NDZ Performance is known for precision-machined, American-made firearm upgrades. This comprehensive Glock 43X P365 slide upgrade guide breaks down the latest drop: four new slide + barrel combos built for serious shooters and customizers. We walk through the features, show you how to install them, and reveal how you can win a complete build—free. For more upgrade options, check out our complete Glock parts collection and P365 specific parts. Giveaway launches June 30, 2025. Full details below.

I’m Justin, and I’ve been machining these parts for years. Every cut serves a purpose. Every tolerance matters. If you’re tired of factory limitations and want a Glock 43X P365 slide upgrade that performs as hard as it looks, this guide is for you.

Before we dive into features, let’s talk reality. Factory slides work—they’re reliable, proven platforms. Glock and SIG Sauer didn’t build their reputations on junk. But they’re also built to the lowest common denominator. Mass production means compromises. When you’re ready to push beyond those compromises, that’s where NDZ comes in. We’re not reinventing the wheel. We’re perfecting it.

NDZ Slide + Barrel Combo Overview

Two platforms. Two distinct approaches. Both engineered for shooters who don’t settle for stock. Whether you’re looking for a P365 slide upgrade or Glock 43X slide upgrade, we’ve engineered solutions that deliver measurable performance improvements across both popular concealed carry platforms.

Cerebus Slide Features (Glock 43X & P365)

The Cerebus isn’t subtle—it’s built to manage recoil and look aggressive doing it. Available for both Glock 43X and P365 platforms with platform-specific optimizations.

Top Porting for Recoil Control: Vents pressure upward to keep the muzzle flat under fire. Real-world difference when you’re running rapid strings or competition stages.

Aggressive Side Window Cuts: Matches the barrel port for a unified look and reduced weight. These aren’t cosmetic—every ounce you drop from the slide helps with balance and follow-up shots.

Match-Grade Fitment: Precision cut to align perfectly with NDZ barrels. We machine every cut in-house. And we run our builds before you do.

**Enhanced Serrations**: Front and rear grip zones ensure control—even with gloves or wet hands. Deep enough to matter, not so sharp they’ll shred your holster. We cut these at 45-degree angles with .015″ depth—aggressive enough for positive grip, refined enough for daily carry.

Material and Specs: Machined from 17-4 PH stainless steel, heat-treated to 38-42 HRC for optimal durability. Weight reduction of 0.7 oz compared to factory—sounds small, but you’ll feel the difference in balance and recoil impulse. Industry testing shows even minor weight reductions in reciprocating parts significantly impact felt recoil. Nitride finish provides corrosion resistance and reduces friction.

Pros:

• Maximum recoil control from top ports
• Aggressive aesthetics that match performance
• Proven design with competition shooters

Cons:

• More complex cleaning around ports
• Not ideal for concealed carry due to profile

Achilles Slide Features (Glock 43X & P365)

The Achilles takes a cleaner approach—performance without the port complexity. Engineered for both Glock 43X and P365 with identical quality standards across platforms.

Clean Front, Deep Rear Cut: No front port. Sleek design prioritizes window depth and frame compatibility. Better for everyday carry where you want performance without the flash.

Optimized Ventilation: Window cuts align to maintain barrel visibility and weight reduction. Strategic material removal that doesn’t compromise structural integrity.

Colorway Highlight: Spectrum finish with gold barrel pops hard—ideal for show builds or photo setups. But don’t let the looks fool you—this thing runs. Tactical communities sometimes dismiss aesthetic upgrades, but form and function aren’t mutually exclusive when done right.

Same Match Fitment: Built with the same tolerances and drop-in compatibility as the Cerebus. No fitting required if you follow the install right. Slide-to-frame lockup measures .002″ maximum—tighter than factory spec but not so tight it binds under adverse conditions.

Weight and Balance: The Achilles drops 0.5 oz from factory weight while maintaining structural integrity. Strategic material removal focuses on non-critical areas—window cuts are positioned to avoid stress concentration points that could cause cracking under heavy use.

Pros:

• Cleaner profile for concealed carry
• Easier maintenance without ports
• Stunning finish combinations available

Cons:

• Less aggressive recoil management than ported version
• May not satisfy shooters wanting maximum flash suppression

“I’ve installed hundreds of these combos. The difference between a proper install and a rush job comes down to patience and the right sequence. Take your time on the first one.”Justin, NDZ Performance

Full Install Walkthrough

This isn’t rocket science, but it’s not Legos either. Follow the sequence. Use the right tools. Don’t force anything. For additional installation guidance, reference our complete installation guides.

Slide Parts Kit Setup

Bench Prep: Always work on a flat surface—small springs and cups are easy to lose. I use a towel with raised edges. Learned that lesson the hard way when a firing pin cup disappeared into my shop floor. Good lighting matters too. You’re working with small parts that need to seat precisely. A cheap LED work light beats squinting under overhead fixtures.

Tool Requirements: You’ll need a 3/32″ punch, Glock tool (or similar), and needle-nose pliers. Additionally, quality matters here—cheap punches bend, cheap pliers slip. Brownells or Wheeler tools work well. Budget 30-45 minutes for your first install, 15 minutes once you’ve done a few.

Firing Pin Assembly: Step-by-step build of the pin, spring, and cups—key for clean ignition. First, the firing pin spring goes over the pin, then the cups nest inside each other. Furthermore, the smaller cup goes toward the firing pin tip.

Common Mistake Prevention: Misaligned cups cause light primer strikes. This guide shows how to seat them right. Specifically, the cups should sit flush and even. However, if one side is higher, you’ve got it wrong. Moreover, another common error involves forcing the firing pin spring. It should compress smoothly without binding. If it fights you, check cup alignment before proceeding.

