thread locking compound as directed)
8. Reassemble to Glock specifications and function check

The whole process takes less than five minutes.

One observation here: The included Strike Industries G17 recoil spring assembly is more like a plastic Gen 3 version rather than a metal Gen 4 version. And while it performed flawlessly, my preference would be to use the stock Gen 4 assembly. Note: I used the included G17 recoil spring in the G19 without issue.

G4 SlideComp Specifications:

• 1x G4 SlideComp
• 4x M5 Installation set screw (side)
• 2x M4 installation set screw (bottom)
• 1x 2mm Allen wrench
• 1x Glock 17 gen 3 guide rod and spring
• Eliminates the need for threaded barrels
• Blended, no snag profile
• Precision CNC machined
• No permanent modification of weapon required
• Compatible with fourth generation G17, G19, G22, G23, G31, G32
• Compatible with open-bottomed holsters
• MSRP: $79.95

Note: The recoil spring assembly supplied is compatible with full size models. Compact models such as Glock 19 and equivalents require purchase of a Gen 3 compact spring for optimal functionality.

If it matters, in my opinion the G4 SlideComp looks great on the end of the Glock slide. Strike did a great job in machining a flush fitting and geometry-matching extension that almost looks like a factory option. A slide/comp cerakote match would make for a slick looking blaster.

Shooting with the G4 SlideComp:

As I mentioned, I’m not a compo-phile, so shooting the SlideComp was a relatively new experience for me. But I have to say, I was impressed with how flat shooting the pistol was, especially with double taps or strings. Sure, there is still a bit of flip and recoil, but it is measurably less than a bare muzzle.

I only have about 100 rounds through this compensator, but in that time I didn’t experience any malfunctions or operating issues. It does add some bulk to the front of the gun, but in comparison to a weaponlight, the addition is minimal.

The extra length will make your holster choice a little more limited, but with the increasing popularity of comps on carry guns, most holster makers have models that will accommodate the SI G4.

Overall, the SlideComp was pleasant to shoot and made me rethink my aversion to pistol compensators.

Conclusions:

The G4 SlideComp is a fully functional, easy into install and rugged compensator that is exceptionally innovative in its design. One of the real powers of the Strike design is that it does not require a threaded barrel or gunsmithing, saving the added cost. On top of that, in states that restrict the use of threaded barrels, the SlideComp is a welcome sight to pistol compensator lovers.

Personally, I love small, innovative designs like this one from Strike Industries, even if I am not (yet) a fan of pistol comps. This is solid kit. For those interested in compensating for something (I’ll be here all week) the sub $80 MSRP is almost a no brainer.

Cons:

• Adds length and mass (standard for all comps)

Neutral:

• Doesn’t use Stock Gen 4 spring

Pros:

• Easy install
• No threaded barrel or gunsmithing required
• Flat shooting
• Looks like a factory option

Strike Industries G4 SlideComp

Strike Industries presents the industry’s first slide mounted compensator for Glock Gen4 pistols, with the SIG4 SlideComp. By mounting the compensator to the slide, the SI-G4-SCOMP requires no permanent modification to the host platform, and eliminates the need for a threaded barrel. The profile of the compensator aligns with the slide for holster compatibility, while the internal geometry and ports work to reduce muzzle rise and perceived recoil. For one handed manipulations, the compensator can be used to push-wrack the slide against hard surfaces, to clear malfunctions or lock the slide back for a reload. Combine with the SI-GUM for ultimate gunsmith-free“go-fast” Glock that can still be reverted to stock configuration.

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