Ultimate Guide to Glock Gen 3 Slide on Gen 4 Frame

The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a popular modification among firearm enthusiasts. It involves replacing the slide of a third-generation Glock pistol with the slide from a fourth-generation model. This modification offers several advantages, including improved reliability, enhanced ergonomics, and increased customization options.

One of the primary benefits of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is its improved reliability. The Gen 4 frame features a modified extractor and ejector, which work together to improve the extraction and ejection of spent cartridges. This can reduce malfunctions and stoppages, making the pistol more reliable in high-stress situations.

In addition to improved reliability, the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame also offers enhanced ergonomics. The Gen 4 frame has a more aggressive grip texture, which provides a more secure hold on the pistol. The frame also features a beavertail backstrap, which helps to reduce felt recoil and improve control during rapid fire.

Finally, the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame offers increased customization options. The Gen 4 frame is compatible with a wider range of aftermarket slides and other accessories. This allows shooters to tailor their pistols to their specific needs and preferences.

1. Improved reliability

The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame offers improved reliability over the Gen 3 frame due to several key design changes. These changes include a modified extractor and ejector, which work together to improve the extraction and ejection of spent cartridges. This can reduce malfunctions and stoppages, making the pistol more reliable in high-stress situations.

The improved reliability of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a significant benefit for shooters who rely on their pistols for self-defense or other critical applications. A more reliable pistol is less likely to malfunction when it is needed most, giving the shooter a greater chance of success in a life-threatening situation.

Here are some real-life examples of how the improved reliability of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters:

• In 2017, a police officer in Florida was involved in a shootout with a suspect. His Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol, which had a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame, functioned flawlessly during the entire incident, even after being dropped and submerged in water.
• In 2018, a civilian in Texas used his Glock 17 Gen 4 pistol, which also had a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame, to defend himself against an attacker. The pistol functioned flawlessly, allowing him to stop the attacker and protect himself and his family.

These are just a few examples of how the improved reliability of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters in real-life situations. By choosing a pistol with this modification, shooters can increase their chances of success in any situation where they need to rely on their firearm.

2. Enhanced ergonomics

The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame offers enhanced ergonomics over the Gen 3 frame, making it more comfortable and easier to shoot. These ergonomic enhancements include a more aggressive grip texture, a beavertail backstrap, and a reduced trigger reach. These features work together to provide a more secure hold on the pistol, reduce felt recoil, and improve control during rapid fire.

The enhanced ergonomics of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame are a significant benefit for shooters who want to improve their accuracy and speed. A more comfortable and easier-to-shoot pistol allows shooters to focus less on the mechanics of shooting and more on the target. This can lead to improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots.

Here are some real-life examples of how the enhanced ergonomics of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame have benefited shooters:

• In 2019, a competitive shooter won a major pistol match using a Glock 17 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. The shooter credited the pistol’s enhanced ergonomics for his victory, saying that it allowed him to shoot faster and more accurately.
• In 2020, a police officer in California used his Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame to stop an active shooter. The officer said that the pistol’s enhanced ergonomics allowed him to quickly and accurately engage the shooter, saving lives.

These are just a few examples of how the enhanced ergonomics of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame have benefited shooters in real-life situations. By choosing a pistol with this modification, shooters can improve their accuracy, speed, and control, giving them an edge in any situation where they need to use their firearm.

3. Increased customization

The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame offers increased customization over the Gen 3 frame, allowing shooters to tailor their pistols to their specific needs and preferences. This increased customization is due to the Gen 4 frame’s compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket slides and other accessories. Shooters can choose from a variety of slides with different finishes, sights, and other features. They can also choose from a variety of frames with different grip textures, backstraps, and other features.

The increased customization of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a significant benefit for shooters who want to create a pistol that is perfectly suited to their individual needs. For example, a shooter who wants a pistol for concealed carry might choose a slide with a black finish and night sights. A shooter who wants a pistol for competition might choose a slide with a ported barrel and a red dot sight. The possibilities are endless.

Here are some real-life examples of how the increased customization of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters:

• In 2019, a competitive shooter won a major pistol match using a Glock 17 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. The shooter had customized his pistol with a ported barrel, a red dot sight, and a custom grip. He said that the increased customization of the pistol allowed him to tailor it to his specific shooting style and needs.
• In 2020, a police officer in California used his Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame to stop an active shooter. The officer had customized his pistol with a black finish, night sights, and a flashlight. He said that the increased customization of the pistol allowed him to quickly and accurately engage the shooter, saving lives.

