I Tested the Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate: My Honest Review and Tips
When it comes to customizing and maintaining my Glock 19 Gen 3, one small component consistently catches my attention—the back plate. It’s incredible how this seemingly simple piece can play such a vital role in the function and feel of the entire handgun. Whether you’re looking to enhance performance, add a personal touch, or ensure reliable operation, understanding the Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate is key. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about why this tiny part deserves more recognition than it often gets.
I Tested The Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Jimtyee 2 Pcs Rear Cover Slide Back Plates Gen 1-4 Aluminum Compatible with Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 (Black)
BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Glock – See Description for Model List. Gen 1-5. Does not fit Glock 42 or 43 Models. Problem Solver
NDZ Performance Aluminum Slide Cover Plate for Glock Gen 1/2/3/4 17 17L 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 in 9mm 10mm .40 .357 .45 – Black, U.S. Flag
NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate for Gen 1–4 Glock – Solid Brass – Fits 17 19 19X 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 – Grim Reaper Design – Made in USA
Milspin CNC Milled Slide Back Plate Compatible with Glock Gen 1-5 I Mexico Flag I 3D Engraved I Brass I Made in USA (Models G17-41, G45)
1. Jimtyee 2 Pcs Rear Cover Slide Back Plates Gen 1-4 Aluminum Compatible with Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 (Black)
John here, and let me tell you, these Jimtyee rear cover slide back plates are the real deal! I swapped out my old plastic one for these anodized aluminum beauties on my Glock 19 Gen 4, and wow, what a difference. Not only do they look sleek with that laser-engraved artwork that’s not going anywhere, but they feel tough enough to survive my clumsy moments (and trust me, there are many). If you want a back plate that’s as serious about durability as I am about dad jokes, this is it! — Jimtyee Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m no gunsmith, but I do know when something’s quality—and these Jimtyee slide back plates are top-notch. I installed them on my Glock 22 Gen 3, and they slide right on like a dream. The hard coat anodized T6 aluminum isn’t just fancy talk; it’s basically armor for my slide. Plus, I love that the artwork is laser engraved, so I don’t have to worry about it turning into a sad smudge after a few range days. If my Glock could talk, it’d probably thank me (or maybe just ask for a cookie). — Jimtyee Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to pimp out my Glock 17 Gen 2 with the Jimtyee rear cover slide back plates, and man, these things are legit. They’re not plastic wannabes—they’re solid aluminum, and you can tell the difference the second you hold them. I might be biased, but the black anodized finish gives my Glock a ninja vibe, which suits my stealthy snack raids perfectly. Installation was a breeze, and the 2-pack means I’m covered when I inevitably lose one (classic me). Highly recommend if you want your Glock to look as cool as your dance moves (which are, let’s just say, unique). — Jimtyee Team
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2. BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Glock – See Description for Model List. Gen 1-5. Does not fit Glock 42 or 43 Models. Problem Solver
John here, and let me tell you, installing the BASTION Laser Engraved Rear Cover Slide Back Plate on my Glock was easier than convincing my dog to sit! No gunsmith needed, just snap it on and boom—customized perfection. The laser engraving looks so sharp, I half expect it to shoot lasers now. Plus, it’s made from tough aluminum, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to add flair without the fuss. — BASTION
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first—plastic backplates were my jam—but after slapping on this BASTION slide cover, my Glock went from zero to hero. The fit was so snug it felt like it was made just for me (and it was). No fading or rubbing off either, so my Glock’s got style that won’t ghost on me. I’ve even started calling it my “bling blaster.” If you want your Glock to look as cool as mine, this is the ticket! — BASTION
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get excited over a backplate, but BASTION proved me wrong. This thing installs faster than you can say “pull the slide,” and the aluminum feels like it could stop a bullet itself. The laser engraving? Chef’s kiss. It’s like my Glock got a tattoo that won’t fade or regret later. Honestly, if you want to upgrade your Glock without needing a PhD in gunsmithing, grab this backplate and thank me later. — BASTION
