The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Big Frank on February 08, 2026, 10:05:39 PM
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Taylor Freelance makes the Seattle Slug with a built-in mag guide for Glock pistols. If you want some weight without the added length of a mag guide, they also make the Seattle Snail for Gen 2/3 Glock 17 pistols. They're located in Bellingham, WA, about 90 miles north of Seattle.
Our original product, the Seattle Slug shifts the balance rearward and down, absorbs recoil, and helps reduce "weak wrist" malfunctions.
NOTE: We are currently looking at a re-design and update of the Seattle Slug. We should have more stock and a new design later this year.
Product Description
The original mag guide for the Glock, the Seattle Slug works so well, Robert Vogel used one to win the USPSA "Limited 10" title back in the day. It was banned BY NAME by IDPA, and from USPSA's "Production Division." This is the product that launched Taylor Freelance into the parts business, and it's still in production today.
Why? They work!
Glocks have very lightweight frames. That's great from a military point of view (less to carry around), but it's a trade-off. Less weight = harsher recoil. Adding weight to the grip lowers the center of gravity and slows the recoil impulse. The amount of recoil energy stays the same, but because the frame is recoiling slower, it doesn't feel as "sharp" or harsh. The gun feels mellower in recoil, handles better (not so top-heavy and "flippy"), and reloads much more easily thanks to replacing that gaping hole at the bottom of the frame with a contoured brass mag guide.
A Seattle Slug (like our weighted backstraps for other guns) is one of the simplest, easiest, and most cost-effective ways to improve the way a polymer auto handles. Company founder Robin Taylor says it straight: "Assuming you've got decent sights and a good trigger, if you can only make one change -- get a brass backstrap or a Seattle Slug." As he says, basepads are nice, but a weighted backstrap transforms the gun.
The Seattle Slug is the original heavy backstrap, and has been a "cult classic" among Glock owners for more than 30 years.
We also have Gen 2/3 Slugs and low-profile Seattle Snails in stock now. Look for a Gen 5 coming soon.
Fits: Glock 17, 17L, 22, 24, 31, 34, and 35
Material: Brass
Color: Black, or Shiny Brass
Weight: 3.5 ounces
NOTE: Due to state department restrictions we cannot ship this part internationally.
DISCLAIMER: This product is not manufactured, authorized, endorsed, or warranted by GLOCK. GLOCK does not warrant or represent that this product is compatible with GLOCK pistols.
https://taylorfreelancestore.com/glock/seattle-slug/
They also make Brass Backstraps for Canick, Walther, and CZ pistols. They put about 3 ounces of weight in the bottom, rear of lightweight polymer frames.
Solid brass "backstrap" grip panel. High-traction checkered surface (better control), Big increase in weight (~3 ounces).
Adding weight via a brass backstrap calms the gun down, creating a smoother-shooting, softer-kicking, more-neutrally-balanced handgun. Adding weight to the frame also reduces the tendency toward "weak wrist" malfunctions common to all polymer frame handguns.
This manifests itself most often when shooting weak-hand-only. Extra mass gives the frame a greater resistance to being pushed rearward in recoil -- helping ensure reliable cycling when the shooter can't supply full resistance due to weakness, poor form, or a too-low grip. The metal backstrap concept descends directly from our famous "Seattle Slug" magazine guide for the Glock. That concept worked so well, it was eventually banned BY NAME in both USPSA and IDPA.
https://taylorfreelancestore.com/brass-backstraps/
They make really good extended basepads too. I have 6 of them for my VRF14.
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There was a whole thread over on The High Road, I think, about taking Tungsten welding rods and cutting them into small pieces then using epoxy to mold a very heavy insert. That morphed into using Tungsten powder, available at golfing shops-used to add weigh to golf club shafts to make an even denser insert. I want to say they were using P365s or some other slim 9mm.
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I didn't know you could buy tungsten powder without ordering it from a chemical supply house. I should check out some of the local pro shops like King Par. I have an aluminum baseball bat that's too light and already drilled holes in both ends. I filled it with spray foam, but I could make room.