Understanding the Glock MOS: A Manufacturing facility-Built-in Answer
What’s the Glock MOS?
The Glock MOS, or Modular Optic System, represents a factory-designed method to accommodate pink dot sights. Launched by Glock to cater to the rising development of optic-equipped handguns, the MOS system permits customers to mount quite a lot of in style pink dot sights on to the slide utilizing interchangeable adapter plates. This technique successfully bridges the hole between the usual Glock slide and the world of optics, providing a stage of comfort not beforehand accessible straight from the manufacturing facility.
The core of the Glock MOS system lies in its adapter plates. These plates are engineered to interface with particular optic footprints, the standardized mounting patterns utilized by completely different optic producers. Glock sometimes features a collection of adapter plates with every MOS pistol, designed to suit a variety of in style pink dot sights, resembling these from Trijicon, Leupold, and others. These plates sit between the slide and the optic, permitting the optic to be securely fixed. The number of adapter plates is a big benefit, permitting for compatibility with a variety of optics with out the necessity for {custom} work.
A number of Glock fashions can be found within the MOS configuration, together with the Glock 17 MOS, Glock 19 MOS, Glock 34 MOS, and others. These fashions function a slide designed with an oblong cutout within the high, and are pre-machined to simply accept the adapter plates. These available fashions cater to the most well-liked Glock platforms, making them an accessible choice for each new and seasoned Glock lovers.
Professionals of the Glock MOS
One of many biggest benefits of the Glock MOS system is its ease of use. Mounting an optic sometimes includes choosing the suitable adapter plate, securing it to the slide with the offered screws, after which attaching the optic to the adapter plate. The simplicity of this course of is a big draw, particularly for these new to optics or those that want a plug-and-play answer. The MOS system can also be typically extra reasonably priced than having a slide custom-milled.
Furthermore, the MOS system typically maintains the manufacturing facility guarantee of the Glock pistol. This supplies peace of thoughts realizing that any potential points might be addressed via the usual Glock guarantee channels. As well as, the MOS retains the unique end of the slide, preserving the manufacturing facility aesthetics and probably the worth of the firearm.
Cons of the Glock MOS
Nonetheless, the Glock MOS system just isn’t with out its drawbacks. One widespread concern is the adapter plates themselves. These plates are an middleman element, and thus, characterize a possible level of failure. Over time, repeated recoil and use can, in uncommon instances, trigger the plates to loosen, shift, and even break, which might have an effect on the zero of the optic or probably harm the optic itself. Whereas fashionable adapter plates are typically well-engineered and sturdy, this stays a possible subject that needs to be thought-about.
The peak of the optic above the slide may also be a priority. As a result of the adapter plates elevate the optic, the sight is positioned greater than it will be if straight mounted to a milled slide. This will probably create points with co-witnessing with the iron sights, the place the iron sights align with the pink dot sight. The upper mounting place can even have an effect on the general steadiness and dealing with of the pistol for some shooters. Moreover, the selection of adapter plate limits optic selections to these supported by the MOS system, requiring some analysis to make sure compatibility. The general aesthetic of the MOS system has additionally been questioned by some, who discover the gaps and overhang of the optic above the slide much less visually interesting than a straight mounted optic.
The Artwork of Slide Milling: A Customized Method
What’s a Milled Slide?
Slide milling includes a specialised gunsmithing course of that completely alters the slide of a Glock pistol to simply accept a pink dot sight. This tradition method affords a extra built-in and safe optic mounting answer in comparison with the Glock MOS.
The slide milling course of begins with a cautious evaluation of the particular pink dot sight chosen by the proprietor. Gunsmiths use exact measurements to create a {custom} pocket or recess within the slide that completely matches the optic’s mounting footprint. This pocket is usually milled utilizing a Pc Numerical Management (CNC) machine, making certain exact dimensions and a safe match. Numerous milling choices can be found, together with ahead or rear mounting, and variations in depth. The precise milling course of will rely on the chosen optic, the specified options, and the gunsmith’s experience.
After milling, the slide is usually refinished to revive its unique look and supply safety towards corrosion. This refinishing course of might contain Cerakote, nitride therapies, or different sturdy coatings. Relying on the complexity of the job, the method can take just a few days to a couple weeks, together with delivery and labor.
Professionals of a Milled Slide
One of many main benefits of slide milling is the decrease optic profile. As a result of the optic is mounted on to the slide, it sits nearer to the bore axis of the pistol. This decrease profile can improve the capturing expertise in just a few key methods. First, it may possibly present a extra pure sight image, because the shooter’s eye would not must focus as excessive above the slide. Secondly, a decrease optic profile typically results in higher steadiness and dealing with traits. Moreover, the direct mounting technique eliminates the necessity for adapter plates, offering a safer and probably extra dependable mounting answer.
The direct connection between the optic and the slide additionally ends in a stronger bond, much less susceptible to motion below the forces of recoil. As a result of the optic is custom-fitted to the slide, the match is usually exact and eliminates any potential for play or wobble. This enhanced stability is essential for sustaining zero and reaching constant accuracy. Furthermore, slide milling supplies a better diploma of customization. Homeowners can typically select from a wider vary of optic footprints and milling choices, in addition to choose {custom} slide cuts, resembling lightening cuts, to enhance aesthetics or efficiency.
