Arex Delta L Gen2 OR 9mm 4.5 in Optic Ready
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Expert review
About this product
The Arex Delta L Gen2 OR is a striker-fired 9mm pistol with a 4.5-inch optic-ready slide and modular frame system designed for shooters who demand mechanical precision and customization options. Built in Slovenia by Arex, this Gen2 iteration represents a significant evolution from the original Delta platform with improved ergonomics and enhanced compatibility with modern red dot optics. At 23.8 ounces and 7.7 inches overall length, it occupies a sweet spot between full-size duty pistols and compact carry options.
What is the Arex Delta L Gen2 OR used for?
The Delta L Gen2 OR excels as a duty pistol, competition platform, and reliable range tool where optic mounting and consistent performance matter. With its 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel providing optimal sight radius and velocity, this pistol delivers sub-3-inch groups at 25 yards with quality ammunition. The modular fire control system allows for detailed trigger tuning, making it particularly valuable for competitive shooters who need to meet specific pull weight requirements.
How does the Arex Delta L Gen2 OR compare to the Glock 17 Gen5?
The Delta L Gen2 OR offers superior out-of-the-box features including an optic cut and modular fire control system at approximately $120 less than the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS. While the Glock maintains its legendary reliability track record, the Arex provides better value for shooters who want optic readiness and customization without aftermarket modifications. The Delta's removable chassis system allows for frame swaps in under 2 minutes compared to the Glock's permanent frame design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Delta L Gen2 OR weighs 23.8 ounces unloaded and measures 7.7 inches in overall length with a 4.5-inch barrel height of 5.5 inches. The slide width measures exactly 1.1 inches, while the grip circumference measures 5.9 inches with the medium backstrap installed. These dimensions place it in the compact-full-size category, similar to our Stevens 334 Rifle in terms of balanced handling characteristics.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol isn't ideal for deep concealment carry or shooters who prefer traditional iron-sight-only configurations without modern features. The 4.5-inch barrel length and full-size grip print noticeably under light clothing, making it less suitable for appendix carry than subcompact options. Traditionalists who dislike striker-fired triggers or modular systems would be better served by classic hammer-fired designs with simpler maintenance requirements.
What's in the box?
The Delta L Gen2 OR ships with the pistol, three interchangeable backstraps, optic mounting plates for RMR and Doctor patterns, a 17-round magazine, and comprehensive owner's manual. The optic plate kit includes specific hardware for Trijicon, Leupold, and Holosun footprints, covering 90% of popular micro red dot options available today. All components arrive in foam-cut packaging with separate compartments for each accessory to prevent transit damage.
Is the Arex Delta L Gen2 OR worth it at $465?
At $465, the Delta L Gen2 OR represents exceptional value for an optic-ready pistol with this level of features and build quality. Compared to similarly equipped offerings from Smith & Wesson or Sig Sauer that typically start around $600, the Arex delivers comparable performance at a 25% reduction in cost. For shooters wanting to enter the optic-ready pistol market without compromising on build quality, this is one of the most compelling options available, much like the value proposition of our Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun in its category.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Optic-ready slide with included RMR/Doctor plates - saves $80-120 vs aftermarket milling
- Modular fire control chassis swaps in under 2 minutes for simplified maintenance
- 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged barrel delivers consistent sub-3-inch groups at 25 yards
- Ambidextrous controls and 3 backstraps accommodate 95% of shooter ergonomics
Trade-offs
- Limited holster compatibility requires custom options adding $60-100 to total cost
- Striker assembly requires full disassembly for spring replacement unlike Glock's modular design
- Slide serrations provide adequate grip but lack the aggression of high-end custom textures
Key attributes
| upc | 815537023893 |
| manufacturer | Arex |
| manufacturer part number | 815537023893 |
| action | Striker Fired |
| barrel finish | Black |
| barrel length | 4.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 17 + 1 |
| safety | Firing Pin |
| shipping weight | 3.3 |
| slide description | Optic Cut/Serrated |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Holosun 507C red dot sights?
- Yes, the Delta L Gen2 OR includes a specific mounting plate for Holosun 507C/508T optics using the RMR footprint. The plate provides secure mounting with proper recoil lug engagement and requires only standard Torx T10 hardware for installation. Allow 15-20 minutes for proper mounting and torque sequencing to achieve optimal zero retention.
- Does it fit Glock 17 holsters?
- No, the Delta L Gen2 OR requires specific holsters due to its unique slide and frame dimensions measuring 1.1 inches wide. While similar in size to the Glock 17, the contour differences prevent reliable retention in standard Glock holsters. We recommend Trex Arms or Tier 1 Concealed for quality custom holsters with 2-3 week lead times.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana addresses typically takes 5-7 business days from order processing completion. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. FFL transfers must be completed before shipment, adding 1-2 business days to the processing timeline depending on dealer responsiveness.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my hand?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, but the three included backstrap sizes accommodate most hand sizes from small to large. The medium backstrap provides a 5.9-inch circumference, with small and large options varying by ±0.3 inches. We recommend handling the pistol at a local dealer before purchase if fit is a primary concern.
- Does this work with suppressor-height sights?
- The optic-ready slide is compatible with most aftermarket suppressor-height sight sets with standard Glock dovetail dimensions. Dawson Precision and Night Fision offer specific models that provide proper lower-third co-witness with popular red dot optics. Installation requires a sight pusher tool and typically takes 10-15 minutes for proper alignment.