The Arex Delta series represents a significant step forward in the budget defensive pistol market.
Built around a partially pre-cocked striker system with modern features like optics-ready slides, ambidextrous controls, and multi-slot Picatinny rails, the Delta Gen 2 gives shooters a feature-rich platform at roughly half the cost of premium competitors.
This guide covers the accessories that matter most for Delta owners—holsters, optics, lights, magazines, and supporting gear—with specific attention to the Gen 2's optics mounting system and compatibility across M, X, L, and Tactical variants.
Whether you're running a compact M for concealed carry or a Tactical model with a threaded barrel, your accessory choices will directly affect reliability, shootability, and defensive capability.
This article focuses on proven options that work within the Delta's specifications while addressing common fitment challenges and compatibility questions across the platform.
1. Holsters for the Arex Delta
A quality holster is the foundation of safe carry for any defensive pistol. The Arex Delta's dimensions differ enough from Glock and other common platforms that dedicated Delta holsters provide better retention and trigger coverage than adapted alternatives.
While some shooters report success fitting Delta M pistols into Glock 19 holsters—particularly when using a TLR-7A—purpose-built molds eliminate fitment compromises and ensure consistent performance across EDC and training scenarios.
Alien Gear Holsters manufactures purpose-built holsters for the Arex Delta that accommodate the pistol's unique frame geometry and provide reliable retention across multiple carry methods.
IWB Holsters
Inside-the-waistband holsters tuck the Delta against your body for concealment beneath a cover garment.
Alien Gear's IWB options include hybrid designs with backing material that distributes weight and improves comfort during extended carry. The Delta M's 4.0-inch barrel and 21.6-ounce weight make it well-suited to strong-side carry at the 3-5 o'clock position.
When selecting an IWB holster for an optics-equipped Delta, ensure the shell includes sufficient clearance for your specific red dot and any suppressor-height sights.
OWB Paddle Holster
Paddle holsters use a wide, flat paddle that slides inside your waistband and grips through friction.
These designs allow quick holster attachment and removal without removing your belt, making them convenient for situations where you transition between armed and unarmed environments.
The Delta's light weight works well with paddle designs, as the compact dimensions prevent the holster from becoming top-heavy or unstable during movement.
2. Optics and Sights for the Arex Delta
The Arex Delta Gen 2 Optics Ready models ship with five adapter plates designed to interface with major micro red dot footprints.
This universal mounting system gives Delta owners access to proven optics across multiple manufacturers without requiring slide milling or custom fitting. Factory plates are polymer and sit low in the slide, but third-party aluminum plates from manufacturers like Calculated Kinetics provide 7075-T6 rigidity and improved long-term durability.
Micro red dots eliminate the need to align front and rear sights, allowing you to focus on the target with the dot superimposed over the threat.
This speeds close-range accuracy and improves performance for shooters with aging eyes or astigmatism. The Delta's optics-ready architecture makes adding a red dot straightforward, but proper installation and maintenance are critical for defensive reliability.
Optics Plate Compatibility
Calculated Kinetics manufactures five plate types for the Delta Gen 2:
Type 1 for Docter/Noblex footprint optics like Vortex Viper and Venom,
Type 2 for RMR footprint optics including Trijicon RMR/SRO and Holosun 407C/507C/508T,
and Type 5 for RMSc footprint optics such as Shield RMSc and Holosun 407K/507K/EPS series.
The RMR footprint is the most common choice among defensive shooters due to the wide selection of duty-proven optics and robust mounting interfaces.
Holosun micro red dots—particularly the 407C, 507C, and 507K models—are frequently recommended for the Delta due to their footprint compatibility, long battery life, and proven durability.
The 507C offers multiple reticle options and solar backup power, while the 507K provides a compact RMSc-footprint option for shooters prioritizing minimal bulk.
Trijicon RMR models remain the gold standard for duty optics with unmatched durability and battery life, though at a higher price point.
Iron Sight Considerations
Factory steel sights on the Delta feature a rear notch and white-dot front that work adequately for defensive distances.
Many shooters upgrade to tritium night sights or high-visibility fiber optic front sights to improve low-light acquisition and faster target indexing.
When running an optic, suppressor-height sights co-witness through the lower third of the optic window, providing backup aiming capability if the red dot fails or the battery dies.
Iron sight upgrades should prioritize a clear, uncluttered sight picture with a bright front sight and subdued rear notch to draw the eye forward.
