I'm in the same position as yourself, wanting an "optics" slide for my 19X. It's my understanding ( I have yet to do it) that it will work, changing the backplate and modifying the ambi safety or replacing it? I'm opting to modify it, since the cost of the slide stop in minimal. Gen 4 G19 slide prices are modest and readily available even a Glock G19 MOS slide.

I've been looking at the Brownells RMR cut slide, and wondering if that would work with a CHPWS plate and Holosun 509t?

 

You can use Gen 4 uppers on a Gen 5 if you change the backplate to either Gen 5 OEM and some aftermarket plates will fit Gen 1-5 with the wider square-cut. People were using Gen 4 Glock 23 uppers on the G45 before the Gen 5 G23 even came out.

Some are also cutting off the right-hand side lever of the ambi slide stop to better match the single notch on the Gen 4 slide.

 

Will I 100% have to do something with the slide release? What do I need to modify on the Gen4 slide to make it fit my Gen5 frame?
I assume the backplate change is relaitvely straight forward and an "easy" swap?

Are those the ONLY 2 things I need to do to get a Gen4 G19 slide to fit my G45 frame?

 

The backplate on the Gen 4 slide definately needs changing to a Gen 5, as the Gen 4 plate can't clear the frame. It just pops on and off, you just depress the firing pin spacer sleeve and push the plate off.

I have heard you don't need to cut the lever that the Gen 5 ambi slide stop will still work with the Gen 4 slide, but I can't say for sure. I ordered a spare ambi slide stop and cut it, I don't use the right side anyway and I like being able to switch uppers between my G45 and G23 and also my G32. It's been 100% reliable.

A pair of small bolt cutters and a file to smooth out the cut, and you are good to go.

 

I just bought a G19 Gen 4 MOS slide yesterday, and the only "other' two parts I purchased were the ambi slide stop and back plate. To the best of my knowledge and research, those are the only two "red herrings" for the slide to work. You could just use a Gen 4 slide stop? I beleive the geometry on the pins is relatively the same and shouldn't cause an issue. I'll follow up once I have mine up and running. Cheers

 

Would that work? The older slide stops tension against the LBP, which is absent on the Gen 5. Seems like it would create a very weak slide stop or induce malfunctions.

 

I'm not sure, I read that it would work? however I haven't tried it. The author didn't elaborate if it worked "well"?. I'm in the camp of cutting the ambi slide lock, they are inexpensive & should keep everything in its place, if that matters.

 

If I buy a Gen4 slide....
Is it possible to get it cut to accept the Gen5 Ambi slide release?
OR - Do I just need to use a Gen4 non-Ambi slide release?... or do I have to modify my Gen5 release to be "non-ambi" but cutting or grinding it off?

 

I asked the shop where I purchased the G19 Gen 4 MOS slide about cutting the notch?, and they wouldn't do it, based on "they said" reliability issues (guarantee). That said, they do all CNC work so I'm guessing they don't want to write a new program? also there probably isn't enough interest either. They won't machine the MOS mounting pattern,citing some "agreement" with Glock and patent issues?
I'm going the modified Gen 5 lever, and maybe down the road I may?? cut the slide myself?. I want to see how the modified gen 5 lever works first?. I've been reading more about the conversion, and from what I've read it really doesn't affect the operation. YMMV

 

Here's a pic of the modified slide stop I did this morning, pretty simple, & you hardly notice it. I should have my slide by next week, more to follow.

 

Here's a pic of the modified slide stop I did this morning, pretty simple, & you hardly notice it. I should have my slide by next week, more to follow.

what all did you do to it? ... and how?

 

The Gen 3/4 slide stop lever will not work in a Gen 5 frame and visa versa. Also the trigger pin is different too. The Gen 1-4 pin has deeper groves cut into it for the slide stop to sit into. And you also will need a Gen 5 backplate. I have used aftermarket backplates from MIL SPIN that work with any generation.

 

Can you buy pre-made levers that will work?
or do they have to be “home made” Modifications?
id much rather buy something that is proven to work.

 

Here's the new slide that's on the way, since I wanted the front serrations, I went ahead and had them match the G19X frame color as best as possible. Cheers

 

Here's the finished product, I should be shooting it tomorrow and sighting it in. Cheers

 

You’re a mind reader.

I got the notice that Aimpoint now gets 50K hours on the version 2 ACRO which now makes it viable in my estimation. A slide would have to be cut and i was debating having the 19X mulled or get another slide and have it done.

I still think it’s not aesthetic but it is obviously a better system than the open emitter designs.


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Wow. Wonder if my gen3 32 slide will fit on my 45 frame if I change the backplate

 

thunderstruck, just curious what's wrong with your gen 5 slide?

 

Nothing at all... i just want to run a RDS and either get my OEM Glock slide milled OR find a reasonably priced aftermarket slide for the Gen5 (Which isn't very easy, because mostly of what I see are Gen 3/4 aftermarket slides)

 

I don’t think he wants to mill it for an optic.

oh wait. That was mildot

 

Decided to hit the range early this morning before it got too hot🔥, G19X MOS @ 25yrds all day long 👍😎

 

I have read different things about previous generation glock slides fitting on the newer gen5 frames. So same it works if you change the backplate, some say it won't work at all... not sure if it just varies between glock models or what. But specifically - Can I safely and reliably take a Gen4 G19 slide and make it fit my Gen5 G45? I can't find an aftermarket gen5 slide I want that is reasonably priced (not $450+), but there are MANY gen4 G19 slides available at much better prices. Specifically - a Brownell's Gen4 G19 slide on my G45. I only want to do this if reliability is NOT effected in any way, nor the safe-ness of the firearm changes in any way. Thoughts?

Yes a Gen 1-4 will work on a Gen 5 by changing the back Plate or altering the back plate. I've done it multiple times for Customers who wanted a custom slide that's no available in Gen 5.

 

So just square out the R notch on the backplate? Anything else to the altering?

Wow, Could make my own armorer's plate for that matter.
I can also make my own Glock23 with gen5 frame that fits in my current holsters.

 

Yes or you can order one on ebay for 8.00 and you will also need a single slide Lock if yours has the amberdexious one.

 

The ambi slide stop has enough daylight above itself and the slide that it does not need to be changed.

It is interesting that the gen5 has that tiny square tab on the frame that needs to fit into the hole in the backplate. Looks pretty useless- thin and just sticking out. Wonder if the purpose is just to keep debris out of the action.

 

I've also cut that tab off before. They put that tab there to make one think the slides are not interchangeable when they are.

 

I tried to put my G19 Gen 4 milled for RDS slide on my G45. Even with the G5 back plate it was a no go.
Does anyone know why?