If you’ve ever considered upgrading your Glock, you’ve likely considered adding an optic. But the idea of sending your slide off for milling might feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time.
That was my perspective—until I explored C&H Precision’s slide milling service. Known for their commitment to quality and precision, C&H offers a streamlined, customer-focused process that takes the guesswork out of custom milling.
In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience sending in a Glock 17 Gen 3 slide for C&H’s milling service and review their innovative Duty Optic—a closed-emitter design that enhances accuracy, even for users with astigmatism.
This review covers everything from the order process and shipping to installation and performance, so whether you’re on the fence about milling or just curious about the Duty Optic, read on to find out if it’s worth the upgrade.
The C&H Precision Slide Milling Process: Step-by-Step
When you opt for C&H Precision’s slide milling service, you’re in for a well-organized process combining customer service and attention to detail. Here’s how it went when I sent in my Glock 17 Gen 3 slide for milling to fit the Duty Optic:
Step 1: Disassembling the Slide
The first step involves disassembling your slide, which means removing the sights and all internal components. Since C&H requires a stripped slide for milling, you’ll need to take on this task yourself. However, if disassembly isn’t your forte, C&H offers a disassembly service for an additional cost, making it accessible to all skill levels.
Step 2: Shipping the Slide
After completing the order, C&H sends you a specific address to ship your slide. The packaging is secure, and C&H provides clear instructions on how to prepare your slide for safe shipment. They prioritize streamlined communication at every step, which adds to the overall ease of use.
Step 3: Pre-Milling Call
Once C&H receives your slide, a technician from their milling department contacts you to verify your order. This personalized call ensures that all details are correct and that they understand any specific requests. Knowing they double-check the service order provides peace of mind, as you can rest assured that your slide will be handled exactly as requested.
Step 4: Milling Turnaround Time
The standard turnaround time for the milling service is about two weeks, though they offer an expedited option for an additional fee. This flexibility is ideal if you need your slide back quickly for training or carry.
Step 5: Slide Return and Signature Confirmation
Once the milling is complete, C&H Precision securely packages your slide and ships it back with a required signature for delivery. This additional step ensures that your custom-milled slide arrives safely.
C&H takes its service a step further by offering to mount any purchased optics directly onto the slide after milling. This includes adding witness marks on the mounting screws—a thoughtful detail that helps ensure a secure fit. With the milling completed, I received my slide, installed the internal components, and was ready to test its performance on the range.
C&H Precision Duty Optic: Features and First Impressions
After having my slide milled by C&H Precision, I opted to have them install their Duty Optic—a closed-emitter design built to withstand the rigors of Duty use.
Known for producing high-quality optics, C&H’s Duty Optic did not disappoint in terms of build, clarity, and ease of use. Here’s what stood out about the Duty Optic and why it’s a solid choice for those looking to elevate their pistol’s performance:
Durability and Build Quality
Constructed with a rugged one-piece CNC-machined aluminum body, the Duty Optic is designed for resilience. It’s waterproof (IPX7 rated for submersion up to one meter for 30 minutes) and 100% shockproof, capable of handling the heavy recoil of +P and +P+ ammunition.
C&H’s attention to durability makes it a reliable choice for law enforcement duty use, daily carry, and range/training use. For those concerned about environmental elements—like dust, dirt, and water—the closed-emitter design keeps the red dot protected and functioning clearly under all those conditions.
User-Friendly Brightness and Battery Features
The Duty Optic offers ten brightness levels, with the lowest two settings compatible with night vision, catering to various lighting scenarios. The motion-sensing technology activates the optic with a simple shake (or holster draw), conserving power with an auto-off feature after five minutes of inactivity.
Powered by a CR2032 battery, the optic boasts an impressive 50,000-hour battery life, meaning it can be used for extended periods without battery changes.
Performance and Visual Clarity
For anyone with astigmatism, finding a red dot that appears clear and sharp can be a challenge. The Duty Optic’s 3 MOA dot—available in red and green—offers one of the crispest displays I’ve encountered. I’d even venture to say better than my Holosun 507c. Even with a slight astigmatism, the dot is clean and clear, providing excellent accuracy and minimizing eye strain.
This level of clarity makes the Duty Optic ideal for both close-quarters and longer-distance engagements. It lets you acquire targets quickly and maintain a precise hold at various ranges. I was able to consistently ring an 11” steel plate at 50 yards with the Duty Optic. With tactile adjustments for windage and elevation, the Duty Optic can be easily zeroed, adding to its overall versatility.
Duty Optic Performance: Testing on the Range
Once my Glock 17 slide was returned, complete with the C&H Precision Duty Optic mounted, it was time to put it through its paces. After a straightforward zeroing process, I was eager to see how well the optic held up under range conditions and regular use. Here’s how it performed:
Zeroing and Adjustability
Setting up the Duty Optic was seamless. The windage and elevation adjustments feature a distinct, tactile click with each 1 MOA increment, making it easy to fine-tune for pinpoint accuracy. After a few minor adjustments, I had the optic zeroed with minimal effort.
This precise adjustability is a huge plus, especially when switching between different distances or ammunition types, allowing for quick and accurate recalibrations if necessary.
Holding Zero Under Fire
With the Duty Optic zeroed, I ran through an initial 100 rounds to test its ability to hold zero. From rapid-fire drills to controlled, longer-range shots, the optic stayed locked in place without recalibration.
Even with the recoil generated by +P ammunition, the optic maintained zero with no shifting or drifting—testament to C&H Precision’s secure mounting and rugged design.
Enhanced Accuracy and Target Acquisition
The closed-emitter design kept the red dot perfectly visible throughout my session, free from dust or environmental interference. The clarity and size of the 3 MOA dot made target acquisition almost instantaneous, allowing for faster transitions between targets.
Whether at close range or farther out, the optic helped me maintain a precise hold with less time required for sight alignment, enhancing both speed and accuracy.
As for longevity, this was just the beginning of testing, but the initial 100 rounds left a positive impression.
I will be running several thousand rounds through this setup in the coming months to assess the optic’s long-term durability and reliability under sustained use.
However, based on this initial experience, the Duty Optic lives up to its reputation as a high-performance, robust choice for tactical and range applications.
Final First Impressions: Is C&H Precision’s Milling Service and Duty Optic Worth It?
C&H Precision offers a milling service that’s both reliable and customer-centric, with clear communication and a streamlined process that makes customization approachable, even for first-timers. The quality of their work speaks for itself, with precise milling that ensures a secure fit for any compatible optic.
The Duty Optic itself is a standout performer. With its durable closed-emitter design, it can handle the toughest conditions, making it ideal for anyone who carries in varied environments or regularly visits the range. The optic’s crystal-clear 3 MOA dot, combined with its impressive 50,000-hour battery life and shake-to-wake functionality, make it an asset for quick and accurate target acquisition.
Overall, C&H Precision has set a high standard with its slide milling service and Duty Optic. From its attentive customer service to the high-quality end product, it makes the entire process seamless and satisfying. With the Duty Optic now part of my setup, I’m looking forward to putting it through more rounds and challenging conditions in the months ahead.
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