$100 difference...easy choice.

MOS gives you options. IF you want to try an optic down the line...a lot easier process.

G17M MOS

(One suggestion: If you think you are going to move to an optic sooner rather than later...maybe get standard sights vs more expensive Night Sights)

Plenty accurate with regular sights

But I think optics are the future...and where everything is headed.

Note the sights now.

 

I've got no preference or use for optics, so non-MOS would be my choice.

The 17.5 MOS I bought, I have no use for the option so the plate will probably never be removed.

That said, I don't see any reason to buy a non-MOS and have it milled when you can just get the MOS model that's already available.

 

So this is a question that pertains to buying NEW Gen5 Glocks, which I am not certain that I want to put optics on in the future (50/50% chance) (19, 17, or 45)

50/50 certainly tips the scales in favor of non-MOS.

I've heard that the MOS Glock cuts and plates may not be ideal.

With an adapter plate, the MRDS sits higher above the bore axis than necessary. You will need taller backup iron sights in order to yield lower one-third co-witness. An adapter plate is an added point of failure. However, there are aftermarket adapter plates that are of higher quality than OEM Glock MOS adapter plates.

However, I also understand that letting someone modify and refinish your slide will entail various risks, and may not result in great workmanship. I'd like someone with experience to elaborate on both approaches.

If you choose a top shop like JagerWerks, there's near zero risk.

Is it wiser to buy a regular version, for or a MOS version a $100 price difference?

Can't say. I've never made a decision like this based on cost.

If you are CERTAIN you do want an optic, does this change your answer?

No.

When you cut and refinish a slide, is the refinished slide available going to look as good as the factory Glock finish?

Nitride (thermochemical) treatment from a top shop like JagerWerks is as good, if not better, than the gen5 nDLC coating. Avoid shops that don't offer nitride.

Does modifying a slide void the factory Glock warranty?

Can't say. It was never a consideration for me.

Any other hidden cons or benefits that aren't usually discussed?

One huge benefit of having the slide milled (and refinished) ... MOS is not available rear iron sight forward. Almost half of the Glock slides milled by top shops like JagerWerks are rear iron sight forward. I have four RMR-cut slides and two RMRcc-cut slides ... all rear iron sight forward. For me, MOS is not a consideration for that factor alone.

You need to give some consideration to the specific MRDS you intend to run. For example, the Holosun SCS directly mounts on a MOS slide (without an adapter plate) and sits extremely low. The SCS makes MOS a more attractive solution. A Trijicon SRO is typically not compatible with rear iron sight forward. There are other caveats like this based on the MRDS you select.

Obviously, I'm a JagerWerks fan. JagerWerks has been the gold-standard for quite some time. Hence, the long turn-around times. There are now a lot of shops that perform quality work. Many of these shops offer deeper MRDS cuts than JagerWerks. Battle Werx RMRcc-cut and refinished (nitride) my G43 and G48 slides rear iron sight forward to 0.190" deep.

Good luck.

 

I’ve got a direct milled 19 and a 19MOS.

the argument that the plate makes the optic dot higher is negligible. You won’t notice. I know there is someone here that is a super duper shooter who will disagree with me. But it is what it is. You will need taller sights either way unless you get an SCS.

And the optic you choose is the optic footprint you get. Everyone thought the RMR footprint was “it”, but now with the Holosun 509’s and EPS and SCS using different footprints, you lose options.

You can buy a gun that’s made for something, or you can buy one that you’ll have to modify to do something. It’s up to you.

 

Um, join GSSF and get your coupon. Your pistol will be near or at Blue Label pricing. Your MOS pistol will be cheaper than the standard model even with the GSSF fee compared to MSRP.

Just saying.

 

If you are worried that red dot seat a little higher get the Holosun SCS you don't need plate adapter.

 

I guess I’m something of a minimalist when it comes to that stuff, but it’s really a question of your own needs and preferences. I just figure that if I can’t hit the target with the stock sights or the more modest (and space saving) addition of night sights, I probably shouldn’t be handling/depending upon firearms. I’m also reminded of a crack shot Chief I worked for years ago, who, had I shown up at work with an MOS rig on my service weapon, would have sent me home for being a fussbudget.😛

 

I've been thinking the same thing and decided to go MOS even if I don't go to a dot for awhile. I wear readers, sights are getting a bit blurry. I really have no desire for an Optic but it may be in my future. Plus MOS vs cut allows me to use the pistol in GSSF.

 

MOS all the way. Give yourself options. Pretty much everyone as they get older their eyesight starts to fail and then you will love having a DOT

 

New Bodycam Footage Released In Connecticut Police Shooting - YouTube

Some things that jumped out at me....0:23

1. Subject ambushed three officers with rifle.
2. Officer had been shot (in the leg)
3. It was dark.
4. The subject was a good distance away
5. Trijicon RMR mounted on likely duty Glock

One shot and the subject was down.

Could this officer had performed at this level with iron sights. Maybe.

Did the optic make this shot easier. Likely it did.

