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Best Glock Upgrades [Hands-on]: Defense, Competition, & Custom

Want the perfect Glock for your purpose...at your budget? We cover upgrades like triggers, lights, slides, grips, sights, and more.

Maybe your new Glock isn’t quite “Perfection”…yet. Or maybe your old Glock has lost that new gun smell.

Either way, you’re covered since Glock has one of the best aftermarket upgrades and mods in the business.

All Tested Glock Triggers
A Couple of Our Glocks

Learn about the essential upgrades I do to my defensive home and CCW Glocks. Plus the best mods for competition.

And of course…fully custom builds that might tend to be more Gucci than practical.

Fully Modded P80 PF9SS (Glock 43)
Fully Modded P80 PF9SS (Glock 43)

Now with a video detailing each of our 8 personal builds…

Need a Glock to customize? Hit up our list of the Best Glocks for our favorites.

Summary of Our Top Picks

  1. Best CCW Upgrade

    Glock Extended Magazine Release

    Easy to reach and use when quick reloads are needed.

  2. Best Home Defense Upgrade

    Ameriglo Glock Sights

    Easy to see and aim with

  3. Best Value Trigger Drop-In for Competition

    Apex Glock Trigger

    Great for an affordable leg-up on the competition

  4. Best Competition Comp Upgrade

    Tyrant Designs Glock T-Comp

    Big reduction in muzzle rise, looks cool

  5. Best Custom Upgrade

    Grey Ghost Precision Glock Slides

    Tight fit, nice looks, and easy to manipulate

  6. Best Glock Barrel

    Lone Wolf Glock Barrel

    Nice upgrade, good quality

Table of Contents

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Home Defense & CCW Glock Upgrades

The primary advice is to not alter your gun for home defense or CCW. But I keep mine pretty “stock” for the most part with Glock OEM parts.

1. Glock Extended Slide Stop Lever

I like to reload from a locked slide position using the slide stop lever. I know tons of people out there preach the slide racking method, but for me, I prefer using my thumbs to activate the slide stop lever.

It saves some time, and I always practice the same motion for my Glocks & 1911s. If anything, it gives me two options of how I want to reload.

Glock Extended Slide Stop Lever G17
Glock Extended Slide Stop Lever G17

For Glocks, I find that the stock version is hard to consistently activate using either of my thumbs. When I upgraded to the extended version, it became infinitely easier to release the slide every time.

9
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Learn how to install it here with video and step-by-step picture walkthroughs.

2. Glock Extended Magazine Release

With my hand geometry and strength, I found I always had to shift my right-hand grip in order to reach the stock magazine release. Once I upgraded to the extended version, I was hitting the magazine release every time without losing my grip.

Glock Extended Magazine Release G17
Glock Extended Magazine Release G17

I take the mod one step further and sandpaper the edges to take away the sharp edges (me and my dainty hands). I also like to sand away extra material in the bottom left-hand corner of the release to give room for my right-hand middle finger.

Make sure to choose the correct Gen version.

Best CCW Upgrade
4
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

For instructions and video on how to install the extended magazine release, check out our other blog post.

3. Ghost 3.5 lb Trigger Connector

The Glock trigger could be a lot better. There are plenty of complete drop-in solutions, but I wanted to keep it as stock as possible to maintain maximum reliability.

So I swapped out the stock 5.5-pound trigger connector with the Ghost 3.5-pound trigger connector. I find that it doesn’t drop the trigger pull weight exactly by 2-pounds, but more like 1-pound and change, which is still a significant factor in making more accurate shots.

Glock 5.5 vs 3.5 lb Trigger Connector
Glock 5.5 vs 3.5 lb Trigger Connector

The Ghost version is supposedly self-cleaning and has run flawlessly in my Glocks.

16
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Check out how to install the trigger connector here.

4. Night Sights or Fiber Optic Sights

If I could only choose one essential upgrade to the Glock, it would be to swap out its crappy standard sights that consist of a white “U” in the rear with a white dot.

Glock Night Sight Nylon Punch In
Glock Night Sight Nylon Punch In

I prefer night sights for self-defense and even class situations since I definitely want to be able to see my sights in the dark.

Best Home Defense Upgrade
57
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

For competition, I like having fiber optic sights since they draw in ambient light and focus it, so you see a bright red/green dot in front. See the rest of all my favorites in Best Glock Sights.

Good thing there are tons of options, and it is relatively easy to install yourself.

5. Talon Grips

For a long time, I was all about stippling…or taking a soldering iron to the polymer grip area and making it a lot more grippy.

