While the whole point of a pistol is delivering power in a portable package, there is something to be said for wringing out the most velocity and accuracy possible. And one of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to lengthen the barrel and slide on an autopistol. The result is a handgun with more velocity, a longer sight radius and a really intimidating look.
The long-slide concept has been applied to numerous striker-fired pistols, offering shooters several options.
Scroll through the gallery above for some of the best long-slide pistols currently available on the market.
Springfield Armory XDM 5.25
The XDM 5.25 is bred for competition. Not only do the longer barrel and sight radius and fiber-optic front sight endear it to better accuracy, but its striker-fired system offers a trigger that offers a crisp and clean letoff. The accuracy of the XDM 5.25 is further enhanced with a one-piece, full-length guide rod. For more information, visit springfield-armory.com or call 800-680-6866.
Glock 40 Gen4 In MOS Configuration
The G40 Gen4 in MOS Configuration features a 6.02-inch barrel to get the most velocity from the 10mm round. Glock’s new Modular Optic System (MOS) pistols have slides that can accept a variety of reflex sights. Also, since this is a Gen4 model, the pistol comes with interchangeable backstraps and a reversible mag catch. (Optic not included.) For more, visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.
STI Eagle
The Eagle was the pistol that helped build STI’s reputation and prove the performance of the double-stack, steel-frame 2011 platform. The 6-inch-barreled version features the 2011 frame with a short dust cover. The pistol features a flared mag well, a skeletonized trigger and an ambidextrous thumb safety. The 5-inch-barreled version has an MSRP of $2,099. For more information, visit stiguns.com or call 512-819-0656.
Dan Wesson Elite Series Mayhem
The Mayhem brings high-capacity .40 S&W firepower in an all-steel 1911. Designed from muzzle to beavertail to compete in Limited IPSC/USPSA division competitions, this pistol exudes accuracy. While the slide is relieved for reduced weight, the dust cover still features an accessory rail. For more information, visit cz-usa.com or call 800-955-4486.
FNS-40 Longslide
In research and development testing, FNH USA put over 400,000 rounds through its FNS Longslide series pistols, so you can be sure that they are reliable and accurate. Like its 9mm brethren, the FNS-40 Longslide is built for speed with a striker-fired system, ambidextrous controls, a 5-inch barrel and three-dot sights. Users can customized the polymer grip frame to fit their hand better with interchangeable backstraps. For more information, visit fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.
Glock 17L
The Glock 17L is the first Glock pistol introduced with a long slide and a 6.02-inch barrel. Designed for competition and target shooting, the G17L uses a slotted and relieved slide for less felt recoil. It comes equipped with an adjustable rear sight and a 4.5-pound trigger so users can maximize their accuracy. The pistol utilizes a surface-hardening treatment that is corrosion and wear resistant. For more information, visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.
Kahr TP45XL Gen2 Premium Series
The TP45XL Gen2 Premium Series completely revamps how you think of Kahr pistols. This is a full-sized pistol with a 6-inch barrel and compensator. New features include an enhanced trigger with a 30-percent shorter pull distance than Gen1 pistols, plus the slide is machined to accept a reflex sight that can be co-witnessed with the taller front and rear sights. The magazine release is reversible, and an accessory rail is built into the dust cover. For more information, visit kahr.com or call 508-795-3919.
MAC 1911 Bullseye
From the BoMar-style adjustable rear sight and wide magazine well to the ramped, match-grade, 6-inch barrel and skeletonized combat trigger, the MAC 1911 Bullseye from Metro Arms is all set up to shoot the black out of any target. The forward and rear slide serrations are wide, offering a sure grip for easy manipulations, and the frontstrap is checkered for enhanced control. Blued and hard-chrome versions of the Bullseye are available. For more information, call 732-493-0333 or visit eagleimportsinc.com.
Sig P226 X-Five E Classic
The Sig Sauer P226 X-Five E Classic in 9mm or .40 S&W delivers cutting-edge performance for the demanding shooter. Performance- enhancing upgrades pair with an ergonomic walnut grip to make this a truly classic competitive pistol. Standard features include a user-adjustable trigger, fully adjustable target sights, an accessory rail, and an aluminum jet funnel and magazine base. For more information, visit sigsauer.com or call 603-610-3000.
Magnum Research Desert Eagle Mark XIX
The Desert Eagle Mark XIX is one heck of a mega-sized powerhouse. This particular .50 AE pistol is made of stainless steel. The 6-inch barrel features an integral muzzle brake to tame this beast by controlling muzzle flip and reducing felt recoil. Also new are top and bottom rails to mount optics or accessories. For more information, call 508-635-4273 or visit magnumresearch.com.
Rock Island Armory PRO Match Ultra
Made in the Philippines, the PRO Match Ultra is designed for competition or tactical duty. This is a rugged, target-grade pistol with a 6-inch, stainless steel barrel that is fully ramped, a full guide rod, an extended beavertail, an enlarged thumb safety and a beveled magazine well. The trigger pull is set at the factory between 4 and 6 pounds. For more information, visit us.armscor.com or call 775-537-1444.
Smith & Wesson M&P9L Pro Series C.O.R.E.
The M&P9L Pro Series C.O.R.E. (Competition Optics Ready Equipment) comes out of the box ready for competition. The slide is machined to accept a variety of popular reflex sights, and the iron sights are taller than standard sights so that they can be co-witnessed with the reflex sight. The trigger is set at the factory for a crisp 4.5-pound pull. For more information, call 800-331-0852 or visit smith-wesson.com.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 Pro Series
Combining the rock-solid performance of the M&P9 platform with the enhanced ballistics and accuracy potential of a longer barrel and slide, the M&P9 Pro Series from S&W is definitely on target. With a 17+1 capacity of 9mm ammo, the pistol features a 5-inch barrel and an overall length of 8.5 inches. A fiber-optic green front sight enhances targeting, and the smooth striker-fired operating mechanism delivers clean trigger pulls. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.
Walther PPQ M2
The ergonomics of the PPQ M2 make it feel like it’ll melt into your hand. The long-slide model features a 5-inch barrel. The slide has six oblong relief cuts on top. The interchangeable backstraps come in three sizes—small, medium and large—so the PPQ M2 can be adapted to fit any hand size. The trigger has a consistent 5.6-pound pull with a 0.1-inch reset. For more information, visit waltherarms.com or call 479-242-8500.