Defensive sights benefit from simple, three-dot configurations or blacked-out rears with high-visibility fronts. Competition-style sights with fiber optics and adjustable features add unnecessary complexity for carry guns.
Installation and Maintenance
When installing optics, follow torque specifications provided by the optic manufacturer and use appropriate thread-locker on mounting screws.
Aftermarket aluminum plates improve interface rigidity compared to factory polymer plates, but both require periodic verification of screw tightness and zero retention. Test-fire your setup after installation to confirm point-of-aim matches point-of-impact at defensive distances before trusting the configuration for carry.
Battery maintenance is critical for red dot reliability. Most micro red dots use CR2032 or CR1632 batteries with shelf lives exceeding 50,000 hours on medium brightness settings.
Set calendar reminders to replace batteries annually regardless of runtime to prevent unexpected failures. Auto-brightness adjustment reduces manual fiddling across changing light conditions, while shake-awake features preserve battery life during carry by shutting down the emitter when stationary.
3. Lights for the Arex Delta
The Arex Delta's multi-slot Picatinny rail supports compact weapon-mounted lights that improve target identification and threat discrimination for defensive use.
A WML is essential for home defense and valuable for low-light carry scenarios, as it allows positive target identification without transitioning to a separate handheld light. The Delta's rail dimensions accommodate most compact lights designed for Glock-sized pistols, but holster compatibility becomes the limiting factor when selecting a light.
Compact WMLs in the TLR-7A class are commonly paired with the Delta due to documented holster support and size proportional to the pistol's dimensions.
Output in the 300-500 lumen range provides adequate illumination for indoor defensive distances without excessive bulk. Brands like Streamlight, SureFire, Olight, and Modlite manufacture compact lights compatible with the Delta's rail, each with different output characteristics, switch designs, and battery systems.
Light Selection Criteria
Output matters, but so do size, switch placement, and activation method. For concealed carry, prioritize lights with momentary and constant-on controls that you can activate without adjusting your firing grip.
Tail switch designs allow thumb or support-hand activation, while side switches may require grip manipulation that disrupts recoil control. Ambidextrous switches benefit left-handed shooters and allow activation from unconventional shooting positions.
Battery type affects operational logistics. Rechargeable lights with magnetic or USB-C charging eliminate spare battery costs but require disciplined charging habits.
CR123A-powered lights offer long shelf life and consistent output but add recurring battery expenses. Some shooters prefer primary lithium batteries for carry guns to avoid the risk of forgetting to charge rechargeable units.
Light bodies should be impact-resistant and waterproof to withstand drops, recoil, and environmental exposure. Aluminum housings provide durability, while polymer bodies reduce weight at some cost to impact resistance. LED emitters have largely replaced incandescent bulbs, offering longer runtime, consistent output, and superior durability.
Holster Integration
Mounting a WML fundamentally changes holster requirements. Your holster must be molded specifically for the light model you're running, as the light body becomes part of the retention surface and affects trigger guard coverage.
Many custom Kydex makers offer Delta holsters cut for popular lights like the TLR-7A, Olight Baldr S, and Streamlight TLR-7 Sub. Verify holster compatibility with your specific light before purchasing to avoid fitment issues that compromise safety or retention.
Light-bearing holsters typically have wider bodies and different retention characteristics than non-light holsters.
The added bulk affects concealment and may require adjustments to carry position, clothing, or belt setup. Practice drawing and reholstering with your light-equipped setup to identify any interference between the light, holster, and body position before relying on the configuration for defensive carry.
4. Magazines and Magazine Carriers for the Arex Delta
The Arex Delta uses double-stack 9mm steel magazines designed specifically for the platform's feed geometry.
Factory magazines are the primary recommended option for defensive use, as they're engineered around the Delta's chamber dimensions, extractor timing, and feed ramp angles. The Gen 2 M ships with 15-round flush and 17-round extended magazines, while X and L variants often include 17- and 19-round configurations.
Aftermarket magazine options for the Delta remain limited compared to platforms like Glock, reinforcing the value of stocking factory magazines for reliability.
Steel construction provides durability and consistent feeding, though steel magazines weigh more than polymer alternatives. Magazine bodies include witness holes for visual round counts and baseplates that drop free cleanly during reloads.
Capacity and Legal Considerations
Standard capacity for the Delta M is 15 rounds flush-fit and 17 rounds with extended baseplates.
The X model accommodates 17-round magazines flush and 19-round extended, while L and Tactical variants use the same magazine bodies with different grip lengths. In jurisdictions with capacity restrictions—typically 10-round limits—factory-compliant magazines maintain reliability while meeting legal requirements.
