First Look: Faxon Firearms M&P Pistol Slides

Faxon Firearms expanded its aftermarket options for popular handguns with the launch of its Patriot and Hellfire pistol slides designed for Smith & Wesson M&P handguns. These two slides give consumers enhanced elements above the OEM pistol slides, particularly a milled cutout designed to accept today's popular reflex optics.

"We’re excited to continue our growth into the pistol market with our M&P Patriot and Hellfire slides," said Bob George, director of sales and business development at Faxon Firearms. "Manufacturing slides completely in-house from bar stock gives us the ability to create new profiles and optics mounting solutions that many other companies simply can’t achieve."

The slides are machined from 17-4 stainless steel and finished in a hardened diamond-like carbon finish that prevents corrosion and wear. At the rear, front and top of the slides are aggressive serrations that facilitate easy slide manipulations. Each slide features an optics-ready cut, and users can choose between a specific cut designed for the Trijicon RMR reflex optic or a "multi-optics" system that can accept a Vortex Venom, Vortex Viper or Burris FastFire dot sight. Each milled cut on the Patriot and Hellfire slides includes machined posts that aid mounting and the absorption of recoil. Cover plates and mounting hardware are included with each slide.

One of the stand-out differences between the two pistol slides offered is the Hellfire model is equipped with milled cutouts on the top and sides of its forward portion. This provides a lighter overall product and a faster-moving slide, as well as enhanced air circulation to promote barrel cooling. While both slides feature milled serrations at the front and rear, the Patriot provides multi-angled serrations at the front that offers a more-complete gripping surface for confident slide manipulation.

The suggested retail price on the Faxon Firearms Patriot slide is $499, while the Hellfire slide retails at a suggested price of $525.