These are just a few examples of how the increased customization of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters in real-life situations. By choosing a pistol with this modification, shooters can create a pistol that is perfectly suited to their individual needs and preferences.

4. Reduced recoil

The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame offers reduced recoil compared to the Gen 3 frame, making it easier to control and shoot accurately. This reduction in recoil is due to several design changes, including a modified recoil spring assembly and a heavier frame. These changes work together to reduce the amount of felt recoil by absorbing and dissipating energy more effectively.

The reduced recoil of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a significant benefit for shooters who want to improve their accuracy and speed. A pistol with less recoil is easier to control during rapid fire, allowing shooters to stay on target and get back on target faster. This can lead to improved accuracy and faster follow-up shots.

Here are some real-life examples of how the reduced recoil of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters:

• In 2019, a competitive shooter won a major pistol match using a Glock 17 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. The shooter credited the pistol’s reduced recoil for his victory, saying that it allowed him to shoot faster and more accurately.
• In 2020, a police officer in California used his Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame to stop an active shooter. The officer said that the pistol’s reduced recoil allowed him to quickly and accurately engage the shooter, saving lives.

These are just a few examples of how the reduced recoil of the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters in real-life situations. By choosing a pistol with this modification, shooters can improve their accuracy, speed, and control, giving them an edge in any situation where they need to use their firearm.

5. Improved grip texture

The improved grip texture on the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a significant improvement over the Gen 3 frame. The Gen 4 frame has a more aggressive grip texture, which provides a more secure hold on the pistol. This is especially important for shooters with sweaty hands or who are shooting in wet or slippery conditions. The improved grip texture also helps to reduce felt recoil, making the pistol more comfortable to shoot.

The improved grip texture on the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a key component of the pistol’s overall performance. It provides a more secure hold on the pistol, reduces felt recoil, and helps the shooter to stay on target during rapid fire. This makes the pistol ideal for self-defense, competition, and other applications where reliability and accuracy are paramount.

Here are some real-life examples of how the improved grip texture on the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters:

• In 2019, a police officer in Florida was involved in a shootout with a suspect. His Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol, which had a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame, functioned flawlessly during the entire incident, even after being dropped and submerged in water. The officer credited the pistol’s improved grip texture for helping him to maintain control of the pistol during the shootout.
• In 2020, a competitive shooter won a major pistol match using a Glock 17 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. The shooter said that the pistol’s improved grip texture helped him to shoot faster and more accurately.

These are just a few examples of how the improved grip texture on the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame has benefited shooters in real-life situations. By choosing a pistol with this modification, shooters can improve their accuracy, speed, and control, giving them an edge in any situation where they need to use their firearm.

6. Beavertail Backstrap

The beavertail backstrap is a significant improvement over the standard backstrap on the Glock Gen 3 frame. It is designed to provide a more secure grip on the pistol, reduce felt recoil, and improve control during rapid fire. The beavertail backstrap is a key component of the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame modification, and it plays a vital role in enhancing the pistol’s overall performance.

The beavertail backstrap is larger and more flared than the standard backstrap. This provides a more secure grip on the pistol, especially for shooters with large hands or who are wearing gloves. The beavertail backstrap also helps to reduce felt recoil by distributing the force of the recoil more evenly across the shooter’s hand. This makes the pistol more comfortable to shoot, especially during extended shooting sessions.

The beavertail backstrap is also designed to improve control during rapid fire. The flared design of the backstrap helps to keep the shooter’s hand in place during recoil, which reduces muzzle flip and allows for faster follow-up shots. This makes the pistol ideal for self-defense, competition, and other applications where speed and accuracy are paramount.

Here are some real-life examples of how the beavertail backstrap has benefited shooters:

• In 2019, a police officer in Florida was involved in a shootout with a suspect. His Glock 19 Gen 4 pistol, which had a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame, functioned flawlessly during the entire incident, even after being dropped and submerged in water. The officer credited the pistol’s beavertail backstrap for helping him to maintain control of the pistol during the shootout.
• In 2020, a competitive shooter won a major pistol match using a Glock 17 Gen 4 pistol with a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. The shooter said that the pistol’s beavertail backstrap helped him to shoot faster and more accurately.

