The Glock 20 Gen 4, renowned for its power and reliability, takes customization to a new level with the Modular Optic System (MOS) slide. This detailed guide explores the features, benefits, and considerations of the Glock 20 Gen 4 MOS slide, catering to both experienced shooters and those new to the platform.
Understanding the Glock 20 Gen 4 MOS
The Glock 20 Gen 4 is a full-size, 10mm auto handgun. Its robust design and substantial capacity make it a popular choice for hunting, competition, and self-defense. The MOS (Modular Optic System) slide distinguishes itself by offering pre-cut mounting plates for various popular red dot sights. This eliminates the need for potentially costly and less reliable aftermarket slide milling, streamlining the process of adding an optic.
Key Features of the MOS Slide:
- Pre-milled slide: The slide comes pre-drilled and tapped for easy mounting of red dot sights. This reduces the time, cost, and potential for errors associated with custom milling.
- Multiple plate options: Glock provides several mounting plates compatible with different red dot sight footprints, ensuring broader compatibility with various optics. This flexibility allows users to choose a sight based on personal preference and budget.
- Factory Reliability: The MOS slide retains the renowned reliability and durability of the standard Glock 20 Gen 4 slide, ensuring consistent performance.
- Enhanced Accuracy: The addition of a red dot sight often leads to improved accuracy, especially at longer ranges, benefiting both hunting and competitive shooting.
Benefits of Choosing a Glock 20 Gen 4 MOS Slide
The MOS system presents several advantages over a standard Glock 20 Gen 4 slide:
- Simplified Optic Installation: The ease of optic mounting makes it an ideal choice for users who want to quickly and easily add a red dot sight.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the MOS slide itself may have a slightly higher initial cost, it typically saves money compared to purchasing a standard slide and then paying for custom milling.
- Increased Versatility: The ability to choose from multiple red dot sights enhances the gun's versatility and suitability for various applications.
- Improved Accuracy and Speed: Adding a red dot sight significantly improves target acquisition speed and accuracy, particularly in low-light conditions or at longer distances.
Considerations Before Purchasing
While the Glock 20 Gen 4 MOS slide offers many advantages, potential buyers should consider a few factors:
- Red Dot Sight Selection: Research and choose a red dot sight compatible with your chosen mounting plate before purchasing the slide. Different sights have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of battery life, durability, and features.
- Co-witnessing: Determine if you prefer a lower 1/3 co-witness setup or a full co-witness setup with your iron sights. This will influence your choice of optic height.
- Weight: Adding a red dot sight will increase the overall weight of the handgun. Consider if this extra weight is suitable for your intended use.
Conclusion: A Powerful and Customizable Handgun
The Glock 20 Gen 4 MOS slide represents a significant upgrade for shooters wanting to enhance their handgun's capabilities with an optic. The ease of installation, versatility, and improved accuracy make it a compelling choice for various applications. However, careful consideration of the specific red dot sight and desired co-witnessing setup is crucial for optimal performance. By understanding the benefits and considerations, users can make an informed decision about whether the Glock 20 Gen 4 MOS slide is the right addition to their firearm collection.