Safety Check: Before moving to the next step, verify firing pin protrusion. It should extend .055-.065″ beyond the breech face when the trigger is pulled. Too little and you get light strikes. Conversely, too much creates slam-fire risks. Therefore, this measurement matters—don’t skip it. Safety protocols exist for good reason, especially when modifying carry guns.

Extractor & Plunger Assembly

Plunger Spring Fitment: Twist-lock into place for reliable tension. Importantly, the spring has a specific orientation—the tighter coils go toward the plunger bearing. Don’t guess on this one.

Extractor Drop-In: Proper sequencing ensures nothing binds. First, extractor goes in, then the plunger from underneath. You’ll feel it click when it’s seated right.

Glock Tool Use: Demonstrates where and how to apply pressure safely. The Glock tool isn’t just for disassembly—use it to depress the plunger while seating the extractor. Saves your fingers and prevents slippage.

Rear Plate & Final Assembly

NDZ Rear Plate Install: Our AT rear plate in gold—deep serrations for grip and style. The plate should slide in easily. However, if you’re forcing it, something’s not aligned properly.

Barrel and Guide Rod Drop-In: Barrel installs at a 45°, guide rod locks into lug. Meanwhile, the barrel hood should sit flush against the chamber face when locked up. No gaps, no binding.

Spring Weight Callout: 15lb recommended for Glock 43 builds to improve cycle timing. Factory springs work, but the 15lb setup gives more consistent ejection with aftermarket barrels. Additionally, heavier springs also help with +P loads if that’s your preference. Don’t go below 13lb—you’ll start getting erratic cycling and increased wear.

Function Test: Before calling it complete, run a full function check. The trigger should break clean with proper reset. Furthermore, slide should cycle smoothly by hand—no binding, no excessive play. Drop the slide on an empty chamber several times. Everything should move like butter. However, if something feels off, find it now, not at the range.

🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT

Win a Complete NDZ Build Package

Full slide + barrel combo + all internals
Entry opens June 30, 2025
Follow NDZ on all platforms for maximum entries

Final Build Outcome

Aesthetic Match: Copper slide + gold barrel = high-contrast, high-impact. This isn’t a subtle upgrade. It’s a statement piece that happens to perform exceptionally well.

Performance Focused: Slide cuts reduce weight and help recoil control. You’ll notice the difference immediately—faster sight recovery, more controlled muzzle movement, better balance overall.

Built to Run: Every cut and part serves a purpose. No fluff. Just function. These aren’t safe queens. They’re built for shooters who actually shoot.

The Cerebus excels in competition settings where recoil management matters most. The Achilles shines for carry applications where you want performance without drawing attention. Both deliver the precision machining and fit NDZ is known for.

Real-World Performance: I’ve run both setups through extensive testing. The Cerebus reduces muzzle rise by approximately 15% compared to factory—measurable difference when running competitive drills or transitions. The Achilles maintains nearly the same sight picture recovery while offering better concealability. Both platforms show improved brass ejection consistency, typically landing in a 6-foot zone at 4 o’clock.

Customer Feedback: “Installed the Cerebus last month. Night and day difference in recoil management. Follow-up shots are noticeably faster.” – Mike R., USPSA competitor. “The Achilles is perfect for carry. Looks custom but doesn’t scream aftermarket.” – Sarah K., concealed carry instructor. These aren’t isolated comments—this feedback represents hundreds of builds across diverse shooting disciplines.

Giveaway Details

What’s Included: Full slide + barrel + internals + rear plate + guide rod. Everything you need for a complete upper assembly. Winner picks their platform and colorway.

Starts 6/30/25: Giveaway opens end of June. Mark your calendars. We’ll announce across all platforms simultaneously.

How to Enter: Watch the video, subscribe on YouTube, and follow NDZ on:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Winner Reveal: Announced via NDZ social channels. Stay plugged in. We don’t do email notifications—social only.

Multiple entries allowed across platforms. More follows = more chances. Simple as that.

Why Choose NDZ Performance

Made in the USA: Every slide and barrel machined in-house. We control every step of the process, from raw billet to finished product. That’s how we guarantee fitment and quality.

Built by Shooters: Designed for real-world use, not wall-hangers. I carry NDZ builds. I compete with NDZ builds. I trust my work because I use my work.

Trusted by Customizers: NDZ dominates in Glock 43X and P365 aftermarket parts. When gunsmiths and custom shops need reliable upgrades, they call us. That’s not marketing—that’s track record built over thousands of satisfied customers and competition wins.

Fast Shipping: Most orders ship same-day or next. We stock deep and ship fast. If you order before 2 PM Eastern, it’s probably going out that day. We understand the anticipation—waiting for parts when you’re ready to build is torture. That’s why we maintain inventory levels that support quick turnaround.

Quality Control: Every slide gets individual inspection before shipping. We check dimensional tolerances, finish quality, and test-fit with our barrels. Returns for manufacturing defects run under 0.5%—not because we’re perfect, but because we catch issues before they leave our shop. When something does slip through, we make it right immediately.

Ready to Upgrade?

Shop the Slide Combos:

• SHOP NOW – Glock 43/43X Achilles Slide
• SHOP NOW – SIG P365 Achilles Slide
• SHOP NOW – SIG P365 Cerberus Slide
• SHOP NOW – Glock 43/43X Cerberus Slide

Watch the Install Video: WATCH NOW

Enter the Giveaway: CLICK HERE

Don’t settle for factory when you can build better. These combos represent years of refinement and real-world testing. They’re not the cheapest option—they’re the right option for shooters who demand more from their builds.

Questions about fitment, installation, or specific applications? Hit us up. We’re shooters helping shooters build better guns.