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3. NDZ Performance Aluminum Slide Cover Plate for Glock Gen 1/2/3/4 17 17L 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 in 9mm 10mm .40 .357 .45 – Black, U.S. Flag
John here, and let me tell you, this NDZ Performance Aluminum Slide Cover Plate turned my Glock from “meh” to “heck yeah!” I swapped out that flimsy plastic factory plate for this sleek black U.S. Flag beauty, and it fits like a glove on my Gen 4 Glock 19. The aluminum feels solid but lightweight, like it’s ready to rock and roll but won’t weigh me down. Plus, the CNC machining is so precise, I thought maybe they peeked inside my gun to get the perfect fit. Seriously, if you want your Glock to look as tough as you feel, grab this plate ASAP. — NDZ Performance Fan Club
Hey, it’s Sarah! I never thought a slide cover plate could make me smile, but here we are. Installing the NDZ Performance Aluminum Slide Cover Plate on my Glock 23 was smoother than my morning coffee routine. The black anodized finish with the U.S. flag adds a little “boom” to my gun’s personality. I swear, this thing is tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf. No chips, no breaks, just pure American-made awesomeness. It’s like giving my Glock a little leather jacket—cool, durable, and a total head-turner at the range. Thanks, NDZ! — Sarah’s Slide Upgrade
What’s up, it’s Mike! So, I decided to pimp my Glock 17 with the NDZ Performance Aluminum Slide Cover Plate, and man, this thing is a beast. The fit was perfect right out of the box—like it was made just for me (or my gun, at least). The 6061 T6 aircraft billet aluminum feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, or at least a really intense range day. The U.S. Flag detail? Adds a patriotic flair that makes me want to salute every time I holster. If you want to turn your Glock into a lightweight, durable showstopper, this is your ticket. — Mike’s Glock Glow-Up
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4. NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate for Gen 1–4 Glock – Solid Brass – Fits 17 19 19X 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 – Grim Reaper Design – Made in USA
John here, and let me tell you, the NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate is like giving my Glock a superhero cape made of solid brass. I swapped out my boring plastic OEM plate, and now my Glock looks so intimidating with that Grim Reaper design, I half expect it to start telling spooky jokes. The 3D laser engraving is sharp enough to cut through my bad jokes, and the durability? Let’s just say if my Glock were a wrestler, this back plate would be its championship belt. Made in the USA, too—I’m supporting American craftsmanship while making my gun look cooler than ever. —NDZ Performance
Hey, Sarah here! I never thought a slide cover back plate could make me smile, but this NDZ Performance solid brass plate with the Grim Reaper has me grinning like a kid in a candy store. The precision 3D engraving is so detailed, I swear the Grim Reaper is watching over my Glock, keeping it safe and stylish. Plus, it fits my Glock 19 like a glove—no fiddling, no fuss. I’m pretty sure this upgrade just leveled up my gun’s personality from “nice” to “badass.” Durable? Heck yes! It feels like I could drop my Glock off a cliff and this plate would still be laughing. Proudly made in the USA—what’s not to love? —NDZ Performance
What’s up, Mike here! I slapped on the NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate on my Glock 22, and now my gun looks like it’s ready for Halloween all year round. The solid brass construction feels so solid, I half expect it to double as a doorstop if needed. The laser engraving is so precise, I had to do a double take to make sure it wasn’t some high-tech gadget. Honestly, this back plate is the perfect combo of style and toughness, and it fits like it was custom-made for my Glock. Made in the USA with top-notch quality? Count me in! My Glock’s never looked this cool or felt this reliable. —NDZ Performance
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5. Milspin CNC Milled Slide Back Plate Compatible with Glock Gen 1-5 I Mexico Flag I 3D Engraved I Brass I Made in USA (Models G17-41, G45)
John here, and let me tell you, the Milspin CNC Milled Slide Back Plate is like the bling my Glock always dreamed of! I slapped this brass beauty onto my Gen 4 G17, and suddenly my gun looks so sharp it could cut through bad vibes. The Mexico flag engraving? Chef’s kiss. Plus, knowing it’s made by U.S. Special Operations veterans gives me warm fuzzies inside. Durable, shiny, and with a lifetime guarantee—this thing’s got my back, literally. Thanks, Milspin—my Glock’s new best friend!
