Radian Ramjet + Afterburner Compatibility With Norsso Glock 43 and 43X Slides

New video: Lee from Norsso goes over the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner compatibility differences for Norsso N43 slides and explains which version you need for each slide design.

Quick Answer: Which Radian Ramjet Works With My Norsso N43 Slide?

If you're looking for the short version, here's the compatibility breakdown:

• N43 Reptile variants, excluding the Reptile XP: Compatible with either the Glock 43 or Glock 43X version of the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner.

• N43 Gripper: Requires the Glock 43 version.

• N43 Submarine: Requires the Glock 43 version.

• N43 Reptile XP: Requires the Glock 43 version.

• Want to keep all of your Norsso slide options open? Choose the Glock 43 version, since it is compatible with all of the Norsso N43 slide models covered here.

Norsso plans to manufacture future Glock 43/43X slides with the bullnose profile to match the factory Glock 43X once the updated designs are developed.

New video going over this concept can be found here: https://youtu.be/QjY2U2-xsts

Why Are There Separate Glock 43 and Glock 43X Radian Ramjet Versions?

Hi all, Lee here from Norsso. We've received a lot of questions about compatibility between the new Radian Ramjet + Afterburner combination for the Glock 43 and Glock 43X and our Norsso N43 slide lineup.

I recently got both versions in the shop to answer the question directly.

The answer is that compatibility depends on which Norsso slide design you have and when that slide was manufactured.

Over the years, we've made numerous running updates to our slide designs. Our work isn't simply a matter of cutting a factory slide blank. We've developed additional design features around the muzzle that create distinctive geometry and visual detail.

Those features can become important when you're pairing an N43 slide with newer compensators designed to wrap around the front of the slide.

The result is that the Glock 43 and Glock 43X versions of the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner aren't universally interchangeable across every Norsso N43 slide design.

This guide explains why and helps you determine which version to choose.

N43 slides can be found here: https://norsso.com/slides/glock-slides/g43-g43x/

What Is the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner?

The Radian Ramjet + Afterburner is a barrel and compensator combination designed for Glock pistols.

Unlike traditional threaded compensators, the system uses a threadless barrel and taper-pin attachment system. Threads aren't machined onto the muzzle end of the barrel. Instead, the compensator interfaces with a specially designed section of the barrel and is secured with a taper pin.

Radian offers versions designed around the factory Glock 43 and Glock 43X configurations.

While the Glock 43 and Glock 43X share many characteristics, their muzzle geometry differs in an important way for this application. 

Glock 43 vs. Glock 43X Muzzle Geometry

The factory Glock 43X incorporates a bullnose feature at the front of the slide.

This rounded profile was designed to aid holstering and creates a different muzzle geometry from the traditional Glock 43.

That difference becomes especially important with modern compensators.

The Radian compensator extends beyond the front plane of the slide. Instead of simply ending at the muzzle, the compensator is designed to visually and functionally integrate with the front of the pistol.

This creates a more cohesive appearance when the compensator and slide geometry are designed to work together.

The Glock 43X version incorporates longer side tabs that accommodate the additional geometry created by the 43X bullnose.

The standard Glock 43 version does not use those same extended features, allowing it to work with the more traditional G43 muzzle profile.

 

Why Does This Matter With Norsso N43 Slides?

This is where Norsso's slide designs enter the equation.

Norsso has produced multiple Glock 43 slide designs over the years. Many of those original G43 designs were subsequently carried over for use with the Glock 43X because the slide's functional requirements remained compatible.

However, the original slides did not necessarily include the factory Glock 43X's rounded bullnose profile.

When modern compensators began using muzzle-wrapping geometry, that difference became important.

Some of our slide designs have additional material and machining detail around the muzzle. Those features can interfere with the geometry of the newer Glock 43X-style compensator.

This is similar to the compatibility consideration we encountered with our Glock 19 and Glock 17 Gen 5 slides, where we ultimately incorporated the bullnose profile into newer slide designs.

Radian Ramjet Compatibility With Norsso N43 Slides

The compatibility breakdown is straightforward:

N43 Reptile Slides

Most of our N43 Reptile variants can use either version of the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner.

The exception is the Reptile XP.

If you have one of the earlier Reptile variants, you can choose between the Glock 43 and Glock 43X versions based on your build.

N43 Reptile XP

The N43 Reptile XP requires the Glock 43 version of the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner.

The additional muzzle geometry of the Reptile XP means the Glock 43X version isn't the appropriate choice for this slide.

N43 Gripper

The N43 Gripper requires the Glock 43 version of the Radian Ramjet + Afterburner.

N43 Submarine

The N43 Submarine also requires the Glock 43 version.

Which Version Gives You the Most Compatibility?

If you're still deciding which Radian Ramjet + Afterburner version to purchase, the Glock 43 version is the best choice if you want to keep your Norsso N43 slide options open.

The Glock 43 version works with all of the Norsso N43 slide models covered by this compatibility guide.

The Glock 43X version, on the other hand, isn't exclusively required by any of our current N43 slide designs.

In other words, choosing the G43 version gives you the greatest flexibility if you plan to change your slide in the future.

Norsso N43 Slide Compatibility Chart

Use the following guide when matching your Norsso N43 slide with a Radian Ramjet + Afterburner:

• N43 Reptile variants: G43 or G43X version

• N43 Reptile XP: G43 version only

• N43 Gripper: G43 version only

• N43 Submarine: G43 version only

If you aren't sure which N43 slide you have, compare your slide to the current Norsso N43 catalog or contact the Norsso team before ordering your compensator.

Why Norsso Is Moving Toward the Bullnose Design

We've encountered this same compatibility issue with some of our Glock 19 and Glock 17 Gen 5 slides.

As newer components have been introduced with geometry designed around the factory bullnose profile, we've updated our slides accordingly.

The tradeoff is that adding the bullnose can eliminate some of the intricate slide detail that is possible when working with a more traditional muzzle profile.

For us, however, the additional compatibility is worth the tradeoff.

A slide can look incredible on its own, but we also want customers to have the ability to build their pistols around an expanding aftermarket.

That's why we plan to incorporate the bullnose feature into future Norsso Glock 43/43X slides.

What About Future Norsso Glock 48 Slides?

With the release of our Glock 48 slides on the horizon, we're also taking these compatibility considerations into account.

Our upcoming Glock 48 slide designs will incorporate the factory-style bullnose profile to accommodate newer compensator designs.

As the aftermarket continues to evolve, these types of compatibility considerations will become increasingly important when choosing an aftermarket slide.

 

 

 

Shop Norsso N43 Glock 43 and 43X Slides

Whether you already own a Norsso N43 slide or you're planning a new Glock 43 or Glock 43X build, understanding the relationship between slide geometry and compensator design can help you choose compatible components.

Our N43 lineup includes multiple designs, each with its own machining details and aesthetic profile.

If you're pairing one with a Radian Ramjet + Afterburner, use the compatibility information above to select the appropriate version.

If you already have a Norsso slide and aren't sure which configuration you need, contact us before ordering. We're happy to help you determine which components will work with your specific build.

Have questions about your Norsso N43 slide or Radian Ramjet + Afterburner compatibility? Reach out to the Norsso team for assistance.

Check out the Norsso N43 compatible slide catalog and explore the available Glock 43 and Glock 43X slide options.

Thanks for your time, and we'll see you on the next build.

Check out our N43 compatible catalog here: https://norsso.com/slides/glock-slides/g43-g43x/