Some states prohibit magazines exceeding certain capacities regardless of original equipment, requiring owners to use blocked or compliant magazines when carrying or transporting the Delta.
Verify current state and local laws before purchasing high-capacity magazines, as violations can result in criminal penalties even for otherwise law-abiding gun owners.
Magazine Carriers
Magazine carriers keep spare ammunition accessible during reloads while protecting magazines from damage and debris.
For concealed carry, single or double IWB magazine pouches ride inside the waistband on the support side, keeping spare magazines concealed while allowing access with the support hand. OWB carriers work for open carry, range use, and competition but print more visibly under cover garments.
Carrier retention should hold magazines securely during movement but release cleanly during reloads. Adjustable tension screws let you dial in the right balance between security and speed.
Some carriers include bullet-forward or bullet-rearward orientation—experiment with both to find which works better with your draw and reload mechanics.
Kydex carriers offer slim profiles and consistent retention across temperature changes, while leather carriers provide traditional aesthetics with some break-in required.
Hybrid carriers combine Kydex shells with leather or synthetic backing for comfort against the body. Magazine carriers designed for double-stack 9mm magazines will generally accommodate Delta magazines, though dedicated Delta carriers ensure perfect fit and retention.
5. Grip Enhancements and Frame Modifications for the Arex Delta
The Delta Gen 2 frame includes aggressive texturing, a flared magwell, and four interchangeable backstraps that allow shooters to tailor grip size without aftermarket modifications.
This factory ergonomic package addresses most fit and control needs, reducing the requirement for grip tape, stippling, or plug installations common with more basic polymer frames.
The enhanced texturing provides secure purchase in wet conditions and during recoil without being abrasive to bare skin or clothing.
Interchangeable backstraps range from small to extra-large, accommodating hand sizes from compact to full-size pistol preferences.
Proper backstrap selection affects trigger reach, recoil control, and overall comfort during extended shooting sessions. Experiment with all four sizes to find the configuration that positions your trigger finger pad correctly on the trigger face while maintaining solid web-of-hand contact with the backstrap.
Grip Tape and Stippling
Despite the factory texturing, some shooters add grip tape or skateboard tape for additional traction in extreme conditions. Talon Grips manufactures adhesive overlays for common pistol models that may fit the Delta with minor trimming.
Granulate texture provides maximum grip at the cost of increased abrasion, while rubber texture is gentler on skin and clothing. Grip tape is reversible and allows experimentation without permanent frame modification.
Stippling permanently alters frame texture by melting the polymer surface with a soldering iron or specialized tool.
Professional stippling services create custom patterns with uniform depth and coverage, but DIY stippling risks damaging the frame or weakening structural areas. Defensive carry pistols should avoid aggressive stippling that creates sharp edges damaging to clothing or skin during draws and reholstering.
Magwell and Undercut Considerations
The Gen 2's flared magwell aids reload speed by funneling magazines into the grip during high-speed reloads or under stress.
The factory magwell provides adequate flare for most shooters without adding significant bulk or snagging on cover garments. Aftermarket magwells typically add minimal performance benefit over the factory configuration while increasing concealment difficulty.
The Delta's undercut trigger guard allows the hand to sit higher on the frame, reducing muzzle flip and improving recoil control.
This factory feature eliminates the need for aftermarket undercut modifications common with older Glock frames. Trigger guard contouring or additional undercut work offers diminishing returns and risks compromising frame integrity if done improperly.
6. Maintenance Tools and Cleaning Supplies for the Arex Delta
The Arex Delta's striker-fired design requires regular cleaning and lubrication to maintain reliability over thousands of rounds.
Standard pistol cleaning kits work well with the Delta, as field stripping follows familiar patterns and requires no specialized tools. Basic maintenance includes bore cleaning, slide rail lubrication, and periodic inspection of springs, extractors, and firing pin assemblies.
Field stripping the Delta requires no tools: ensure the pistol is unloaded, pull the slide slightly rearward while pulling down both takedown levers, then remove the slide assembly forward off the frame.
The barrel, recoil spring assembly, and slide separate for cleaning without further disassembly. This simple field strip provides access to all components requiring routine maintenance.
Cleaning Supplies
Bore brushes, cleaning rods, and patches remove powder residue and fouling from the barrel. Bronze brushes work well for routine cleaning, while nylon brushes are gentler for match-grade barrels.
