Every year, I find myself having the same conversation with myself. Is it time to stray from Glocks? I’ve tried a few handguns that I can see replacing the system of pistols, mags, holsters, and bags. Then, like clockwork, something happens that sends me right back into Gaston’s embrace. This time, it was the article I wrote where I compared a factory Glock 19 to a parts build. For the parts build, the slide and all of its parts came from Strike Industries. Though I work with Strike often, I can admit that I appreciate their ability to innovate and produce, but not every part is a winner. I was quick to write off their LITESLIDE but ended up loving it so much that I used it to replace my factory slide. I know I gave away my opinion early, but if you’re still with me, let’s spend some time getting to know this Strike Industries LITESLIDE assembly.  

Strike Industries @ TFB:

• NEW Strike Industries SMC BRAVO Chassis For SIG P320 Pistols
• Better than Tape? Strike Industries New Strike Optic Cover for Red Dots
• Strike Industries AK Multi-Angle Pistol Grip
• Strike Industries NEW AR-10 Extended Pivot and Takedown Pins

Strike G19 LITESLIDE: Specifications

• Length: 6.72″
• Height: 1.22″
• Width: 1.00″
• Weight: 9.8 oz
• Optics footprint: Multiple
• MSRP: $239.95

The Strike Industries LITESLIDE for G19 GEN3

I think one of the most controversial aspects of Strike’s products (aside from country of origin) is the way they look. Like cilantro, you either love it or hate it. Personally, I love the look of this slide. I also appreciate the way the look of the slide is part of its functionality. The aggressive angles and hard lines lead to easy manipulations. For my factory slide, I had to pay to cut it for an optic, as well as to add forward slide serrations. This one comes with both of those and is much easier to use from the muzzle end than my Glock slide. 

As the name implies, the LITESLIDE weighs less than the stock slide. In fact, it even weighs less than a factory G43 slide. I’m not a good enough shooter to take full advantage of this weight savings, but this version is clearly quicker to return than its Austrian counterpart.

On the topic of origin, these slides are made in the United States, if that matters to you. If it does, enjoy putting your U.S.-made slide on your foreign frame. People crack me up. The optic-mounting pattern is one of Strike design. It’s compatible with several dots without the use of plates. This is far superior to the MOS system which introduces an additional failure point. I even prefer it to the Shadow Systems cut, since Strike includes front mounting posts instead of relying on two screws, even if they sit very deep in the slide.

COMPATIBILITY

• Trijicon RMR
• Holosun 407c/507c
• Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
• SIG SAUER ROMEO 01

There are more dots that will work, but these are the most important. If you have something else, check compatibility on their website. The LITESLIDE is available in black or FDE.

Strike G19 Barrel: Specifications

• Length: 4.46″
• Rifling: 1:10 right hand
• Threads: ½-28”
• Weight: 3.4 oz
• MSRP: $219.95

The Strike Threaded Barrel For Glock G19

This isn’t the newest G19 barrel from Strike. I’m pretty excited about the new Ultra Match Barrel. The Strike Threaded Barrel uses straight fluting instead of traditional or spiral cuts. This is to save weight and keep the temperature down. Neither of those are concerns if you’re shooting a box a month, but if you run your guns hard, it can help extend the life of your barrel. Strike crafts the barrels from pre-hardened 416R stainless steel and offers them in stainless, titanium nitride, and black nitride. The barrels use traditional rifling, which opens up your ammo options a little bit. This doesn’t matter to me, but for those who like to handgun hunt with their large frame Glocks, lead bullets are sometimes preferred. 

The muzzle is finished with ½-28” threads, making it compatible with a majority of the 9mm muzzle devices out there. I outfitted this one with a comp that comes directly from Strike.

Strike Micro Threaded Comp – Quad: Specifications

• Length: 0.89”
• Height: 0.95”
• Width: 0.79”
• Weight: 1.23 oz
• MSRP: $69.95

No COMParison

The Quad comp from Strike does exactly what it claims and I saw a clear advantage in returning to target. The added length can be a problem if you don’t have G17 holsters, or you’re afraid to Dremel out your Safariland rig. It simply screws on, then is held in place with a torqued set screw. If you over or under-torque your comp, I have no sympathy for you. It’s literally written on the side.

I like the Circle version, too, and I run it on my carry gun (a threaded Hellcat Pro) but for a gun that is basically going to live on the range, at matches, and on the nightstand, a bigger comp is a-okay.

Strike Glock Iron Sights: Specifications

• Material: Polymer
• Front height: .450”
• Rear height: .408”
• Weight: .3 oz
• MSRP: $34.95

Ironing Out the Details

They’re irons and their entire job is to play second fiddle to your dot. That said, I want something that I know will be there if my optic fails. Can these irons accomplish what I need? I have no idea. They seem stable enough. I’m not going to be slamming them into any barricades on purpose, but they seem to be strong and of good quality. Only time will tell. The rears are blacked out with ladder cuts to reduce glare. The front sight has a place for colored paint, so you can choose the color your eyes pick up best.

So, What’s the Deal?

This whole setup feels really good and will likely be a permanent replacement for my OEM slide. As of now, I only have about 500 rounds through it. That said, it’s been a solid performer. To increase reliability, I’ll sometimes remove the comp and blast away with no muzzle device, like a savage.

If you’re looking for a replacement upper for your Glock 19, I’d seriously consider picking up the parts from the Strike Industries website and throwing one together. If you’d like to see more from Strike, follow them on their social media. Strike Industries can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.