Rival Arms Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit for Glock 17 Gen4: Precision Performance and Customization

For Glock 17 Gen4 owners looking to significantly upgrade their firearm's performance, aesthetics, and modularity, the Rival Arms RA-RA13G106A Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit presents an unparalleled opportunity. This comprehensive kit is meticulously engineered to transform your Glock 17 Gen4 into a precision instrument, whether your focus is competitive shooting, tactical applications, or simply enhancing your personal defense firearm. It’s an ideal solution for gunsmiths, hobbyists, and professional shooters alike who demand top-tier components and the freedom to personalize their setup.

Why Upgrade Your Glock 17 Gen4 Slide?

Many Glock users seek to customize their pistols to better suit their specific needs and preferences. The factory slide, while reliable, can be improved upon in several key areas. Common reasons to upgrade include:

• Enhanced Sight Picture and Optic Integration: Factory slides often lack cuts for modern red dot sights, which offer faster target acquisition and improved accuracy.
• Reduced Recoil and Improved Control: Lighter, precisely machined slides can alter the recoil impulse, making the pistol easier to manage for quicker follow-up shots.
• Improved Aesthetics and Durability: Custom slides offer unique designs and often utilize superior materials and finishes, enhancing both the look and longevity of the firearm.
• Modular Customization: A build kit allows you to select specific internal components (barrel, guide rod, etc.) that best meet your performance goals.

The Rival Arms Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit directly addresses these needs, offering a robust foundation for a truly custom Glock 17 Gen4.

Unpacking the Rival Arms RA-RA13G106A Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit

This kit is designed for the Glock 17 Gen4 platform, ensuring perfect compatibility and ease of installation. It includes the core components necessary to build out a high-performance slide, providing a significant upgrade over factory options.

• Precision-Machined 17-4 Stainless Steel Slide: The heart of this kit is the meticulously crafted slide. Manufactured from premium 17-4 stainless steel, known for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and heat treatment capabilities, this slide offers superior durability and a longer service life compared to standard materials. This material choice is crucial for maintaining structural integrity under the stresses of repeated firing, ensuring consistent performance over thousands of rounds.
• Docter Cut for Red Dot Sights: A standout feature is the integrated Docter cut. This precision-machined cut on the slide top allows for direct mounting of red dot optics that use the Docter/Noblex footprint. This includes popular sights from manufacturers like Leupold (DeltaPoint Pro), Burris (FastFire series), Vortex (Venom, Viper), and of course, Docter Optic. The direct-mount design provides a lower co-witness with suppressor-height sights (sold separately), ensuring a cleaner sight picture and more intuitive aiming. For shooters who understand the tactical advantage of a red dot, this feature alone makes the Faction Series Slide a compelling upgrade.
• "Cerakote Ready Red" Finish: The slide arrives with a "Cerakote Ready Red" finish. This isn't a final protective coating but rather a vibrant, foundational red base that is perfectly prepared for custom Cerakote application. This unique offering caters directly to those who want a truly personalized firearm. While the "ready red" color provides a distinctive look on its own, its primary purpose is to serve as an ideal canvas for a professional Cerakote applicator to apply a final, durable topcoat in virtually any color or pattern imaginable. This allows the end-user ultimate freedom in customizing the final appearance, from subtle earth tones to bold, eye-catching designs, all while benefiting from Cerakote's renowned abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance properties.
• Faction Series A1 Design: The "Faction Series" designation implies a specific aesthetic and functional design philosophy from Rival Arms. The "A1" might denote a particular generation or configuration within that series, often characterized by enhanced serrations for improved slide manipulation, weight reduction cuts for faster cycling, and distinctive styling elements that set it apart from factory slides. These design elements are not just for looks; they contribute to the overall ergonomics and performance of the firearm.

Key Benefits and Use Cases for the Rival Arms Faction Series Slide

This build kit is an excellent choice for a variety of users and applications:

• Competitive Shooters (USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun): The ability to mount a red dot sight directly significantly improves target acquisition speed and accuracy, critical for shaving seconds off stage times. The potential for weight optimization (via additional milling if desired, or lighter internal components) can also improve cyclic rate and reduce muzzle flip.
• Tactical Operators and Law Enforcement: A robust 17-4 stainless steel slide offers enhanced durability for demanding environments. Red dot compatibility is a major advantage for low-light conditions and rapid target engagement.
• Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: While some may prefer a stock setup for EDC, those who value enhanced precision and the benefits of an optic will find this kit ideal. The "Cerakote Ready" aspect also allows for discreet, custom finishes that blend with everyday attire.
• Hobbyists and Custom Builders: For individuals who enjoy assembling and fine-tuning their firearms, this kit provides a high-quality foundation for a bespoke Glock 17 Gen4 build. The "Cerakote Ready" feature is a dream come true for those who love to personalize their firearms.
• Addressing Common Glock Limitations: If you find your factory Glock slide lacking in modern optic mounting solutions, struggling with sight picture, or simply desire a more premium feel and appearance, the Rival Arms Faction Series provides a direct upgrade path.