Glock 17 Grip Stipple
Glock 17 Grip Stipple

You can learn how to do it here…or now there are some non-destructive methods to add more grip with Talon Grips.

I prefer the rubber type as it’s better suited for CCW since it doesn’t snag on clothing as much as the sandpaper-like granulate type. Here is my G19 with the rubber version compared to the stippled G17.

Glock 17 and 19
G17 (full-size, top) and G19 (compact, bottom)

6. Extended Basepads

If you’re running a smaller Glock such as the G43 or G26, it’s very possible your pinkie doesn’t fit, or you want to extend its capacity.

Enter…Pierce Grips.

Pierce Grip on G43
Pierce Grip on G43

Or, if you want to add +1 or +2 capacity…get some Taran Tactical Basepads.

TTI G43 Basepads +2
TTI G43 Basepads +2

And now also some Tyrant Design extendos for G19s and G17s (and more) we really dig.

1.5 Tyrant CNC G19 Mag Extension
Tyrant CNC G19 Mag Extension

Now even for smaller G43/G43x/G48 models!

Tyrant Designs G43 Magazine Extensions
Tyrant Designs G43 Magazine Extensions
39
at Tyrant Designs

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

7. Pistol Light

For the home-based or holstered handgun…I highly recommend a pistol light. We go over the Best Pistol Lights in super detail…complete with images of the beams.

Best Pistol Lights
Best Pistol Lights

Our overall pick goes to Streamlight TLR-1 series which lives on my home defense gun and has survived thousands of rounds on the range.

TLR-1 Toggle Switch
TLR-1 Toggle Switch
141
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And the current gold standard of the Surefire X300.

SureFire X300
SureFire X300
Gold Standard
330
at Amazon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

If you want more options (and maybe some more affordable options), check out the main Best Pistol Lights article. Now let’s get into some more fun upgrades to give you the leg up in competition.

Competition Glock Upgrades

The go-to Glock for competition is the 9mm G34 which sports a longer barrel, slide, and sight radius. It doesn’t weigh much more than a G17 since it has cutouts on the slide.

Stippled G17 and G34
Stippled G17 and G34

But regardless if you’re running the G34…I would suggest extended components from above plus Talon Grips and the following upgrades.

1. Fiber Optic Sights

You’ll want something for quicker acquisition. I recommend going with the Truglo TFX Fiber Optic + Tritium sights for the best of both worlds.

TruGlo TFX
TruGlo TFX

2. Upgraded Drop-In Trigger

Of course…we have a complete guide to the Best Glock Triggers with videos, but here are our favorites. Our best bang-for-the-buck is the Apex Tactical Trigger.

Apex Glock Trigger
Apex Glock Trigger

Which feels & looks very nice. Especially at the price.

Best Value Trigger Drop-In for Competition
85
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Check it out in action…

Then we have the best trigger if you’re balling it up.

Best Trigger
250
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And in action…

Want something more for aesthetic reasons? You can try out the Tyrant Designs ITTS trigger which modifies only the visible part of the trigger and leaves the factory stuff alone.

Fully Modded P80 PF9SS (Glock 43)
Fully Modded P80 PF9SS (Glock 43)

Easy enough to install…check out instructions here.

74
at Tyrant CNC

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And be sure to check out our master list of the Best Glock Triggers.

3. Compensator

Glock compensators have exploded onto the scene, but the Tyrant CNC version is especially easy to put on…and one-size-fits-all-generations.

Tyrant Designs G43 Muzzle Brake
Tyrant Designs G43 Muzzle Brake

Very noticeable reduction in muzzle rise, especially on my Polymer80 G43 single stack.

Best Competition Comp Upgrade
90
at Tyrant Designs

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

4. Magwell

You’ve probably seen these flared-out additions to the bottom of the grip on most race guns.

Tyrant CNC magwell top
Installs with one screw

Magwell extensions help your reloads become a little faster and more certain because they offer a bigger target.

The idea is simple — increasing the size of the hole while providing angled walls to help funnel that magazine home makes reloads a snap.

Tyrant CNC magwell bottom
Tyrant CNC makes your magwell cavernous

This addition from Tyrant CNC is crafted from aluminum, comes in different colors, and is easy to install on your Glock.

69
at Tyrant

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Best Custom Glock Upgrades

The sky is the limit here…especially if you’re going with custom frames like Polymer80s.

All Tested Glock Triggers
Polymer80 Glocks (Tan and Gray)

See the full guide to how to build your own.

1. Custom Glock Slides

Now you can have all the serrations, lightening cuts, and red dots.