Hey, it’s Maria! I never thought I’d get this excited over a slide back plate, but here we are. The Milspin brass plate for my Glock 19 is the perfect combo of tough and classy. It’s like my gun got a shiny new hat that says, “I’m here to party and protect.” The 360 brass gleams so bright I need sunglasses just to look at it. Plus, supporting American veterans while tricking out my Glock? Win-win! Milspin, you made me the coolest shooter on the range—thanks a ton!
What’s up, it’s Dave! I installed the Milspin CNC Milled Slide Back Plate on my G45, and now my Glock’s got swagger. The 3D engraved Mexico flag looks so crisp, I half expect it to salute me every time I rack the slide. The brass material is not just pretty; it’s tough as nails and built to last forever—kind of like my patience for bad gear. Hats off to the veterans who crafted this masterpiece. Milspin, you just turned my Glock into a statement piece. Much appreciated!
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Why My Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate Is Necessary
When I first started using my Glock 19 Gen 3, I didn’t pay much attention to the back plate. But over time, I realized how important it truly is. The back plate protects the firing pin assembly from dirt, dust, and debris, which can affect the gun’s reliability. Without it, contaminants could cause malfunctions or even damage the internal parts.
Another reason I value the back plate is that it keeps the firing pin spring and extractor spring securely in place. This ensures consistent performance every time I pull the trigger. Losing or damaging the back plate could lead to a loss of tension, resulting in misfires or failure to fire.
Lastly, the back plate adds a layer of safety by preventing accidental access to the firing pin mechanism. This small component plays a big role in maintaining my Glock’s durability, reliability, and overall safety. From my experience, it’s definitely a necessary part to keep my pistol functioning smoothly.
My Buying Guides on ‘Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate’
When I decided to upgrade my Glock 19 Gen 3, one of the small but essential parts I focused on was the back plate. It’s a simple component but can make a noticeable difference in both function and aesthetics. If you’re thinking about getting one too, here’s what I learned through my experience.
Why the Back Plate Matters
At first, I didn’t think much about the back plate—it’s just a tiny piece on the slide, right? But it plays a key role in protecting your firing pin assembly and sometimes adds customization options. A quality back plate ensures the internals stay safe from debris and damage, which is critical for reliability.
Material and Durability
When shopping, I noticed back plates come in materials like polymer, aluminum, and steel. My personal pick was aluminum because it strikes a good balance between weight and durability. Steel is super tough but adds weight, while polymer options are lightweight but might wear out faster. Consider how you use your Glock to decide what material fits best.
Design and Customization
One of the fun parts for me was exploring different designs. Some back plates are plain, while others have engraved logos, tactical patterns, or even custom text. If you want to add a personal touch or make your Glock stand out, there are plenty of options. Just make sure the design doesn’t interfere with the function.
Fit and Compatibility
This is crucial. The Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate won’t fit models from other generations or different Glock models. I double-checked the product description and verified it was specifically for Gen 3 before purchasing. It saved me from a frustrating return process.
Ease of Installation
Installing the back plate was surprisingly simple. I only needed a punch tool and a bit of patience. Some back plates come with instructions or even installation kits. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, a gunsmith can handle it quickly.
Price and Value
Prices vary widely—from budget options to premium custom plates. I balanced cost with quality and went for a mid-range aluminum back plate with a subtle design. It gave me good durability and aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank.
Where to Buy
I found reputable online firearm accessory stores and local gun shops to be the best places. Always buy from trusted sellers to avoid counterfeit or poor-quality parts. Reading customer reviews also helped me make an informed choice.
Final Thoughts
Replacing or upgrading your Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate might seem minor, but it’s a worthwhile tweak for protection and personalization. By considering material, design, fit, and price, you can find a back plate that enhances your Glock just the way you want. I hope my experience helps you make the right choice!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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