Building Your Custom Glock 17 Gen4 Slide: What Else You'll Need

The Rival Arms RA-RA13G106A is a "Build Kit," meaning it provides the core slide itself, but you'll need additional components to complete a functional slide assembly. These typically include:

• Barrel: Choose a barrel that matches your performance goals. Options include match-grade stainless steel barrels for enhanced accuracy, threaded barrels for suppressors or compensators, or fluted barrels for weight reduction and unique aesthetics.
• Recoil Spring Assembly: Essential for proper cycling. You can opt for a standard factory-weight spring, or experiment with lighter/heavier springs to tune the recoil impulse to your specific ammunition or shooting style.
• Firing Pin Assembly (Striker): This includes the firing pin, firing pin spring, and cups.
• Extractor and Depressor Plunger Assembly: Critical for reliably removing spent casings from the chamber.
• Slide Cover Plate: Seals the rear of the slide, securing the firing pin assembly.
• Channel Liner: A small polymer sleeve that guides the firing pin.
• Red Dot Sight (Docter Footprint): To take full advantage of the integrated optic cut.
• Suppressor Height Sights (Optional but Recommended): These taller iron sights allow you to co-witness through your red dot optic, providing a backup aiming solution if your optic fails or its battery dies.

All these essential components, including various barrels, recoil spring assemblies, and red dot sights, are readily available at trusted retailers like DEGuns.com. DEGuns specializes in providing a comprehensive range of firearm parts and accessories, ensuring you can find everything needed to complete your Rival Arms Faction Series slide build.

Optimizing for Performance and Longevity

To get the most out of your Rival Arms Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit, consider these aspects:

• Professional Cerakote Application: While the slide is "Cerakote Ready Red," investing in a professional Cerakote application will ensure maximum durability and the precise custom finish you desire. Cerakote is a polymer-ceramic composite coating that offers superior abrasion, corrosion, and chemical resistance compared to traditional finishes like bluing or parkerizing. This will protect your investment and maintain its aesthetic appeal for years.
• Quality Internal Components: Do not compromise on the quality of your internal slide components. A high-quality barrel, firing pin, and extractor will ensure reliable operation and maximize the performance potential of the Rival Arms slide. Sourcing these from reputable brands, also available at DEGuns.com, is highly recommended.
• Regular Maintenance: Like any firearm component, the slide requires regular cleaning and lubrication. Following a consistent maintenance schedule will ensure its smooth operation and extend its lifespan. Pay particular attention to the slide rails and the area around the firing pin.
• Training and Familiarity: Once assembled, spend time at the range familiarizing yourself with your newly configured Glock 17 Gen4. Understand how the red dot works, practice drawing, and dry fire extensively. The improved ergonomics and optic capabilities will enhance your shooting only with proper training.

Answering Your Questions About Glock 17 Gen4 Slide Upgrades

• What is the best way to improve my Glock 17 Gen4's accuracy?
  • Upgrading to a match-grade barrel (often paired with a custom slide like the Rival Arms Faction Series) is a primary step.
  • Adding a red dot sight using a direct-mount slide (like this one) significantly improves aiming precision and reduces human error.
  • Optimizing trigger pull can also contribute to better accuracy.
• How do I install a red dot on my Glock 17 Gen4?
  • The easiest and most robust method is to use a slide that is pre-cut for an optic, such as the Rival Arms Faction Series Slide with its Docter cut. This eliminates the need for adapter plates and provides a lower, more stable mounting position for your red dot.
• Is 17-4 stainless steel good for a gun slide?
  • Absolutely. 17-4 stainless steel is a premium material known for its high strength, hardness, and excellent corrosion resistance. It's often used in aerospace and medical applications, making it an ideal choice for high-stress firearm components like slides.
• Can I customize the color of the Rival Arms Faction Series slide?
  • Yes, the "Cerakote Ready Red" finish is specifically designed to be an ideal base for a custom Cerakote application. You can have it coated in virtually any color or pattern by a professional Cerakote applicator.
• Where can I find all the parts needed for this build?
  • DEGuns.com offers a comprehensive selection of barrels, recoil spring assemblies, firing pin components, red dot sights, and other accessories compatible with the Rival Arms Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit for the Glock 17 Gen4.

Why Choose Rival Arms?

Rival Arms has established itself as a reputable manufacturer in the aftermarket firearm components industry. Their commitment to precision engineering, use of high-quality materials like 17-4 stainless steel, and innovative designs (such as the Faction Series with its integrated optic cuts) make them a preferred choice for shooters looking to enhance their firearms. The RA-RA13G106A Faction Series Slide A1 Build Kit embodies their dedication to performance, reliability, and customization, providing Glock 17 Gen4 owners with a top-tier upgrade solution. Available at DEGuns, it represents an investment in superior shooting performance and personalized firearm aesthetics.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Material	17-4 Stainless Steel	Exceptional strength, corrosion resistance
Optic Cut	Docter Cut	Direct red dot mounting, low co-witness
Finish	Cerakote Ready Red	Perfect base for custom Cerakote applications
Compatibility	Glock 17 Gen4	Seamless fit, reliable function
Series	Faction Series A1	Enhanced ergonomics, distinct aesthetic