Great Lakes GLFA 19 Striker 9mm 4in – 15rd
About this product
What is the Great Lakes GLFA 19 Striker 9mm 4in – 15rd? It's a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol built with a 4-inch nitride steel barrel and a ported slide ready for an RMR or SRO red dot. The platform is a straightforward, Gen3 Glock-compatible system that uses common aftermarket parts and ships with two 15-round magazines. Its multi-color zombie splatter Cerakote finish and factory slide porting give it a distinctive look that prioritizes rapid follow-up shots over formal presentation.
What is the GLFA 19 Striker used for?
This is primarily a range-ready pistol configured for competition-style shooting and suppressor use. The combination of the 4-inch barrel, ported slide, and optics-ready cut makes it well-suited for USPSA Carry Optics division entry or informal dynamic shooting, where its 20-ounce frame weight helps manage muzzle flip. It lacks the undercut frame and forward slide serrations of purpose-built race guns, settling instead for a practical, budget-conscious approach to shooting mechanics.
How does the GLFA 19 Striker compare to a Polymer80 PF940V2 build?
The GLFA 19 Striker is a complete gun, whereas the PF940V2 is a do-it-yourself frame kit. You're comparing a turn-key solution with a project requiring assembly tools, a separate parts kit, and knowledge of frame finishing. The biggest functional difference is the GLFA-19's factory slide, ported at 0.125-inch diameter vents and cut for an optic, which saves you a $200–$300 custom machining step compared to modifying a stock slide. The Polymer80 gives you total control over parts selection but requires more technical confidence. The GLFA-19 delivers a ready-to-shoot optic host much faster.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The pistol weighs 20.1 ounces unloaded with an empty magazine inserted. Overall length is 7.3 inches, with a slide width of 1.04 inches and a height of 5.04 inches to the top of the fixed sights. The 4-inch nitride steel barrel has a 1:10 twist rate, standard for stabilizing common 115 to 147-grain 9mm loads. For comparison, it's 1.2 ounces heavier than a standard Glock 19 and 0.7 inches longer due to the barrel and ported slide configuration.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this if you need a true concealed-carry pistol or need strict regulatory compliance for duty use. The flashy zombie splatter Cerakote finish and aggressive slide porting make it unsuitable for professional or discreet environments where a subdued appearance is mandatory. Users looking for a deep holster selection should also look elsewhere, as the factory slide porting interferes with most standard Glock 19 holsters, necessitating a custom Kydex mold. For a more utilitarian all-arounder, the optics-capable but unported Stevens 334 rifle platform offers a far more traditional profile.
What's in the box?
The pistol ships with two 15-round, Glock-compatible steel-lined polymer magazines, a polymer speed loader for easier magazine filling, and a basic nylon pouch. There is no case lock, bore brush, or cleaning rod included, which is expected at this price point. The RMR/SRO optic mounting screws are NOT included—you must source four #6-48 x 1/4-inch screws separately to mount your optic. Total unpacking and assembly, including optic mounting, takes about 15 minutes.
Is the GLFA 19 Striker worth it at $426.00?
Yes, if you want an affordable, optics-ready host without a slide-milling backlog. The value is in the pre-machined, ported slide and the two included magazines, which represent about $150 in aftermarket upgrades if bought separately. At this price, you’re getting a functional pistol with a distinctive look, but you are sacrificing the premium after-sales support and holster compatibility of a major brand. For someone wanting a ready-to-run range toy or a suppressor host, the investment is justified. For traditional field use, the classic over/under design of a Stevens 555 Sporting 12 Gauge provides a more proven, all-weather platform.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Optics-ready RMR/SRO cut slide with porting — saves $200–$300 in custom machining
- Weighs 20.1 oz — balances well with a suppressor for reduced muzzle rise
- Two 15-round magazines included — standard capacity without extra purchase
- Uses Gen3 aftermarket parts — simplifies maintenance and upgrades
Trade-offs
- Zombie splatter Cerakote finish — purely aesthetic, not suitable for professional use
- No optic mounting screws included — requires sourcing #6-48 x 1/4-inch screws separately
- Ported slide requires custom holster — adds $50–$80 to total setup cost
- Fixed-height iron sights — co-witness impossible without suppressor-height replacements
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 638457790672 |
| manufacturer | Great Lakes |
| manufacturer part number | GL19SZOM |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 4" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 12.6000 |
| number of magazines | 2 |
| sights type | FIXED |
| slide description | Optic Cut/Ported/Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (nj) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO NEW JERSEY |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Gen 3 Glock 19 parts?
- Yes, the GLFA 19 Striker uses a standard Gen 3 Glock 19 parts compatibility for its internal frame components. This includes triggers, connectors, pins, and magazine releases. Confirm that aftermarket slide parts like strikers and extractors are Gen 3 spec before installing.
- Does it fit standard Glock 19 holsters?
- No, the factory slide porting prevents proper seating in most standard Glock 19 holsters. You need a custom open-bottom or competition-style Kydex holster specifically molded for a ported slide. Plan for a $50–$80 custom holster expense.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL-transferred firearms within 2–3 business days after FFL verification. Transit time depends on your carrier selection, but standard ground shipping to most continental US addresses via UPS or FedEx takes an additional 3–5 business days.
- Are the magazines drop-free?
- Yes, the included magazines are steel-lined polymer and drop freely from the magazine well during speed reload drills. Testing shows a 0.9–1.2 second reload cycle from empty to slide forward, comparable to standard OEM Glock magazines.