Solvent loosens carbon buildup in the chamber and bore, while lubricating oil protects metal surfaces from corrosion. Apply light oil to slide rails, barrel hood, and trigger components—avoid over-lubrication, as excess oil attracts dirt and can interfere with striker movement.
Quality cleaning solvents like Hoppes No. 9, Break-Free CLP, or modern biodegradable options remove powder residue effectively without damaging polymer frames or metal finishes.
Lubricants should be applied sparingly to friction points: slide rails, barrel hood and lugs, and trigger bar contact points. The Delta's partially pre-cocked striker system benefits from clean, properly lubricated components to maintain consistent trigger feel and ignition reliability.
Replacement Parts and Armorer Tools
Recoil spring assemblies should be replaced every 5,000-10,000 rounds or annually for carry guns, as weakened springs cause reliability issues.
Striker springs, trigger springs, and magazine springs wear more slowly but should be inspected during routine maintenance. Keep spare springs, extractors, and firing pin assemblies on hand for quick field repairs if components fail during range sessions.
Basic armorer tools for the Delta include a punch set for drift pins, screwdrivers for optic mounting and grip screws, and a sight tool if planning to change iron sights.
Unlike platforms with extensive aftermarket support, the Delta benefits most from keeping factory components in good condition rather than replacing them with aftermarket alternatives. The partially pre-cocked striker system has specific tolerances that aftermarket parts may not maintain.
7. Storage and Transport Accessories for the Arex Delta
Safe storage protects the Delta from theft, unauthorized access, and environmental damage while keeping it accessible for defensive use.
Storage solutions range from bedside quick-access safes to full-size gun safes, depending on security needs and living situations. The Delta's compact dimensions fit well in single-gun safes designed for nightstand staging or vehicle storage.
Quick-access safes use biometric fingerprint readers, mechanical push-button codes, or RFID keys to provide fast access while preventing unauthorized use. Bedside safes mount to furniture or walls, keeping the pistol within arm's reach while you sleep.
Look for safes with interior lighting, silent opening mechanisms, and backup key access in case electronic systems fail.
Vehicle and Transport Storage
Vehicle safes secure the Delta when transitioning between armed and unarmed environments. Many states and employers prohibit firearms in certain locations, requiring pistol storage in your vehicle.
Vehicle safes cable-lock to seat frames or bolt into consoles, providing theft deterrence while keeping the gun accessible when legal. Foam-lined interiors protect the finish during transport over rough roads.
Range bags organize the Delta, magazines, ammunition, and accessories for transport to the range. Purpose-built range bags include padded pistol pockets, magazine pouches, accessory compartments, and external holster clips.
Lockable zippers and reinforced strap attachment points improve security during transport. Choose bags with water-resistant materials to protect contents from weather during outdoor range sessions.
Hard Cases for Travel
Hard cases provide maximum protection during airline travel and long-term storage. Plastic hard cases with pluck-foam interiors allow custom fitting of the Delta, magazines, and accessories.
TSA-approved locking cases meet airline requirements for transporting firearms in checked luggage—use non-TSA locks that only you can open, and declare firearms to airline staff before checking bags.
Store desiccant packs inside cases to prevent moisture accumulation that causes rust and corrosion. Silica gel packets or rechargeable desiccant units maintain low humidity inside sealed cases. Inspect stored firearms every few months to verify no moisture damage or finish deterioration, and wipe down metal surfaces with protective oil before long-term storage.
Building Your Arex Delta Setup
The Arex Delta's appeal lies in its combination of modern features and accessible pricing, but the platform reaches its full potential only when paired with quality accessories matched to your specific use case.
Start with a purpose-built holster that accommodates your carry method and any optics or lights you plan to install. This foundation ensures safe carry and consistent access under stress.
For defensive use, prioritize reliability over novelty. Factory magazines, proven micro red dots with documented duty performance, and compact weapon lights with holster support provide the best balance of capability and dependability.
The Delta Gen 2's optics-ready architecture and universal plate system make adding a red dot straightforward, but proper installation and periodic maintenance checks are non-negotiable for carry guns.
Avoid the temptation to over-accessorize. The Delta's factory ergonomics, aggressive texturing, and interchangeable backstraps address most fit and control needs without additional grip modifications.
Focus your budget on the accessories that directly affect safety and performance—holsters, sights, lights, and spare magazines, before exploring peripheral upgrades.
Test any configuration changes thoroughly at the range before trusting them for defensive carry, and remember that simpler setups typically prove more reliable when it matters most.