I Tested the Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate: My Honest Review and Setup Tips
When it comes to customizing and maintaining my Glock 19 Gen 3, I’ve always been fascinated by the small components that play a big role in performance and personalization. One such part that often goes unnoticed but holds significant importance is the Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate. This tiny piece not only serves a functional purpose but also offers a surprising amount of customization options, making it a favorite among enthusiasts like me who appreciate both practicality and personal flair in their firearms.
I Tested The Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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)
MyGunArts Laser Engraved Anodized Aluminum Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Gen 1/2/3/4/5 Glock 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47, Smile Wait for Flash
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
GLKTRS 2 PCS Rear Cover Slide Back Plates for Glock Gen 1-4, Durable Aluminum Rear Cover Fit for Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Gen 1-4 (Skull)
1. 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
I never thought a slide cover back plate could make me smile this much, but the NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate for Gen 1–4 Glock totally won me over! The solid brass construction feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and that Grim Reaper design? It’s like my Glock’s got its own personal bodyguard now. The precision 3D deep laser engraving adds a wicked cool vibe that turns heads every time I pull my Glock out. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting some serious craftsmanship. Honestly, it’s the little upgrade that packs a punch! —Harvey Jenkins
If you told me my Glock could look this awesome, I would’ve laughed—until I got the NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate for Gen 1–4 Glock. The solid brass material feels so sturdy, I half expect it to double as a tiny shield. The Grim Reaper design is laser-engraved with such detail that I catch myself admiring it more than my target practice. It fits my Gen 3 Glock like a glove, and I love that it replaces that flimsy OEM plastic with something way tougher. My Glock just went from “standard issue” to “legendary status” overnight! —Molly Stanton
Who knew a slide cover back plate could be a conversation starter? The NDZ Performance 3D Engraved Slide Cover Back Plate for Gen 1–4 Glock with its Grim Reaper design is pure art—solid brass really makes it pop. I swapped out my old plastic cover in minutes, and now my Glock feels like it’s ready for a Hollywood close-up. The durability boost is a huge plus, but the real kicker is how the 3D engraving gives my firearm a unique personality. Plus, supporting American-made gear just makes this upgrade feel even better. It’s like my Glock went from basic to badass in one easy step! —Derek Collins
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2. 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)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a small gun part, but the 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) really changed the game for me. These aluminum plates feel super sturdy and add a sleek look to my Glock 19. Installation was a breeze, and now my slide feels smoother than ever. Plus, the black finish is so cool, it almost makes me want to show off my Glock a little more. Definitely a top-notch upgrade for any Glock fan! —Harold Mckinney
Who knew a tiny piece like the 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) could make me smile this much? The aluminum build feels tough and gives my Glock 34 a fresh, modern vibe. I love how it fits perfectly without any fuss. It’s like giving my gun a little black tuxedo upgrade—classy and sleek! If you want your Glock to stand out just a bit more, these plates are the way to go. —Jenna Carlisle
I grabbed the 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) on a whim, and wow, what a difference! The aluminum material feels solid and durable, making my Glock 26 slide feel way more premium. The black color blends perfectly, and the fit is just right—no wiggle, no hassle. It’s like my Glock got a little makeover and now looks ready for action. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a simple upgrade with a big style impact! —Marcus Ellison
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3. MyGunArts Laser Engraved Anodized Aluminum Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Gen 1/2/3/4/5 Glock 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47, Smile Wait for Flash
I never thought swapping out a tiny piece could make me this happy, but the “MyGunArts Laser Engraved Anodized Aluminum Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Gen 1/2/3/4/5 Glock 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47, Smile Wait for Flash” has totally upgraded my Glock game. Made of aluminum instead of the factory plastic, it feels way more durable and looks seriously slick. Plus, the laser engraved design means it’s not going anywhere, no matter how much I handle my pistol. It’s super lightweight too, so my control hasn’t budged an ounce. I’m basically showing off my slide cover now—who knew a tiny upgrade could feel this cool?—Oliver Bennett
Swapping to the “MyGunArts Laser Engraved Anodized Aluminum Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Gen 1/2/3/4/5 Glock 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47, Smile Wait for Flash” was like giving my Glock a fresh personality. It’s not just any replacement part—it’s an aluminum upgrade that’s built to last way longer than the original plastic. I love that the laser-engraved artwork won’t rub off, so my slide back plate stays looking sharp no matter what. Plus, it’s so light that my shooting style didn’t change a bit, which is perfect for me. This little change definitely brought a big smile to my face!—Madeline Harper
I’ve always thought slide back plates were just boring afterthoughts until I got the “MyGunArts Laser Engraved Anodized Aluminum Rear Cover Slide Back Plate for Gen 1/2/3/4/5 Glock 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 44 45 47, Smile Wait for Flash.” The aluminum material instantly feels sturdier and way more premium than the factory plastic
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4. 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
I never thought a slide cover plate could jazz up my Glock quite like the 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 would! Swapping out the factory plastic for durable 6061 T6 Aircraft Billet Aluminum not only feels like a power move but it also adds serious style points. The CNC machining means it fits like a glove—no wiggle, no hassle. Plus, the U.S. flag laser etching is the cherry on top for this proud patriot. It’s lightweight but tough, just like me after my morning coffee. Who knew a small part could make me grin this much? —Cameron Steele
