It kept the OEM-style squared-off corners and had the exposed layers facing the top. We machined the third sample, also for a G19, with vertical straight serrations at the front and rear. The sides were left subdued gray, which was a prime spot for laser engraving. It was much like the first, but with the layers of Damascus exposed on top instead. The second sample was intended for a G19. The top was able to stay a nice subdued gray that was not distracting to the eye while shooting. This side exposure gave the layers more real estate to make their statement. This slide had the exposed layers of the Damascus facing the sides. The first one was a G17-length slide that incorporated our wave front and rear serrations along with a 45-degree bevel along the top edges and front and rear bull-noses. Following the show, we got to work making a few sample guns so customers could get an idea of what the final product would look like. Essentially, our idea to offer customizable blanks was validated. The reception was positive, and most onlookers were curious to see the final retail price. This brings us to the 2018 SHOT Show, where we unveiled the slide blanks ready for final machine work. This allowed for on-demand builds with the maximum amount of customization possible. This meant we could leave them alone until a customer placed their order for a Damascus steel slide. So, we decided to make all of our Damascus slides in the blank format as well. On a whim, we decided to sell them on our website for retail customers as well, and they were a hit. These were initially intended for our industry partners. These blanks had all the internals machined yet had completely rectangular exteriors. We had started making stainless slides in blank form. Would customers really want this pattern? What would the response be if they wanted something different? We always seem to release Product X, and the customers say, “Yeah, I love it, but can you do it with this or that change?” Once these Damascus slides were done, it would be very difficult to make them into something different. However, between selecting the machine pattern and a spot opening up on the production line, doubts began to form. Now it was time to figure out how to fit the Damascus slides into our ever-busy production line. The pattern had sold well on standard slides, so we expected the popularity to transfer to the Damascus slides as well. After much debate, we settled on a custom machine pattern we had been previously offering for our stainless slides. We still hadn’t decided on a particular style for machining the precious Damascus steel slides. Once the dust settled after SHOT, things began returning to normal at the shop. It was nice to bring the material and get feedback from our partners and customers to see what they thought of our side project. We were so excited to have the Damascus billets that we decided to bring them to the 2017 SHOT Show. Christmas came slightly early in 2016, as I got an email saying the Damascus material had been shipped. Once the purchase order was submitted, it suddenly became real. The cost of the large Damascus billets required for slides is staggering, so we couldn’t afford to make any mistakes.Īfter the machinists were ready and the heat-treaters were on standby, we ordered material. Because the material is made from multiple different metals all fused together, there are many things to consider. I also explored what was required to machine a Damascus steel slide. Soon after that initial pitch, I obtained material specs and formulated quotes. I wanted to create a Damascus steel slide for a Glock. Were there issues that needed to be worked out? Was there demand from Glock shooters for such an exclusive slide? Those were all questions that needed answers, but the curiosity was killing me. Sometimes bravado says you can do anything, but then you start to wonder why no one else had made such a Glock slide in the past. I had seen 1911 slides and frames offered in Damascus, but never had I seen a Glock-compatible slide. I was instantly intrigued, and visions of the many possibilities ran through my mind. In 2016, I was approached by a company that made Damascus stainless steel billets mainly for the knife industry, but they were willing to make much larger pieces suitable for pistol slides. I work for Lone Wolf Distributors, and we produce just about anything you can think of for Glock pistols. New From Lone Wolf Distributors: The Grey Man Gun
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