SK Guns has rather quietly unveiled the SK Glock X Afterburner, a limited-run collection of just ten units, ensuring that only a fortunate few will get their hands on this finely tuned Glock 45 Gen5. Built upon the solid, if slightly unexciting, foundation of a standard 9mm platform, this build is a statement piece aimed squarely at the discerning collector or the shooter who is looking for a Glock with a bit of competitive flair. For US$1,900, this is not just a pistol, but an experience wrapped up in some decidedly upmarket components.

The most notable departure from the rather utilitarian OEM slide is the inclusion of the Norsso Spec Ops C Slide. This aftermarket component, machined from 17-4 PH Stainless Steel billet, is known in enthusiast circles for its aggressive aesthetics and, crucially, a direct-mount footprint for an RMR-style red dot sight. Coupled with XS R3D 2.0 Tritium Suppressor Height Sights, which offer a bright, three-dot configuration, the setup ensures that whether one prefers irons or an optic, a clear sight picture is readily available. It’s a considered pairing, acknowledging that while modern shooting often favours the red dot, one should always have a solid back-up, a bit like having a spare umbrella on a British summer's day.

With regards to performance enhancements, these are spearheaded by the Radian Precision Afterburner Ramjet. This non-threaded compensator and barrel combination uses a clever internal locking system, the INTRA-LOK, to achieve significant recoil mitigation. Radian’s system is particularly noteworthy for its 50-state legality in the US, which deftly sidesteps restrictive threaded-barrel legislation in certain jurisdictions. It provides a proper upgrade in muzzle control without the typical faff associated with threaded attachments, offering a genuine 'fit-and-forget' solution for those wishing for flatter shooting.

Internally, the pistol benefits from the Timney Alpha Competition Trigger, replacing Glock's rather spongey factory offering—a trigger often described unkindly as feeling like a 'squishing a rubber band.' Timney’s unit promises a consistent 3lb pull weight, a crisp break, and a Teflon Nickel-coated sear and trigger bar to minimise friction. Whilst it is intended for competition use, the sheer smoothness of the pull makes for a far more enjoyable experience all round. The addition of a silver safety shoe provides a subtle aesthetic flourish to the otherwise black and grey colour scheme.

SK Guns have given the control surfaces a thoughtful overhaul. Strike Industries contributions include an extended magwell and magazine release, aiding in those rapid reloads that look quite cool when performed properly, if slightly embarrassing when fumbled. Furthermore, the Tyrant Designs Extended Slide Lock/Release offers an improved contact area and texture over the rather diminutive OEM lever, ensuring faster and more tactile slide manipulation. All these upgrades are bona fide improvements to the pistol's ergonomics and speed.

Magazine provisions are perfectly adequate, providing two standard 17-round OEM magazines for regular use. For those instances when one requires a few extra shots, perhaps during a local shooting match or for the sheer theatre of it, a third OEM magazine is fitted with a Backup Tactical Frag Mag Extension and an XP spring, bringing the capacity to a healthy 22 rounds. Finally, the SK Guns Custom Hideaway FlipTop Display Case serves as the rather natty presentation box, allowing for both quick access and a tidy means of storage, which will please those with a penchant for organisation.

For a price of US$1,900, the discerning buyer receives a genuinely high specification, fitted, and fine-tuned piece of machinery. Considering the sheer cost and effort involved in individually sourcing, fitting, and tuning a Norsso slide, a Radian Ramjet/Afterburner system, and a Timney trigger, not to mention the various controls and magazine extensions, this seems a reasonable price of admission for a ten-unit-only offering. It is a compelling blend of high-end, contemporary performance components and exclusivity, offering a custom experience that goes quite a distance beyond the fantastic plastic beginnings of the Glock 45.