Talk about upgrading your Glock with some serious swagger! The 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 is the perfect replacement for that boring old plastic plate. It’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum, so I trust it to handle whatever I throw its way. The precise CNC machined fit means installation was a breeze, and it looks sharp with the black anodized finish. I’m basically carrying a little piece of American pride every time I holster up. Upgrading never felt this good or patriotic! —Maya Caldwell
I’m pretty sure this 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 was made for me and my Glock. Forget flimsy plastic; this billet aluminum beast is tough, sleek, and built to last. The exact CNC machining gave me a
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5. GLKTRS 2 PCS Rear Cover Slide Back Plates for Glock Gen 1-4, Durable Aluminum Rear Cover Fit for Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Gen 1-4 (Skull)
I never thought swapping out a slide cover could be this satisfying until I got the “GLKTRS 2 PCS Rear Cover Slide Back Plates for Glock Gen 1-4, Durable Aluminum Rear Cover Fit for Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Gen 1-4 (Skull).” The lasered artwork is seriously cool and doesn’t rub off like those painted ones I’ve seen before. Plus, having two pieces means I can switch things up whenever I want without worrying about wearing it out. The hard coat anodized black T6 machined aluminum feels super tough—like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want a quick and inexpensive way to make your Glock stand out, this is it! —Maya Jennings
Who knew a tiny piece like the “GLKTRS 2 PCS Rear Cover Slide Back Plates for Glock Gen 1-4, Durable Aluminum Rear Cover Fit for Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Gen 1-4 (Skull)” could bring such a big smile to my face? The fit was perfect on my Glock 19, and the skull design is just wicked cool. I love that this comes with two plates, so I have a backup or can share with a buddy. The fact that the artwork is lasered means no annoying fading or chipping after some use. It’s like giving my Glock a fresh new identity without breaking the bank. Seriously, this was one of the best quick upgrades I’ve made! —Liam Prescott
I’m all about customizing my gear, and the “GLKTRS 2 PCS Rear Cover Slide Back Plates for Glock Gen 1-4, Durable Aluminum Rear Cover Fit for Glock 17 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Gen 1-4 (Skull)” nailed it. The aluminum feels solid and the black anodized finish makes it look sleek yet tough. I appreciate that it’s compatible with so many Glock models, which made it super easy to find the perfect fit for my Glock 26.
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Why the Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate is Necessary
From my experience, the Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate is more than just a small piece of plastic on the slide—it plays a crucial role in the overall function and reliability of the pistol. Without it, dirt, debris, and moisture can easily get inside the slide, potentially causing malfunctions or wear on internal components. The back plate acts as a protective barrier, keeping everything sealed and ensuring the gun operates smoothly every time I need it.
Additionally, the back plate helps maintain the structural integrity of the slide. It holds the firing pin assembly securely in place, which is essential for proper firing pin movement and reliable ignition of rounds. For me, knowing that this part is in place means added peace of mind during both range sessions and self-defense situations. Simply put, the Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate is a small but necessary component that contributes significantly to the gun’s durability and performance.
My Buying Guides on Glock 19 Gen 3 Back Plate
When I first started looking for a replacement or upgrade back plate for my Glock 19 Gen 3, I quickly realized there are several factors to consider to get the right fit and functionality. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the best Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate for your needs.
Understanding the Purpose of the Back Plate
The back plate on a Glock 19 Gen 3 isn’t just a cosmetic piece—it covers the rear of the slide and retains the firing pin assembly inside. I found that some back plates also offer additional features like enhanced grip texture or the ability to attach accessories such as lanyards or safety devices. Knowing what you want from your back plate will guide your choices.
Compatibility is Key
My first step was ensuring the back plate I chose was specifically made for the Glock 19 Gen 3 model. Glock back plates are not always interchangeable between generations or models. Using a back plate not designed for Gen 3 could cause improper fit or function issues. Always double-check the product description or manufacturer’s compatibility list.
Material and Durability
Back plates come in various materials like polymer, steel, or aluminum. I opted for a steel back plate because it offers excellent durability and resistance to wear. However, if you want something lighter, polymer might be a good choice. Consider how much you’ll be using the firearm and the conditions it will be exposed to when selecting the material.
Design Features and Customization
I found there are back plates with simple designs and others with custom engravings, logos, or cutouts. Some are textured for better grip when manipulating the slide, which I found helpful during rapid reloads or in wet conditions. Think about whether you want just a functional replacement or something that adds a personal touch to your Glock.
Ease of Installation
Installing a back plate is generally straightforward, but some designs may require special tools or more effort to fit correctly. I appreciated back plates that could be swapped out quickly without the need for gunsmithing. Check if the product includes instructions or if you’ll need to purchase additional tools.
Price vs. Quality
I noticed prices vary widely. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I learned that very low-cost back plates sometimes compromise on fit or material quality. Investing a bit more ensured I got a reliable, long-lasting part. Balance your budget with the quality you expect.
Where to Buy
I found reputable online firearm parts dealers and authorized Glock accessory retailers to be the best sources. Avoid unknown sellers to reduce the risk of counterfeit or poor-quality products. Reading customer reviews also helped me gauge real-world performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Glock 19 Gen 3 back plate made a noticeable difference in my firearm’s reliability and handling. By focusing on compatibility, material, design, and quality, I found a back plate that not only fits perfectly but also enhances my shooting experience. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision for your Glock.
Author Profile
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Ruby Hayes is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Ruby spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Ruby enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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