The civilian competition shooting industry has been responsible for
many innovations for professional tactical shooters.  The modern day red
dot sight, now standard issue as the M68 CCO, is seen on practically
every combat rifle and carbine in every combat theater across the
globe.  Special Operations Forces started taking a hard look at red dot
sights for long guns back in the 1980's and early 90's (while the first
use was back in the 70's).  They recognized the increased speed of
target acquisition and increased hit probability these sights afforded
operators.  Of course, SOF units are always the first to integrate new
warfighting concepts and gear, but it was not long before Big Army
recognized the viability of arming soldiers with red dot sights on
standard issue rifles.

So, it’s no surprise that civilian competition shooters who have been
using red dot sights on pistols for years have been influencing the SOF
community to do the same.  More and more red dot sights are showing up
on operator’s pistols.  They provide faster targeting and engagement in
all lighting conditions.  These mini red dot sights have come a long way
in durability and reliability.  The downside to mounting a mini red dot
on a pistol is that the slide has always needed to be custom milled to
the footprint of the optic chosen by the operator.  Other methods have
seen mounting brackets attached to slides via the rear sight dovetail.  
Obviously, these solutions are lacking because one means that the slide
is permanently modified to be married to a specific optic while the
other sacrifices the operator’s rear sight.

Enter the ATOM from Unity Tactical!  ATOM is a concept brought about
by a requirement to mount Aimpoint’s excellent line of Micro Optics on
pistols.  The extension of the design allows users to mount nearly any
optic their pistol without the need to modify the slide.  ATOM’s are
drop-in replacement slides for Glock pistols.  They feature a low-milled
rear top section that accepts various ATOM Adapters (sold separately).
The Adapters are machined to exacting dimensions to accept popular mini
red dot sight footprints.  

ATOM’s also come standard with stainless
steel tall suppressor-height iron sights that will cowitness with the
red dot sight (when mounted).  This insures the operator has a backup
option if their red dot is damaged or malfunctioning.  Forward cocking
serrations are machined into the slide for better purchase while working
the slide.

ATOM Adapters fit into the dovetail cut slides and are secured with a
6-32 screw (included with the adapters).  If the user wishes to change
optics on their pistol, they need only purchase the proper adapter
rather than a new slide!  ATOM Slides are 17-4 Stainless Steel, Heat
Treated to 44-46 Rockwell and coated in wither Black DLC or Flat Dark
Earth PVD.  They are some of the best slides money can buy and are
currently in use by U.S. Special Operations Forces.

ATOM Slides are currently only available for Glock pistols.  They
come stripped except for the installed iron sights and channel liner.  
Glock slides are easily disassembled and the parts from the OEM slide
are simply transferred to the ATOM.  This process takes less than five
minutes and there are tons of tutorials available online.