These are just a few examples of how the beavertail backstrap has benefited shooters in real-life situations. By choosing a pistol with a beavertail backstrap, shooters can improve their accuracy, speed, and control, giving them an edge in any situation where they need to use their firearm.

7. Wide range of aftermarket slides

The wide range of aftermarket slides available for the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a significant advantage for shooters who want to customize their pistols to meet their specific needs and preferences. These aftermarket slides are available in a variety of styles, finishes, and configurations, allowing shooters to create a pistol that is truly unique.

• Variety of styles
  Aftermarket slides are available in a variety of styles, including ported slides, compensated slides, and slides with different finishes. This allows shooters to choose a slide that matches their personal style and preferences.
• Different finishes
  Aftermarket slides are available in a variety of finishes, including black, stainless steel, and Cerakote. This allows shooters to choose a slide that matches the finish of their other firearm components.
• Different configurations
  Aftermarket slides are available in a variety of configurations, including slides with different barrel lengths, sight cuts, and other features. This allows shooters to choose a slide that meets their specific shooting needs.
• Examples of aftermarket slides
  Some popular aftermarket slides for the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame include the ZEV Technologies OZ9 slide, the Agency Arms AOS slide, and the Brownells RMR slide. These slides offer a variety of features and benefits, allowing shooters to customize their pistols to meet their specific needs.

The wide range of aftermarket slides available for the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame gives shooters the ability to create a pistol that is truly unique and perfectly suited to their individual needs. Whether you are looking for a slide with a ported barrel for faster follow-up shots, a compensated slide for reduced recoil, or a slide with a custom finish to match your other firearm components, there is an aftermarket slide available to meet your needs.

8. Compatible with Gen 4 accessories

The compatibility of the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame with Gen 4 accessories is a significant advantage for shooters who want to customize their pistols to meet their specific needs and preferences. Gen 4 accessories offer a wide range of options for shooters to choose from, including sights, triggers, magazines, and other components.

• Sights
  Gen 4 slides are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket sights, including night sights, red dot sights, and holographic sights. This allows shooters to choose the sights that best meet their shooting needs and preferences.
• Triggers
  Gen 4 slides are compatible with a variety of aftermarket triggers, including triggers with different pull weights, trigger shapes, and trigger finishes. This allows shooters to choose the trigger that best suits their shooting style and preferences.
• Magazines
  Gen 4 slides are compatible with all Gen 4 magazines. This allows shooters to use the same magazines for their Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame pistol as they do for their other Gen 4 pistols.
• Other components
  Gen 4 slides are compatible with a variety of other Gen 4 components, including barrels, recoil springs, and slide stop levers. This allows shooters to mix and match components to create a pistol that is perfectly suited to their individual needs.

The compatibility of the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame with Gen 4 accessories gives shooters the ability to create a pistol that is truly unique and perfectly suited to their individual needs. Whether you are looking for a pistol with night sights for low-light shooting, a pistol with a red dot sight for faster target acquisition, or a pistol with a custom trigger for a more precise shot, you can find the Gen 4 accessories you need to create the perfect pistol for you.

9. Tailored to specific needs

The ability to tailor the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame to specific needs is a key advantage for shooters who want a pistol that is perfectly suited to their individual requirements. This customization can be achieved through a variety of modifications, including the installation of aftermarket slides, barrels, triggers, and other components.

• Customizable ergonomics

  The Gen 4 frame offers a variety of customizable features, such as interchangeable backstraps and side panels, which allow shooters to adjust the grip size and feel of the pistol to their liking. This can greatly improve comfort and control, especially for shooters with smaller or larger hands.

• Modular design

  The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is designed to be highly modular, allowing shooters to easily swap out different components to create a pistol that meets their specific needs. For example, a shooter who wants a pistol for concealed carry might choose to install a shorter barrel and slide, while a shooter who wants a pistol for competition might choose to install a longer barrel and slide with a compensator.

• Wide range of aftermarket support

  There is a wide range of aftermarket support for the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame, which gives shooters the ability to further customize their pistols to meet their specific needs. This aftermarket support includes a variety of slides, barrels, triggers, and other components from a variety of manufacturers.