 

I have machined 1911s for various iron and electronic sights over the years. All of my 1911/2011 pistols have a rds on them. When I recently decided to buy a Glock, I went straight for the gen 5 types based on my research. I was seriously disappointed that Glock hasn't made a large-frame gen 5 yet, so I settled on a G22.5 MOS as my first glock.

IIRC, I had it less than two weeks before I put taller trijicon sights and a RMR on it.

 

If there is EVER a chance you will trade or sell it, get an mos.

As M11 mentioned it is the way the industry is heading, get an mos.

If you ever have to get a slide milled, you will be without it for awhile, places charge more to apply a coating to milled part. Guarantee $100 won't cover the incidentals and hassle. Get an mos

 

Agreed. While there are third party options, until Glock is willing to sell a slide as a standalone part to us, the option of having the MOS for at least trying out an optic system (without shelling out a fortune for an expensive third party slide or sending off your slide and being without it!) is hard to overlook!

While the MOS is not optimized and can be done in slightly better ways, the same could be said for other aspects of the gun. And the MOS is really good. Not perfect, but it IS really good!

When Glock sells slides like SIG/S&W/H&K and others do, perhaps the argument weakens, but they don't. And the MOS is a good system to try. You can then invest more heavily, or just remove it. And if you ever decide to sell, you have the MOS that is going to be the model easiest to resell in most instances (it will cover the "I want it", "might want it later", AND the "I don't care" crowds!).

 

Properly zeroed in Red Dots are probably the most single lethal upgrade one can do to a firearm.

Someone who can't hit the broad side of a barn with Irons who takes the same gun with a Red Dot and points that Red Dot at the same barn is going to hit that barn.

Yes, go with the MOS option. It's only going to be more useful down the road.

 

Properly zeroed in Red Dots are probably the most single lethal upgrade one can do to a firearm.

Someone who can't hit the broad side of a barn with Irons who takes the same gun with a Red Dot and points that Red Dot at the same barn is going to hit that barn.

Yes, go with the MOS option. It's only going to be more useful down the road.

hmm. Not true. Someone that can’t shoot and gets a red dot will just have a more expensive gun that they can’t shoot. Red dots don’t cure poor skills.

 

As others have said, MOS gives you the option to add and try optics later.

Here’s what Ken Hackathorn has to say about red dots on pistols. He does make a few salient points about fads and longevity:

 

MOS gives opinions and even if you never add an optic increases resell value in the future.

Join GSSF for $35 and shop blue label prices for the MOS variant.

 

How much do you save on a glock if we join?

 

Go ahead and get an mos model ya it’s a wee bit more up front however if you decide you wanna try a rds setup you’re already half way there.
I was hesitant at first with optic pistols but now it’s much more enjoyable using one shooting at further distances. I’m middle aged and know my vision will wane some so at least I’ll be ready when it happens. Training with one takes some effort and time to get used to presenting consistent but it is awesome for dryfire it lets you see when you’re lacking in fundamentals by watching the dot.

 

I voted non. I don’t care for optics on handguns

 

I just watched a video of Ken Hackathorn and he spoke about how red dot optics are an unnecessary fad.

 

I just watched a video of Ken Hackathorn and he spoke about how red dot optics are an unnecessary fad.

yup. That’s one persons opinion

He also thinks you should carry a 1911

 

I personally am not a fan of optics for my concealed carry. I’m in the club of “less is more”. I’ve never understood those who go out of their way to over accessorize their concealed carry and make it less concealable by adding bulk and weight. I’ve seen guys at the range with a sub compact CCW equipped with an optics, light, laser, and extended mag. I just shake my head.

 

For “ME” I consider Glocks fantastic carry EDC weapons. Not necessarily range/target choices. Therefore I don’t put lights or dots on any Glock because I carry them. I always carry a smaller handheld light though. So I choose non-optic cut version. Just me though so each to their own for sure.

 

100% buy MOS.

 

I would buy the MOS but I'm also thinking that all of my pistols moving forward will have dots. Of course I say this and will probably pick up a 1911 not ready for one.

 

Had the same predicament that you’re facing. I spent the little extra on the MOS model. I have a 48 MOS already, so I may or may not find a Holosun SCS for the 19 MOS. In fact, on this cold and lightly raining day here in MT, I took my 19.5 out to my local outdoor range. It runs excellent, and I don’t mind that it doesn’t have a dot. I like knowing I can put on one when and if I choose without having to have the slide sent off, milled, and refinished. Your choice, but I’d go with the MOS version, and so did spring for night sights. It’s the gun I qualified with for my professional license, so I want it ready to go no matter what and when.

 

I bought a Gen 5 G19 MOS a couple years ago to carry. I had no plans to put a red dot on it, but figured it would be good to have that option if I ever decided I wanted one.

 

As one of the wait a year or two, not a volunteer beta tester types, may be one should wait until Glock completely debugs this new gimmick. It may be gold when perfected, but I'd wait and see what the tweeks are.

 

🤣 Glock introduced the MOS over seven years ago. We completely understand the shortcomings. The Trijicon RMR has been the gold standard for well over a decade.