I’ve never been a big fan of customized handguns. Why bother? A gun is a tool, not a bauble. As for trigger and slide jobs, I worry that they’re going to compromise a firearms’ structural integrity and function. So when I sent two of my GLOCK 19 Gen4 slides to AMF Defense for slide work and Cerakoting, I was a bit skeptical.
Chris, the owner of AMF Defense, sensed my trepidation. He led me through available choices and kept me updated on his company’s progress with photos. Overcome by overchoice, I told AMF to do as they please.
Chris machined two of AMF’s most popular cuts: the 1776 Stars & Stripes and the Guillotine. After about two weeks the refurbished GLOCK slides arrived at my doorstep.
The 1776 Stars & Stripe cut features an Old Glory pattern on all three external sides of the slides, leaving the front and rear sight attachment points intact. The stars sit in the front third of the slide and the stripes run in a curved pattern through the rest of the slide. AMF bevelled all the slide’s edges. It’s finished in Battleworn-Black Burnt Bronze Cerakote.
The Guillotine cut sports round type cuts on the top part of the slide, from front sight to rear sight. It adds diagonal serrations to the sides at the front part of the slide. All slide edges are beveled. AMF Defense finished the slide in a bronze burnt Cerakote.
Some of the engraving and GLOCK logo on the slide were cut through. AMF Defense says customers can direct their machinists to cut around logos, serial numbers, etc.
No matter what you think of the designs — ‘Merica! — the slides were beautifully machined and finished. I re-installed them on my topless GLOCK 19 frames and dry tested functionality, to ensure all of the parts were moving as they should. Roger that.
More than that, the aggressive patterns on both slides made it easier to rack, grip and press check the handguns. This is especially crucial here in Texas where temperatures vary between hot and hellish. Of the two, the 1776 Stars & Stripes cut was the grippiest.
I run review guns and gear through my tactical courses, where I can simulate real world conditions. The AMF Defense modified GLOCK’s extra serrations and cuts helped with manipulations, especially when fatigue started setting in. The top separations proved especially handy for one-handed manipulations, racking off belts, shoes and my students’ foreheads. (JK)
The cuts reduced weight off the standard-issue GLOCK slides. While the resulting recoil was marginally milder than a stock GLOCK’s, it was noticeable. Theoretically, the reduced muzzle flip would help improve a shooter’s accuracy. While the cuts didn’t improve my accuracy, they didn’t damage it either.
Equally important, GLOCK guys and gals can get their groove on with an AMF slide without any reliability issues. I shot 600 rounds through both AMF Defense-modded GLOCKs with zero malfunctions.
An AMF slide is a style thing. They’re sold to customers who don’t want to carry and/or shoot a generic GLOCK-brand GLOCK. Mission accomplished. While you might not agree with the designs or the desire to stand out from the crowd, there’s no faulting the quality of AMF Defense’s work or the practical advantages of the more aggressive cuts.
PRICE:
$450 – 1776 Stars and Stripes includes battleworn Cerakote.
$300 – Guillotine top serrations slide includes single color Cerakote.
RATINGS (out of five stars):
Reliability * * * * *
Zero issues
Accuracy * * * * *
Was not affected
Aesthetics * * * * *
Beautifully done. The bronze finishes give the slides a tactical yet unique look. The cuts went through the logo and serial number; I didn’t know enough to ask AMF Defense to cut around them. You do.
Ergonomics * * * * *
The serrations/flag patterns/ guillotine cuts are handy for handgun manipulation in adverse conditions.
Overall * * * * *
Functional mod with the right combination of style and beauty — if you like that sort of thing.