How to Assemble a Glock 17 Slide

Welcome to our detailed guide on assembling the slide of a Gen 4 Glock 17. This guide becomes particularly relevant when you’ve customized or replace your slide. In our case, receiving back from getting an optic cut, serrations and a FDE Cerakote finish for an upcoming build.

Our goal is to walk you through the assembly process of your Gen 4 Glock 17 slide. While we are working on a Glock 17 slide, this process also works for other Glock models.

We’ve chosen an L2D Combat parts kit for this assembly, known for its reliability and having used in the past. We will also be installing a Holosun 509T red dot sight, enhancing its accuracy and readiness for any situation. For a full review of the Holosun 509T click here! (coming soon)

Whether you’re preparing for a competitive event, enhancing your personal defense weapon, or simply engaging in a gunsmithing project, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions to ensure a successful assembly.

Parts and Tools Required

To successfully assemble your Glock 17 slide, you will need the following parts and tools. Ensure you have all these items ready before you begin the assembly process to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow.

Parts:

1. L2D Combat Parts Kit: This high-quality kit includes all necessary slide components ensuring your slide operates reliably. (Extractor Depressor Rod, Extractor Spring, Polished Stainless Steel Striker, 5lb Factory Weight Striker Spring, Firing Pin Safety Polished, Reduced Power Firing Pin Safety Spring, Firing Pin Retainer Cups, Firing Pin Spacer Sleeve, Glock Channel Liner, Glock Extractor and a Back Plate)
2. Holosun 509T Red Dot Sight: Comes with RMR adapter plate.
3. Barrel
4. Recoil Spring Assembly

Tools:

1. Glock Channel Liner Install Tool: A specialized tool required to properly install the channel liner into the slide
2. Plastic Hammer: Useful for gently tapping parts into place without causing damage to the Cerakote finish or the components themselves.
3. Small Punch

Having the correct parts and tools at your disposal will significantly ease the process of assembling your Glock 17 slide.

Assembly of the Glock 17 Slide

Installing the Channel Liner:

Starting with the channel liner, one end is beveled and the other is flat. Insert it beveled end first, toward the muzzle end of the slide.

Using the channel liner tool to press or lightly tap the liner until it is fully seated in the slide. Confirm this by visually checking that it sits slightly below the slide’s channel shoulder.

Assembling the Firing Pin:

Pick up the striker and slide the spacer sleeve over the striker, notched end first.

Slide the spring over the striker. Using one hand compress the spring. And with the other hand place the two retainer cups beneath the ledge to secure the assembly.

Installing the Firing Pin Safety and Assembly:

Install the firing pin safety by inserting the spring side first.

With the safety depressed, insert the firing pin assembly, which will then secure the firing pin safety.

Installing the Extractor:

Position the extractor by aligning its round end with the slide’s round cutout.

Install the extractor plunger and rod assembly into the slide, ensuring its fully seated.

Attaching the Slide Cover Plate:

Align the cover plate with its slot. Then using a punch, depress the firing pin assembly sleeve just enough to allow the cover plate to pass.

Similarly, depress the extractor rod plunger enough to slide the cover plate fully into position until it snaps into place.

Review on Dynamic Weapon Solutions Cut:

Now, moving on to installing the Holosun 509T. But first I want to touch quickly on our optic cut from Dynamic Weapon Solutions. Being upfront and honest about this experience: the tolerances are super tight. Installing the adapter plate for the Holosun 509T required much more force than I wanted to use. I practically had to beat the adapter plate into the cutout with a hammer.

We were planning on using a Trijicon SRO for this build but I didn’t want to have to beat my optic with a hammer to install it. Even after sending it back to Dynamic Weapon Solutions for verification and being told this tightness is normal, I’m not convinced. I’m just being honest here, I wouldn’t want to mount an optic directly to this slide because of this. And even if I wanted to now i’m not sure I can remove the adapter plate without prying it off.

Installing the Holosun 509T:

Install the RMR adapter plate that is supplied with the Holosun 509T.

Install the Holosun 509T onto the adapter plate using the provided tools, ensuring the optic is tight and secure. For a full review of the Holosun 509T click here! (coming soon)

Installing the Barrel and Recoil Spring Assembly:

Insert the barrel into the slide, muzzle end first then dropping it into place.

Place the recoil spring assembly into its cutout. Then compress it slightly, and slide it down onto the barrel lug.

Now that your Glock 17 slide is fully assembled our Holosun 509T mounted, it’s crucial to perform a few quick checks to confirm everything is correctly installed and functioning.

Function Check for the Glock Slide Assembly

After assembling your Glock 17 slide, it’s crucial to perform a function check to ensure all components are installed correctly and operating as intended.

1. Firing Pin Function Check:
   • Ensure the slide is not mounted on the frame and that it is safe and clear of any ammunition.
   • Press the rear of the firing pin to see if it moves forward freely and springs back into place when released.
   • Verify that the firing pin is not protruding from the front of the slide when at rest.
2. Safety Functions Check:
   • Check the firing pin safety by pressing it in and ensuring it moves smoothly without any obstruction.
   • While pressing the firing pin safety, attempt to push the firing pin forward. It should protrude out of the breach face but only while the safety is depressed.
   • Release the firing pin safety and again try to push the firing pin forward, it should be blocked by the safety.
3. Extractor Function Check:
   • Examine the extractor to ensure it is properly seated and securely installed.
   • Lightly press against the extractor to confirm it has some spring tension and returns to its original position when released.
   • Check that the extractor claw has a firm grip and does not exhibit any looseness or unusual play.

Performing these checks will help confirm that your Glock 17 slide is correctly assembled and operational. If any component does not function as described, disassemble the relevant part of the slide, inspect for incorrect installation or damage, and reassemble carefully. If issues persist, consult with a qualified gunsmith or contact Glock customer service for assistance.

Final Thoughts

Having successfully assembled our Glock 17 slide with out L2D Combat Slide parts kit, ensuring its readiness and reliability. Now its time to hit the range and feel out our new build. Click Here for a full build breakdown of this FDE Glock 17 build! (Coming Soon)

FAQs:

1. What if the firing pin doesn’t move freely?
   • Check for obstructions or misalignment, ensuring the firing pin and its components are correctly installed.
2. Why check the extractor?
   • Proper extractor function is crucial for reliable ejection of spent casings.
3. What to do if the firing pin safety fails?
   • Verify its correct installation; if issues persist, consult a gunsmith.
4. Can beginners assemble the slide?
   • Yes, with caution and reference to guides or manuals. When in doubt, seek expert advice.
5. Frequency of function checks?
   • Perform after assembly, cleaning, or when preparing for use.