Cons of a Milled Slide
Nonetheless, slide milling comes with a better price ticket. The method requires the talents of knowledgeable gunsmith and specialised tools, translating into a better price than the Glock MOS or using optic adapter plates. Moreover, as a result of slide milling includes a everlasting modification of the slide, it may possibly void the unique manufacturing facility guarantee. This can be a vital consideration for many who worth the manufacturing facility guarantee of their Glock.
One other downside is the required downtime. The slide should be shipped to the gunsmith, milled, after which typically shipped again, including as much as a interval of a number of days to weeks. And, the chosen optic is a big issue within the course of. Selecting a special optic down the road necessitates re-milling the slide, and a brand new refinish.
Evaluating Glock MOS and Milled Slides
Price Comparability
Price is a big issue for a lot of gun house owners. The Glock MOS system is usually the extra reasonably priced choice. The acquisition of an MOS-ready Glock pistol, plus the price of a pink dot optic, and the preliminary adapter plates is usually a considerably decrease funding than the price of slide milling, which incorporates gunsmith labor, potential delivery prices, and refinishing.
Sturdiness and Reliability
Sturdiness and reliability are paramount in the case of firearms. Slide milling typically supplies a extra sturdy and dependable mounting answer. The direct connection between the optic and the slide, together with the elimination of adapter plates, can scale back the potential for motion, loosening, or failure. In distinction, the MOS system, whereas typically dependable, depends on adapter plates, which generally is a potential weak level. Each the MOS and milling can result in a dependable system; nonetheless, for demanding makes use of, the milled choice typically wins out.
Efficiency and Accuracy
On the subject of efficiency and accuracy, each choices can supply wonderful outcomes. Nonetheless, the decrease optic profile of a milled slide can present a slight edge when it comes to sight alignment, goal acquisition, and total dealing with. The nearer proximity of the optic to the bore axis can result in a extra pure sight image and will assist enhance accuracy. Nonetheless, a talented shooter can obtain wonderful outcomes with both system.
Customization Choices
Slide milling affords a considerably better diploma of customization. Homeowners can select from a wider vary of optic footprints and mounting choices, in addition to choose {custom} slide cuts and finishes. This stage of customization can enable for a extra customized and aesthetically pleasing setup. The Glock MOS system, whereas providing some stage of flexibility, is proscribed by the supply of adapter plates and pre-defined slide configurations.
Set up & Time Dedication
The set up course of, and the time dedication, additionally play a task within the decision-making course of. The Glock MOS system is a comparatively fast and straightforward setup, typically requiring only some minutes to mount the optic utilizing the offered adapter plates. Slide milling, alternatively, requires sending the slide to a gunsmith, and ready for the milling and refinishing course of to be accomplished. The power to simply change optics can also be a key consideration. The Glock MOS system permits for simpler optic modifications, just by swapping out the adapter plate. With slide milling, altering optics sometimes requires a brand new milling job.
Functions & Concerns
Self-Protection/Hid Carry
The selection between the Glock MOS and slide milling is usually influenced by how the pistol might be used. For self-defense and hid carry, reliability and a low profile are vital concerns. Slide milling, with its safe mounting and lowered likelihood of snagging, typically supplies a bonus. The convenience of use and the cost-effectiveness of the MOS, nonetheless, may also be a superb choice for many who are comfy with the system.
Competitors Taking pictures
In competitors capturing, the place velocity and accuracy are paramount, a milled slide’s decrease optic profile can contribute to quicker goal acquisition and a extra constant sight image. The direct-mounted optic additionally affords a better diploma of reliability. The convenience of use of the MOS might be a constructive issue for shooters who like to modify out optics, or experiment with completely different sight setups.
Leisure Taking pictures
For leisure capturing, the choice typically hinges on private desire and price range. The Glock MOS system affords an accessible and cost-effective entry level into the world of pink dot optics. Slide milling supplies a better stage of efficiency and customization, however at a better price.
The Proper Path for You
One of the best ways to decide on between Glock MOS and slide milling is to determine your wants and priorities. In case your main concern is price, ease of set up, or the flexibility to simply swap optics, the Glock MOS system is a good choice. In case you prioritize most reliability, a low optic profile, and {custom} aesthetics, slide milling stands out as the more sensible choice. If you’re unsure, the benefits and the affordability of the MOS could make it a sensible choice to get began.
Because the world of optics and firearms continues to evolve, the choices accessible for mounting pink dot sights on Glock pistols will proceed to develop. Think about the way forward for the firearm, the necessity to mount completely different optics, and the must be prepared to alter your system. Totally analysis your optic choices, rigorously assess your wants, and seek the advice of with skilled gunsmiths to make the most effective determination in your Glock. Finally, the suitable alternative is the one which enhances your capturing expertise and aligns along with your private capturing targets.