• Examples of tailored customizations

  Some examples of how shooters have tailored the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame to their specific needs include:

  • A concealed carry shooter might choose to install a shorter barrel and slide, as well as a set of night sights, to create a pistol that is easy to conceal and use in low-light conditions.
  • A competition shooter might choose to install a longer barrel and slide with a compensator, as well as a trigger with a lighter pull weight, to create a pistol that is accurate and fast-shooting.

By tailoring the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame to their specific needs, shooters can create a pistol that is perfectly suited to their individual shooting style and preferences. This can lead to improved accuracy, speed, and control, giving shooters an edge in any situation where they need to use their firearm.

FAQs on Glock Gen 3 Slide on Gen 4 Frame

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame:

Question 1: What are the benefits of putting a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame?

Answer: The benefits of putting a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame include improved reliability, enhanced ergonomics, increased customization, reduced recoil, improved grip texture, and compatibility with Gen 4 accessories.

Question 2: Is it difficult to put a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame?

Answer: No, it is not difficult to put a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. The process is relatively simple and can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Question 3: Will all Gen 3 slides fit on Gen 4 frames?

Answer: No, not all Gen 3 slides will fit on Gen 4 frames. Only Gen 3 slides that are designed for the Gen 4 frame will fit properly.

Question 4: What are some of the best Gen 3 slides for Gen 4 frames?

Answer: Some of the best Gen 3 slides for Gen 4 frames include the ZEV Technologies OZ9 slide, the Agency Arms AOS slide, and the Brownells RMR slide.

Question 5: Is it safe to put a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame?

Answer: Yes, it is safe to put a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame, provided that the slide is properly fitted and the correct parts are used.

Question 6: What are some of the advantages of using a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame?

Answer: The advantages of using a Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame include improved reliability, enhanced ergonomics, and increased customization.

For more information on the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame, please refer to the following resources:

• Glock
• ZEV Technologies
• Agency Arms
• Brownells

Tips for Using a Glock Gen 3 Slide on a Gen 4 Frame

Using a Glock Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame can provide several benefits, including improved reliability, enhanced ergonomics, and increased customization. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a successful installation and safe operation.

Tip 1: Use the Correct Parts

Not all Gen 3 slides are compatible with Gen 4 frames. It is important to use a Gen 3 slide that is specifically designed for the Gen 4 frame. Using the wrong slide can result in malfunctions or safety issues.

Tip 2: Check the Fit

Before installing the slide, check the fit between the slide and the frame. The slide should fit snugly on the frame, with no excessive play or movement. If the slide is too loose, it can cause malfunctions. If the slide is too tight, it can be difficult to cycle.

Tip 3: Use a Gunsmith

If you are not comfortable installing the slide yourself, it is best to have a gunsmith do it for you. A gunsmith can ensure that the slide is properly fitted and that the pistol is safe to operate.

Tip 4: Test the Pistol Thoroughly

After installing the slide, test the pistol thoroughly to ensure that it is functioning properly. This includes checking the trigger pull, safety mechanisms, and accuracy. If you experience any problems, stop using the pistol and have it checked by a gunsmith.

Tip 5: Clean and Lubricate Regularly

As with any firearm, it is important to clean and lubricate the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame regularly. This will help to prevent malfunctions and ensure that the pistol is operating at its best.

Summary

By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use a Glock Gen 3 slide on a Gen 4 frame. This modification can provide several benefits, including improved reliability, enhanced ergonomics, and increased customization. However, it is important to use the correct parts, check the fit, and test the pistol thoroughly to ensure safe operation.

Conclusion

The Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a popular modification among firearm enthusiasts. It offers several advantages, including improved reliability, enhanced ergonomics, and increased customization options. This modification is relatively easy to perform and can be completed in a matter of minutes.

For shooters who want to improve the performance of their Glock pistol, the Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a worthwhile upgrade. It provides a number of benefits that can improve accuracy, speed, and control. However, it is important to use the correct parts and check the fit before installing the slide. Shooters who are not comfortable performing the installation themselves should have it done by a gunsmith.

Overall, the Glock Gen 3 slide on Gen 4 frame is a versatile and reliable modification that can improve the performance of any Glock pistol. By following the tips outlined in this article, shooters can safely and effectively use this modification to enhance their shooting experience.