One recent trend in the gun industry is the increased emphasis on high-end (read: expensive) aesthetic enhancements, often with marginal functional improvements. Think of it as the new version of custom hand-engraving of yesteryear. I’m not the type who goes for a 3D skull carved into my AR lower, and gold enhanced parts are a definite no-go for me, but after range day I have to admit that I’m really warming up to the race-gun GLOCK enhancements produced by ZEV Technologies . . .
New for 2106, ZEV has released their stainless steel “Prize Fighter” windowed slide for Gen 3 and Gen 4 GLOCKs. These slides are machined from 17-4 stainless steel billet, and are cut to much higher tolerances than standard GLOCK slides, and include DLC or PVD coatings. The “window” lightens the slide and also provides the perfect viewing port for the dimpled ZEV match-grade barrels.
The photo above shows the ZEV “Dragonfly” slide, the silicon carbide grip texture enhancement, and the ZEV Speed-Feed mag well. Below we see a bronze Dragonfly GLOCK 34 slide with RMR cutouts:
The image below shows the Zev Enhanced “SOCOM” Stainless steel slide for tactical applications. This image also shows the Zev’s standard Stipple pattern. One tidbit on this stipple: the rep I spoke to says that their craftsman can complete this high-quality stipple work in as little as 10-15 minutes. Price for this basic work runs around $165, with internal ramps and beavertails adding an additional $200.
New for 2016, ZEV has also released a new slider design known as the “Hex.” I’m not thrilled with the looks of this Gucci gun, but I must admit that the increased purchase was noticeable and appreciated. The thread protector is pretty slick looking, too.
