Essential Accessories for Glock Builds: Frames, Slides, Kits, and More
Glock pistols are well-known for their reliability, simplicity, and versatility, making them a popular choice for firearm customization. If you’re ready to build or upgrade your Glock, choosing the right accessories is crucial to creating a firearm that’s personalized to your needs. At Route 66 Guns & Ammo, conveniently located halfway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, we proudly serve the communities of Barstow, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Phelan, and Victorville with a wide range of Glock accessories, from frames and slides to completion kits.
In this guide, we’ll cover some essential accessories for building or customizing a Glock, as well as tips on selecting the right parts to enhance your Glock’s performance, aesthetics, and functionality.
Frames for Glock Builds
The frame is the foundation of your Glock and plays a significant role in how the firearm feels and functions. Choosing the right frame is essential for comfort, control, and compatibility with other accessories.
1. Polymer 80 Frames
Polymer 80 frames are a popular choice among Glock enthusiasts due to their customizability and ergonomic improvements over standard Glock frames. Available in multiple colors and styles, these frames offer a stippled grip surface for better control, as well as customizable features like finger grooves, trigger guards, and undercuts.
2. OEM Glock Frames
For those who prefer a more traditional feel, OEM Glock frames offer the standard design that Glock is known for. These frames provide a solid foundation and are compatible with a wide range of Glock slides and internal components. While OEM frames may lack the customization options of Polymer 80, they’re highly reliable and trusted by many Glock owners.
3. Considerations for Frame Selection
When choosing a frame, consider factors such as grip texture, angle, and compatibility with other Glock models and parts. Our team at Route 66 Guns & Ammo can help you select the right frame based on your intended use and ergonomic preferences.
Slides for Glock Builds
Upgrading your Glock’s slide is one of the best ways to enhance both its appearance and performance. Custom slides come in various finishes, cuts, and designs, allowing you to create a firearm that reflects your style and shooting needs.
1. Optic-Ready Slides
Many custom slides are designed to accommodate red-dot sights or other optics, which can improve aiming speed and accuracy. Optic-ready slides are popular among competitive shooters and those looking for enhanced target acquisition.
2. Lightweight Slides
Lightweight slides reduce the overall weight of the firearm and can improve cycling speed. These slides are often crafted from materials like aluminum and feature lightening cuts to enhance performance without sacrificing durability.
3. Custom Engraved and Colored Slides
Custom slides with unique finishes or engravings allow you to personalize your Glock visually. Options include Cerakote finishes, custom colors, and engraved designs. Route 66 Guns & Ammo offers a variety of custom slide options to give your Glock a unique look and feel.
4. Choosing the Right Slide
Consider your shooting style and preferred features when selecting a slide. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, performance, or compatibility with optics, our knowledgeable staff can guide you toward the best slide options for your build.
Lower Parts Kits and Upper Parts Kits
To complete a Glock build, you’ll need both lower and upper parts kits, which include essential components for functionality and customization.
1. Lower Parts Kits
The lower parts kit (LPK) contains essential components for the frame, including the trigger, trigger bar, slide stop lever, and magazine catch. Upgrading these parts can significantly improve trigger pull, reset, and overall handling.
Trigger Kits: Many LPKs include upgraded triggers for smoother, more consistent pulls. Look for trigger kits that reduce the pull weight while providing a crisp, reliable break.
2. Upper Parts Kits
The upper parts kit (UPK) includes components for the slide, such as the firing pin, extractor, and recoil spring assembly. Quality UPKs improve reliability and reduce wear on the slide components over time.
Recoil Spring Assembly: An upgraded recoil spring assembly can help reduce recoil, enhance cycling, and extend the life of the firearm.
3. Choosing Quality Kits
When selecting parts kits, quality is key. At Route 66 Guns & Ammo, we offer a range of lower and upper parts kits, with options from top brands known for their reliability and performance. Our staff can help you choose kits that are compatible with your Glock model and intended use.
Magazine Extensions and Grip Enhancements
Magazine extensions and grip enhancements are popular for increasing capacity and improving control, especially for competitive or tactical shooting.
1. Magazine Extensions
Magazine extensions increase the capacity of your Glock’s magazine, allowing you to carry additional rounds without needing to reload. Extensions are especially popular for concealed carry and competition shooting, as they offer more firepower in a compact design.
2. Grip Enhancements
Grip enhancements improve control and handling, especially in high-pressure situations. Options include grip sleeves, stippling, and finger groove extensions. If you’re building a custom Glock for self-defense or competition, a solid grip is essential for accuracy and control.
3. Customization Tips
Experiment with different grip textures and extensions to find the setup that’s most comfortable and effective for you. Our staff at Route 66 Guns & Ammo can guide you through the various options to ensure optimal handling.
Additional Accessories for Glock Builds
Other accessories to consider for your Glock build include sights, triggers, and lights. Each adds functionality and can be customized to fit your specific needs.
1. Upgraded Sights
Adding night sights, fiber-optic sights, or adjustable sights can greatly improve your Glock’s accuracy and usability in different lighting conditions. Night sights, for example, provide visibility in low light, while fiber-optic sights are great for daylight shooting.
2. Custom Triggers
Upgrading to a custom trigger can enhance the feel and response of your Glock. Options like flat-faced triggers, reduced pull weights, and adjustable triggers allow you to tailor your trigger setup for faster and smoother shots.
3. Weapon Lights and Lasers
Weapon lights and lasers increase target visibility and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. These accessories are highly useful for home defense and tactical use.
4. Holsters and Mounts
A quality holster or mount is essential for safely carrying and storing your custom Glock. We carry a selection of holsters designed to fit custom Glock builds, ensuring compatibility with your specific slide and accessory configuration.
Tips for Building and Customizing Your Glock
• Start with a Plan: Outline the parts you want to upgrade or replace, and consider the purpose of your custom Glock. Whether it’s for self-defense, competition, or general range use, planning helps you select the most appropriate accessories.
• Prioritize Quality: Always choose quality parts from reputable brands, especially for essential components like frames, slides, and triggers.
• Get Expert Guidance: Customizing a Glock can be complex. Our experienced staff at Route 66 Guns & Ammo are here to provide recommendations and answer questions at every step of your build.
Visit Route 66 Guns & Ammo for All Your Glock Customization Needs
Located halfway between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, Route 66 Guns & Ammo serves Barstow, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Phelan, and Victorville with everything you need for Glock builds and upgrades. From Polymer 80 frames and custom slides to upper and lower parts kits, we carry a comprehensive selection of quality parts and accessories for your custom Glock.
Stop by our store to explore our full range of Glock accessories and get personalized guidance from our knowledgeable team. At Route 66 Guns & Ammo, we’re dedicated to helping you create the Glock build of your dreams.