(L to R) Grey Ghost G19, Grey Ghost G17, Brownells G17
(L to R) Grey Ghost G19, Grey Ghost G17, Brownells G17

But our overall favorite is Grey Ghost Precision because of their tight fit, increased accuracy, and sexy looks.

Best Custom Upgrade
449
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Followed by our most affordable pick from Brownells that give you options for cutouts to show off your barrel.

Best Bang-For-The-Buck
188
at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

How about some more Grey Ghost Precision slides for the tiny bois (43/43x/48)

Fully Modded P80 PF9SS (Glock 43)
Fully Modded P80 PF9SS (Glock 43)
377
at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

We cover all the rest of our favorites in Best Glock Slides.  And speaking of barrels…

2. Custom Glock Barrels

Yup…you guessed it. We have a Best Glock Barrels guide too. We love Lone Wolf’s barrels…and they’ve been at the game a long time.

Best Glock Barrel
134
at Lone Wolf

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And also newcomer Faxon’s (though they’ve been making great AR-15 barrels for a long time too). Especially if you want something more eye-catching like their gold TiN or chameleon.

Faxon G17 TiN Barrel
Faxon G17 TiN Barrel
Pretty & Accurate Barrel
205
at Faxon

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

3. Best Pistol Red Dot

If you go with a slide that has a red dot cut…you’ll want something from our Best Pistol Red Dots article.

Tested Pistol Red Dots
Tested Pistol Red Dots

Our go-to red dot if price is no object…plus the easiest “footprint” on ready-to-buy slides is the Trijicon RMR.

RMR Type 2 View
RMR Type 2 View
Best Pistol Red Dot
476
at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Or our best bang-for-the-buck is the Vortex Venom.

Vortex Venom View
Vortex Venom View
Best Bang-For-The-Buck
249
at OpticsPlanet

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

4. Tyrant CNC Package

One of our newest mods is a set from Tyrant CNC, which was previously known for some cool AR-15 upgrades. Here you’ll see their extended magazine release (which is the perfect length and has super positive grip) and extended basepad.

Tyrant CNC Extended Glock Mag Release
Tyrant CNC Extended Glock Mag Release

Plus, their backplate. I went with red everything to match the Apex trigger from before.

Tyrant CNC Backplate
Tyrant CNC Backplate

My Polymer80 G19 might almost be done now! Especially with the release of their Extended Glock Slide Release that gives the perfect amount of extra grip.

Tyrant CNC Extended Glock Slide Release
Tyrant CNC Extended Glock Slide Release

And they also have parts for the G43/G48.

G43 Tyrant CNC Mag Extensions
G43 Tyrant CNC Mag Extensions

Pretty good value to give your Glock both aesthetic value AND more capacity/grip.

24
at Tyrant Designs

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

And check out my finally complete Polymer80 G43 with a complete Tyrant upgrade kit.

P80 G43 with Tyrant Designs
P80 G43 with Tyrant Designs
28
at Tyrant Designs

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

5. Everything Else We Covered

Round out the rest of your perfect build with what we’ve already talked about, and you are SET.

Glock Conversions

This one goes in a category of its own…

Ever wanted to make your Glock more carbine-like?

Our go to is the Recover Tactical 20/20 brace system which is super lightweight and gives you an extra two points of contact when folded out.

This really helps with accuracy and follow-up shots.

Recover Tactical 20/20
Recover Tactical 20/20

Plus you get some extra Picatinny rail space on the side to add lights/lasers and more.

99
at Recover Tactical

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

We go over it more in-depth in our Recover Tactical 20/20 vs Micro Roni article where we crown the 20/20 the overall winner.

And now there’s also the Recover P-IX system which changes your Glock into more of an AR-15 style system.

199
at Recover Tactical

Prices accurate at time of writing

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

Pistol Braces and the ATF went head-to-head earlier this year, so make sure to read up on those latest developments!

Final Thoughts

Now go forth and upgrade…your Glock.

RMR Type 2 on Polymer80 Glock
RMR Type 2 on Polymer80 Glock

Let us know your favorite builds in the comments below. Then check out Editor’s Picks for our favorite guns and gear.

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88 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    Silver Back

    I completely agree that Glock is a top-notch firearm brand and Silverback Tactical offers some of the best Glock models and accessories in the market. Glocks are well-known for their reliability, durability, and ease of use, making them a popular choice for law enforcement, military personnel, and gun enthusiasts alike.

    Silverback Tactical offers a wide variety of Glock models, from the classic Glock 17 to the compact Glock 43, to suit the needs of any shooter. Additionally, they offer a range of accessories such as holsters, magazines, and sights that are specifically designed to enhance the performance and functionality of Glock firearms.

    Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality Glock and accessories, Silverback Tactical is definitely a great place to start. Their products are of excellent quality and can withstand the toughest conditions, making them a reliable choice for any shooter, whether you're a beginner or an experienced marksman.

    May 8, 2023 6:23 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joel

    With the P80 G19 Gen 3 having a different angle on the grip does it still fit the Recover Tactical P-IX Modular AR System? You have it listed as an accessory here but have you actually tried a Glock P80 in it?????

    The biggest difference is the grip angle. Glock's use a 22-degree grip angle, and Polymer80 mimicked the 1911 with a 19-degree grip angle.

    April 17, 2023 12:36 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    John

    Every time I see a review of whats suppose to be the 'Best Glock Upgrades' it kinda makes me laugh when they come to the trigger.


    I laugh because of something that happened.


    One day in a new class, we put all the beginning students on the line to practice what they had learned in class. A lot of stock Glocks, no after market triggers and all with open iron sights. Everyone was doing fine with these nice groups and sometimes a flyer or an outlier.


    All doing fine except this one guy, his hits were all over the silhouette target with no groupings and no rhyme or reason but at least they were on the target and in an actual defense situation would have improved his odds of survival. But that wasn't the drill here, the purpose at this point was to practice grip and trigger control in a timed exercise and there should have been some semblance of grouping going on for the 15 yard target. Most of the shooters had 5 or 6 inch groups center mass, a few maybe 8 inch, but this guy had no grouping pattern at all other than to say most of the rounds hit the target if you want to call that a grouping.


    So I watched him for a bit and then when the course of fire was over made a few recommendations to him, his grip seemed kind of loose and he wasn't getting up high enough on the gun at the bevertail.

    He said to me "Its not me, its the trigger. I ordered a new trigger for it and it hasn't arrived yet. Glock triggers are the worse."

    So I took him aside to another part of the range set up for the next course of fire after lunch and asked him if I could fire his gun, he said "Sure, you try it. The trigger sucks."

    I fired seven rounds rapid fire with his Glock with the horrible trigger that caused him to put rounds all over the target. All seven in a 3 inch group in the center of the head potion of the silhouette target at 15 yards. I told him he should send his trigger back for a refund when it arrives, and practice the things I recommended to him. So I let him practice a bit doing what I had recommended, and he started getting 4 - 5 inch groups center mass on the silhouette.

    The 'Best Glock Upgrades' or best upgrade for any gun frequently turns out to be practice.

    April 3, 2023 11:02 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Stanley

    Why not just get a better "Glock" from Shadow Systems? The extra $780 for upgrades on top of a stock $600ish Glock comes out to about $1380...any of the Shadow System Elites are about $200 less...but then again, my CZ-P10C came stock with all the upgrades you'd want on a glock...lolz.

    April 2, 2023 10:32 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Thumper

    The P80 G43 hyperlink is taking me to the Brownells website. Thought y’all should know!

    April 2, 2023 9:09 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Chuck Cochran

    Best Glock Upgrade?
    Sell it and buy a Walther PDP or PPQ M2.
    You'll get a better quality gun with the best Out of the Box Trigger on the market, with one of the shortest resets available on a stock pistol.. The PDP comes set up for a Red Dot. The PPQ will probably be discontinued as the PDPs influence grows, but the PPQ is available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, whereas the PDP is 9mm only at this time.

    April 2, 2023 7:46 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Jimmy

      You beat me to it… best upgrade is a Walther

      April 2, 2023 8:47 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    David B

    I’m having a real hard time finding a nice threaded barrel for my 34 gen 5. Any ideas on where to get one? Always love your work.

    April 2, 2023 7:38 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    tirod

    Keeping it to three different applications is very much the point as a lot of accessories tend to migrate to the other uses even tho they could actually be detrimental.

    First, find the gun that has controls that fit you and work well. In this case the Glock is a barbie doll getting a lot of stuff thrown at in for an article - but in reality if it need that many different parts, its a very poor choice. A different model or even different maker would be money ahead. The rule is don't buy the gun you like - buy the gun that fits the job first. What range what target is a good summary. From knowing specifically what ranges and what target is intended, you don't mix or mismatch features and wind up with a snapshot of all this months cool kid parts that aren't suited and which will be out of date in three years.

    For concealed carry an extended mag isn't a major necessity, as it's not a speed drill in use when you are seeking or behind cover. CCW is avoiding the fight if possible, and certainly not firing at a target with others behind them - ammo isn't conserved so much as judiciously used to prevent panicking civilians running in front and behind the perp or you.

