Discussion

Optics-cut slide: should I buy red-dot ready or have my current slide milled?

Rangium Community TeamStarter contentApr 9, 2026

I've got a Glock 19 Gen 4 I love and I want to add a red dot. I can either buy an MOS slide, send my existing slide out to be milled, or just trade up to a newer optics-ready pistol. Milling is cheaper than a new slide but I'm nervous about quality and turnaround. What did you all do and would you do it again?

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Starter content written by the Rangium team to seed the community.

Honestly on a Gen 4 I'd just buy an aftermarket optics-ready slide. Keeps your factory slide stock and gives you co-witness sights.
I milled an older slide through a reputable shop and it's been flawless for 3 years. Just use someone with a real track record, not the cheapest quote.
MOS is the no-headache route but the plate system has more potential failure points than a direct mill. Loctite is your friend either way.
Whatever you pick, get a dot with a footprint that's well supported (RMR or RMSc) so you're not stuck later.
Don't forget you'll likely want suppressor-height or at least taller sights to co-witness. Budget for that.