Are slide cuts worth it for a handgun ?
Yes and no. Slide cuts can be beneficial for improving the performance of a handgun, particularly in terms of reducing recoil. However, they may not be worth the investment solely for aesthetic purposes without any practical benefit.
Slide lightening cuts and fancy serration cuts on a pistol slide have their time and place.
Here is when they are worth it and when they are not:
Slide lightening cuts
Pros:
- When building custom handgun shooting low recoil ammo
- Performance fine tuning for faster slide cycling rate
- Reduced slide mass for reduced felt recoil
Cons:
- Some cuts are very expensive
- Window lightening cuts expose the slide to dirt and mud that could cause malfunctions
Serration cuts
Pros:
- Most factory handguns already feature them
- Serrations with a more aggressive cut can be worth the investment as they provide a better grip on the slide, particularly in situations where the slide may be slippery.
- Front serrations allows for chamber press check
Cons:
- None, totally worth the money
Optic cuts
Pros:
- Mounting a red dot sight on a pistol allows much faster target acquisition for aging eyes
- Shooter can aim with both eyes open, and focus on the target plane while scanning the surrounding for max situational awareness
- Direct optic mount ensures the tightest fit
Cons:
- Can be expensive slide upgrade if you end up not liking using with a red dot sight