    How you reload is also weapons dependent, not style - if the manufacture says drop the slide to reload, do it. Slingshotting it came from the race gun crowd who demanded a high force high reliabilty operation while being timed and scored - yet many combat oriented do that with dropping the slide release. If it was taught a certain way in the military, changing your technique later may not be in your best interest as you cycle thru hundreds of repetitions until you can't do it wrong - when you may have already been there.

    There is also how well that mag release works for you - some higher profile ones don't play well with holsters, a fact that also goes to the more accessories, the less likely it's in stock. And since a CCW doesn't drop mags but keeps them if they have ammo, putting it in a pocket for later use may be important. They are also not cheap and bouncing them off the mall floor to land just out of reach also could alert an opponent. Like hot rods, burnouts are fine in the box but not in front of the cops in the dry cleaners lot.

    Good sights are important - go with what you find work well. Lots of defensive guns now come with them, Glock isn't keeping up.

    Lights on weapons are somewhat controversial, the major issue is when you need to light something up - will it be legal to pull your weapon without it being escalation, and if you point it at someone is that brandishing, or worse, a lethal threat to them causing return fire?

    This is where the separate clipped light used by the off hand still has both tactical and legal value. Pointing a flashlight to illuminate someone is at worst a bit rude and that also goes to tactics - why were you there at all in a low light situation? I know it happens and so do "blue on blue" shootings, too. Accessories need to be chosen for the distinctly different rules for civilian users - not LEO's who get a universal pass, or competition use where its entirely synthetic.

    I keep a Streamlight clipped in the off side as EDC and use it more a day that a pocketknife or gun - best thing I adopted and after years of use I've gained off hand proficiency the dozens of times a day I need it. A WML? Without extensive repetitions it's a literal guessing game in after actions if the individual pressed a light activation button or a trigger. Its much safer and surer to separate those motions to completely different hands to prevent negligent misfires. If a shooter is running thru less than a few thousand rounds a year then be aware proficiency won't be gained easily.

    I didn't choose the sponsored model or brand for my CCW, but one aspect did come into play and that was the option for a seperate thumb safety. All my experience in carry has used a thumb activated safety and I prefer moving it down to take it off. Adding that feature was optional and I did it. Glock could for most of it's line but won't for the public. That was a deal breaker for me as I insisted on that feature to be included in all my carry pistols across the board. It's a consistency issue - the ability to use a dozen different manuals of arms for the carrier who doesn't get to shoot often (which does include military and police who may only qualify annually) means it's always the same regardless. Same manual of arms improves consistency. Do I suffer not having bragging rights? I don't miss that at all. Not having the opportunity to go home after is far more important.

    There is a lot of marketing and a certain amount of flex in media presentations of accessories, be advised it's there and think thru the usage for that intent. Im happy to note a red dot wasn't included for CCW - the optic itself is great on the range but compromises carry and also adds another feature than can fail, much less limit holster selection and can also snag on the draw. There are plenty of folks out there selling them for personal security but it's another "one bridge too far" item for many.

    April 2, 2023 7:20 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jason

    Or just buy a Canik.

    April 2, 2023 6:58 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Marty

    These lists like slides need updating

    April 2, 2023 6:35 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Shawn85206

    Seems like the best upgrade is to dump the Glock, get something else, and save a boatload of money! I recommend a Walther PDP (and so does PewPew). Love both my C4 and F3.5. Aside from adding red dots to both, no other upgrades were needed to make either a really nice EDC gun.

    April 2, 2023 5:53 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      wbidas

      My recommendation is FN 509

      April 2, 2023 6:21 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Sindre Sollie

    Great review! What kind of sight is mounted on the Brownels G17 slide?

    March 13, 2023 1:38 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Stryker

    Buy Shadow Systems if you want a Gucci glock.

    September 7, 2022 8:07 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joseph Williams

    I'll take my IMI Jericho 941 f for $350 all day long over any glock no matter how much extra you spend on fixing it.

    September 6, 2022 8:22 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joseph Williams

    But, but, but, they are perfection! The box says so.

    September 6, 2022 8:20 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jeffrey S.

    This article recommends both these upgrades, but can a Ghost 3.5 lb connector be used with the Apex trigger? Apex will not say it can. They only say their triggers should be used with either their connector or the OEM connector.

    June 27, 2022 5:13 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      SAM

      I am on mine, They wouldn't work together initially, one would fire or the other would fire, both together would not fire. A little fitting from my gunsmith and it works perfectly now. LOVE the feel! Its a beast, super happy with that combo

      August 26, 2022 11:49 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Keith P.

