In the previous three installments of this series, I discussed the grip work, aftermarket sights, and aftermarket trigger that I have added to my EDC Glock 19. In this final installment, I’m going to briefly discuss a couple of other aftermarket accessories, as well as one that you don’t necessarily need.

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The final changes from stock that I’ve made to my pistol are to install a Vickers Tactical Slide Stop and Vickers Tactical Gen 4 Extended Magazine Catch, both available from Tango Down. The slide stop makes it easier for me to perform routine pistol manipulations, and the magazine catch is easier for me to reach. Neither of these parts have had any negative effects on the function of the gun, and like the grip work and trigger, allow the gun to fit my hand better.

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I also want to briefly discuss something that I’m not necessarily opposed to, but is nonetheless a common aftermarket option that can range (in terms of accuracy) from false economy to noticeable improvement. Namely, match barrels.

I’ve seen advertisements from any number of manufacturers trying to sell match barrels for improved accuracy. I’ve also heard the good advice that one of the best ways to improve your overall accuracy is by simply practicing to become a better shooter. Kyle Defoor has advised that you don’t need a match barrel until you notice your groups start to open up by 50%, I believe. Ultimately, I think it comes down to how well you can shoot and how much you’re willing to spend.

Recently, the guys over at the Victory Gun Blog tested a number of different Glock barrel options using a stringent test protocol. To say that the results were surprising is an understatement. The salient finding that I want to point out here is that in the overall results, the stock Glock barrel was pretty much in the middle of the pack! What does this mean? First of all, maybe Glock knows a thing or two about barrel design. Huh, who’d of thunk it! Second, note that ammunition selection plays an important role. Third, you don’t necessarily need an aftermarket match barrel to wring the most accuracy out of your Glock. If you do, it will probably involve trying out a few different options to achieve the desired result. Listen to the recommendations of trainers that you trust, and get out and shoot your gun, with your ammo and your barrel!

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So there you have it. My interpretation of a minimalist modified Glock carry gun. Mine has everything I need, and nothing that I don’t. Are these upgrades essential? Of course not. But do they significantly improve what is already a good gun? In my mind, absolutely!