Zev Technologies Company Overview

Aftermarket products are in abundance nowadays, whether it is for handguns, rifles, or shotguns. Some of these products are like a one-hit wonder on the radio: they make a splash, but quickly disappear. There are companies which are not able to replicate the success of one of their products, and are forever branded as a single-item kind of outfit.

When Glock released the Glock 17 in 1982, there were many who thought that would be a one-hit wonder. Well, history has proven them wrong, and Glock is still as popular as it ever was. Say what you want about polymer technology, it is here to stay. At least until the really futuristic zombie killers start arriving on the scene. And speaking of zombie killers, let’s talk about Zev Tech.

Zev Tech

Founded in 2005 by Alec Wolf, Zev Technologies began as a business that focused on competition triggers and professional shooters. They were formerly known as NXT Generation and eventually restructured under the name Zev Technologies.

Over time, their customer base has expanded to include military personnel, law enforcement agencies/departments, and your everyday shooter. Their primary niche is the Glock handgun and AR-style rifles, for which they design, produce, and distribute different components like triggers, barrels, slides, uppers, kits, and more.

In recent years, Zev Tech has been collaborating with other manufacturers, and this has led to the creation of some of the most unique and eye-catching weapons available. One such case was seen at SHOT Show 2018, where Ed Brown Products unveiled their newest partnership with Zev, which culminated in the release of the Zev 1911 pistol, which is based on the Zev Dragonfly.

The company’s philosophy revolves around the idea that a firearm operator should be in possession of the best possible build for their weapon, and that factory products are not always the best choice. It needs to be a build which corresponds with the operator’s wants, needs, and lifestyle, and which makes for the best shooting experience, be it at the range or in the field.

Zev Glock

Zev Tech recently introduced a gun they have been working on for 12 years – their very own O.Z-9 in 9mm. Until that model catches on – if it does – Zev will probably be better known as a manufacturer of premium Glock mods and aftermarket upgrades.

Their products for the Glock include slides, mags, frames, barrels, triggers, sights, springs, and more. They are considered more high-end than other companies, and for some shooters it will not be worth the investment. Remember, they started off as a company which was geared towards professionals. This is not to say that their products are solely for competitive shooters, but it is safe to say that their products are meant for more serious shooters.

Many Glock carriers choose to modify their factory handgun to some degree. Glock’s slogan may be “Perfection”, but some of their factory products could still use an upgrade, depending on the shooter and the intended use. This is precisely why Zev went into business to begin with. Back when they were known as NXT Generation, they claimed their items took Glock’s perfection to the next level. Sounds about right.

The heart and soul of Zev’s Glock mods are their barrels. They currently manufacture barrels for the Glock 17, 19, and 34, and many consider them to be some of the most accurate Glock barrels around. The steel used by Zev to create these barrels is the same steel used for the forging of match-grade rifle barrels. Available in stainless steel, black, and burnt bronze, the MSRP on these barrels is between $225 – 325, depending on the model.

Complete custom gun mods are also available and they are named the Z17, Z19, and Z34, corresponding with their Glock counterparts of the same number. These are offered in a variety of configurations, with different sights, finishes, coatings, slides, and other elements being made available for purchase. The complete gun mods go for between $1644 – 1710, and the consumer needs only to provide the frame.

Zev Trigger

Another highly popular Glock mod is Zev’s triggers, and even more specifically their fulcrum trigger. These are known for their serious capabilities, and they have been used by different world champions over the years.

Zev claims that their triggers “have won more world championships and are in the hands of more professionals than all other aftermarket triggers combined.” That is a pretty heavy thing to live up to, but Zev seem to be on top of it. The MSRP for their fulcrum trigger upgrades is between $150 – 260.

Another popular option, which is also geared more towards the pros, is the Zev Pro series of Glock triggers, offered in flat face or curved face. The MSRP for their Zev Pro triggers is between $99 – 239. Now, this is not to say that your average shooter won’t benefit from a match-grade trigger such as this, but it is certainly not a necessity of any kind.

Zev Tech also produces replacement spring kits for beginners and competitors alike. If you are not going to go pro or participate in any competitions, you may be able to find a better deal which is more suited to your needs. They certainly offer quality, but quality that is also priced accordingly.

Glock Aftermarket Parts

Zev’s barrels, triggers, and slides are made specifically for the Glock 9mm pistols, and they are undoubtedly their most popular items. But, there are other Glock aftermarket parts and services being offered by Zev Tech, ones which are making shooters more comfortable with their weapon of choice, and upping their game one mod at a time.

Slide elements, pins, mag and slide releases, stippling and texturing services, magazine base-pads and magwells, right down to springs, wrenches, and optics-mounting solutions – these are all being engineered and produced by Zev for different Glock models (not strictly the 9mm).

These Glock aftermarket parts are manufactured using the finest steel(s), and you can tell that Zev put a lot of thought and care into their production. Again, these are not necessities for the everyday shooter, but when properly implemented they can provide you with that much-needed edge.

As always, it comes down to the weapon’s operator. You could have the most pimped-out and spec’d-out Glock in the world, and still not hit the target from seven yards away. Shot placement is what it is about, and these small mods do have the potential to take your Glock skills up a notch and smoothen the operation of the gun.

Zev also produces accessories such as storage cases for your gun or rifle, tool kits for maintenance and repairs, gun grease, and even clothing.

Conclusion

For nearly 15 years, Zev has been providing professionals and novices with some of the best Glock aftermarket products. Zev’s Z-series of Glock 9mm mods is on many a-list of ‘best custom Glocks’, and there is no question as to why that is. Zev gets the job done. It has the knowhow and the experience, which translates into fine aftermarket products.

I am not some star-struck fanboy, but I do feel that Glock pistols are pretty darn good right out of the box. The only thing I would change without hesitation is the factory sights. Other than that, it really is up for discussion. Purchasing aftermarket products depends on the intended use, on your subjective experiences with your gun, and – lest we forget – on your budget.

Most Zev products are considered more expensive, and this could potentially deter certain customers. Fair enough. Sometimes it is a higher price tag, and you should seek out the best possible deal. Generally speaking, though, you probably don’t want to compromise your safety just to save a few bucks. Zev has been producing highly reliable Glock mods and parts, complete pistols and AR rifles, and are considered a pillar of the shooting community.