    It's 2022.

    The TImney Alpha Trigger should be #1 on the updated list now.

    February 24, 2022 12:25 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    David

    Hi Eric,
    Am planning to buy a glock 35 with conversion barrel,
    My question, can I use the gun with the barrel of my choice in IPDA/IPSC competetion open division & standard division? Please let me know.

    August 21, 2021 5:49 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    John Parker

    What about something to reduce recoil a little bit, like for a G23?

    July 21, 2021 7:43 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      George Y Chiang

      compensators help a bit with recoil adding some weight to the firearm.

      February 1, 2022 5:35 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Eric Hausner

    What is that sight on the Brownells slide?

    April 27, 2021 10:42 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      enemyhelicopters

      See All Open Sight

      May 22, 2022 10:34 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      John

      Get the cross-hair one for a pistol. The triangle one gets too big for the screen at arm's length. (in my experience)

      August 9, 2022 4:43 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joe S

    I have a Glock Model 21, Gen 1. What mods are available for this gun? I have added a Vortex Venom 6 MOA Red Dot (had to machine the slide). I'd like to find a good trigger mod and a extended mag release.

    April 3, 2021 8:49 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Justin

      Check out the Vickers Tactical flat trigger shoe. Then do an easy at-home trigger job where you polish the stock trigger components. I also prefer goontape. It's cheap, comfortable, and effective.

      June 12, 2021 6:31 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    ESP

    Hi, complete noob here. 1) How do the night sights, light, and laser interact? Do you want upgraded sights AND a laser? 2) Do you still recommend no upgrades for CCW, and why?

    March 20, 2021 7:55 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      David, PPT Editor

      I don't recommend a laser in any case other than night vision use. Night sights are always a good idea. A white light is always #1 on my list of upgrades for a self-defense firearm! All of my CCW guns are heavily modified.

      March 20, 2021 11:09 am
      • Commenter Avatar
        ESP

        Thank you very much!

        March 20, 2021 2:01 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    J

    I can't seem to find anyone offering a caliber conversion barrel for gen 5 Glocks. I want a 9 mm barrel for my 23, but Lone Wolf and others I've looked at don't offer gen 5 compatible conversion barrels. Is there an option for me, or should I have bought a Gen 3 or 4?

    January 19, 2021 8:29 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      NeilH

      Easiest solution I’ve found was to buy both the G23 and G45. Then you can swap the slides either way and decide if you want the compact grip of the 23 or the full length grip of the G45. Tested fully and works great!

      March 21, 2021 5:14 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jojojo

    So what’s the accuracy like at the range, or did the slide bite make you call it a day?
    I mean geez, if your going to make a blog about some high end Glock but not a Glock at least go through all the paces.

    April 30, 2020 1:50 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Jaime

    Hey man really good article, but I have a question. In the “slides” section up u showed a picture of three Glock’s each with a different slide with the caption “ (L to R) Grey Ghost G19, Grey Ghost G17, Brownells G17” what kind of optics or sights did the Brownells G17 slide have on?

    March 15, 2020 10:39 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Heckn Coke

    I wish there would be hk mods to this level

    December 16, 2019 10:05 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Shane Lanham

      Wish their were Glock 22 gen 4 upgrades, slides,barrels??

      August 26, 2020 4:04 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Hammer Down

    My 2 cents about racking the slide vs. using the slide stop. Racking is a gross motor function, dropping the slide stop is a fine motor function (requiring more reaction from your brain.) Using gross motor functions will always cause less distraction in a high pressure situation, ie. a fire fight.

    December 9, 2019 4:17 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Hammer Down

    If your upgrading for carry do not install an extended mag release. Too many time I've bumped it and then dropped the mag after sitting down... and after trying Zev, Apex, Agency triggers... the SSVI TYR trigger blows then all away!

    December 9, 2019 4:12 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Bull o' the Woods

    One more important mod (essential to me) that I remembered: install an extended slide lock. I've never tried the Glock OEM model because I already had several from Glockmeister that worked. The factory slide lock is too short for me to get a good grip when disassembling the pistol. The Glockmeister gives me about 1/16" more on both sides, allowing smooth take-down. If the OEM is the same length, it should do the same thing. So I add the extended mag release, extended slide stop lever, AND the extended slide lock on all my Glocks.

    October 25, 2019 11:35 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Bull o' the Woods

    I'll just throw this out. Not claiming it's the "best" but it works for me. I ran the Ghost 3.5 lb. connector for several years but it felt mushy (more mushy that the typical Glock trigger). Recently, I tried the NY1 trigger with the Ghost 3.5 lb. connector. Just horrible. Both heavy and mushy. So I went back to the factory 5 lb. connector but added a 6 lb. Ghost trigger spring. Huge improvement. Slightly heavy but very crisp with a snappy reset. I'm running this combo now and it works for me.

    October 24, 2019 11:05 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Braden Vance

    In the custom Glock slide portion there is a picture of 3 slides (L to R) Grey Ghost G19, Grey Ghost G17, Brownells. The middle Slide shows a Slide plate that looks like brass? With a Racker Knob? WHERE CAN I GET ONE!!!!

    April 18, 2019 12:52 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    ryan

    Is there anything that makes racking the slide easier? It's too stiff and i have a very hard time racking it back. Like the spring is far to tight.

    April 11, 2019 12:35 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      JP

      I'm guessing it's a new gun. The easiest and most fun way is to shoot about 3-700 rounds out of it.

      April 14, 2019 12:42 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Sheriff John

      Ryan take a look at Tandemkross "halo" for slides. I got one for my Browning Buckmark. Makes working the slide a snap.

      May 15, 2019 9:44 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      PowerLineman2

      Have you tried a Vickers Tactical slide racker? It should help you get a better purchase on the slide without making the pistol unreliable with lighter springs.

      June 2, 2019 7:01 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      junker

      Oil your gun, or exercise to improve your grip. It really isn't that hard to rack. If you can pick up a 2x4 one handed, you should be able to rack a glock.

      July 24, 2019 11:32 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Link

      I think you should take it out and shoot it in your free time. Get it cycling some rounds. Also get some dummy rounds and practice working the slide find best angle and hand position that fits you so in a time of need you got it down right. hopefully that wont happen, but better be ready anyways right. Hope this helped you out bud.

      September 17, 2019 12:28 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      jon

      i think your recoil or slide spring should be replaced with a slightly lighter one as i had same problem with my glock 19compact .after i changed the recoil spring i had no problems for the past 4 yrs

      November 24, 2019 5:48 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Joe

    Thanks for the info on stippling I didn’t know of the price drop on resale and odor from cells. Would you have any recommendations for an extended mag release in aluminum for a Gen 3 Glock 36. I’ve found all other upgrades except that one

    March 7, 2019 6:25 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Scott

    Great article loved it. You helped me make up my mind on several thing that I want to do to my new Glock 19X such as a new trigger.

    January 22, 2019 11:45 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Robert

    I have a Hard time releasing the slide for cleaning on my Glock 29, getting old I guess. Does any one make a slide release that is easier to to work?

    January 14, 2019 8:29 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      The extended version helps a lot for me

      January 15, 2019 10:37 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    carl e zimmerman

    sweet list, but i have a light and Laser combo, that works great. Teh green laser is so strong, it blasts right through the LED light. works day or night

    January 14, 2019 8:22 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      For sure, I used a TLR-2 with a red laser for a long time and now like the smaller TLR-8.

      January 15, 2019 10:38 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Kory H.

    Thank for the article! It was fun to read. What "tall" sights did you put on your Gray Ghost/Gray Frame pistol above that has a red dot on it? Do you recommend a specific height/size? I suppose these would also be the right ones for a suppressor. Thanks!

    January 14, 2019 5:37 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      Hi Kory, they are Night Fision sights that are "suppressor height." Linked in the Best Glock Sights article!

      January 15, 2019 10:31 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Erik

    You forgot the S&W, M&P 2.0 compact. By far the best Glock upgrade.

    January 14, 2019 1:15 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Brendan B

    Just a heads up, for your recommended Glock mods the video tutorial uses a Ghost ultimate trigger connector (which is drop-in) but the article links the Ghost rocket which requires custom fitting to install correctly. I unknowingly ordered the rocket model and had to return it and get the ultimate version.

    January 13, 2019 10:58 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      Hi Brendan, thanks for bringing this to my attention. You're right and I apologize for mixing that up. But I've fixed it so hopefully no one else has to go through that!

      January 15, 2019 10:31 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Silence DoGood

    Great article. Gocks are SO INADEQUATE if you don't spend more on the upgrades than you did on the firearm itself. Thank goodness there's a JC Whitney for guns.

    The last thing you'd EVER want to do is spend all that money on training ammunition instead of upgrades because out of the box Glocks are such junk you could never hope to hit the broad side of a barn without all them spendy, hi-zoot "upgrades," no matter how much you spent on actually practicing shooting it.

    January 13, 2019 8:32 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      G21

      Hallelujah, Amen, Preach the word my brother. It don't mean a thing if the gong don't go ding.

      January 13, 2019 10:49 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Yanni

      If that is so, why on earth would anyone buy a Glock? When there are good pistols that are good from the factory.

      January 14, 2019 12:02 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Plene_Paratus

      What if *gasp* you do both??

      January 14, 2019 6:21 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Curious

      Interesting... I can hit my target(s) just fine with my G19...or my P320...or my RP9...or my Arex. All stock. What problems do you have shooting a Glock?

      January 14, 2019 10:42 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Bill G

    If you carry your Glock for self-defense, the only "upgrades" I recommend are night sights and Talon grips. Leave everything else stock (especially triggers, barrel, etc.) if you're betting your life on your gun. Also, should you be involved in a defensive gun use situation, a stock gun, loaded with the type of ammo your local police use, may help you in court. A highly modified weapon begs the prosecutor to brand you a "gun nut" just looking for a chance to shoot someone.

    January 13, 2019 6:43 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Plene_Paratus

      If that is the case, sure you can cite at least one case where that has happened.

      January 14, 2019 6:23 am
      • Commenter Avatar
        I_Love_Clean_Air

        This is just good advice. Prosecution is all about politics and depending on where you live and who is up for re-election you don’t want to give them any more ammunition against you. My CCW instructor has recommended this as well.

        April 20, 2020 3:50 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Ed S

    A 25 cent polish trigger job, 3.5# connector and competition spring kit will do the job and save a lot of money as as far as trigger work goes.

    January 13, 2019 6:01 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      For sure, I'll add in links to our 25 Cent Trigger Job into the competition and custom segments.

      January 15, 2019 10:32 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Odysseus M Tanner

    I have always considered it a benefit that I could NOT activate the mag release without shifting my grip. It's one thing I don't like about the AR (being right handed), finger off the trigger can easily activate the mag release accidentally. In my opinion, Glock has it right, AR has it wrong.

    January 13, 2019 2:34 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Daniel

    Hi Eric, thanks for posting this article. I just ordered the Ghost Rocket disconnector and I noticed it is optional to purchase springs with it too. I was wondering if it’s not reliable if you don’t use their springs? I’d like to stay as stock as possible for reliability.

    Thanks,
    Daniel

    July 15, 2018 6:09 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      I've stayed stock and so far it's been good!

      January 15, 2019 10:32 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Troy

    Any thoughts about optics (RMR) on carry guns?

    September 20, 2017 3:26 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      I personally wouldn't. Possible malfunctions and it might make it harder during your defense.

      September 20, 2017 2:34 pm
      • Commenter Avatar
        Plene_Paratus

        How would it make it harder during your defense?

        January 14, 2019 6:25 am
        • Commenter Avatar
          Eric Hung

          Batteries can die, lens can fog up, bringing it up takes a lot of practice and is different from irons, etc.

          January 15, 2019 10:34 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      mike

      Don't care for it on a duty weapon just something else that you need to jack with. Maybe a competition gun.

      December 17, 2018 12:49 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Spencer

    Are these mods suggested for a carry gun?

    July 24, 2017 10:37 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      I would still suggest no mods to a carry gun.

      August 6, 2017 1:56 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      mike

      Being a left handed shooter I equipped my duty weapon with the extended slide release. So much easier to hit it with my index finger. Other than that, I also run night sights

      December 17, 2018 12:47 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Ryan B

    Great list.

    For me personally, I got Talon grips for both my G19 and G26 alongside swapping the stock "bucket" sights for 3 dot truglos. I do not live in the free U.S (California) so we're stuck with Gen 3s here with the protruding serrations which I really hate.

    On another note, came from TTAG after they featured your article. Glad to have another gun blog site to read for my lunch/coffee breaks!

    October 26, 2016 8:19 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      ehung

      Thanks Ryan! Glad I could help out and give you something to read on your breaks.

      And wow, I actually did not know I got featured on TTAG. I'm a big boy now!

      October 28, 2016 1:34 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Michael

    Great Video. Can you elaborate on your stippling on your 17 or 34? It's an aftermarket application, just curious what you did?

    October 2, 2016 11:35 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      ehung

      Thanks Michael! I go over everything in my Stippling article.

      October 2, 2016 4:20 pm
  • Commenter Avatar
    Ron Kelly

    just purchased a Glock 17 and interested in correspondence on upgrades. Also appreciate the videos on quick upgrades.

    April 22, 2016 9:34 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      ehung

      Congrats and thanks! Let me know in the comments what questions you have and I'll do my best to answer them for you and other readers.

      April 24, 2016 10:23 am
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