Abstract: A pistol with aiming stripe has a frame, a slide operable to reciprocate on the frame, the slide having an elongated top surface, the slide top surface having a forward end and an opposed rear end, and an aiming stripe having a contrasting appearance relative to the slide top surface and extending along a medial path along the slide top surface from proximate to the front end to proximate to the rear end. The slide may include a front sight proximate to the front end and a rear sight proximate to the rear end, and the aiming stripe extending from the front sight to the rear sight. The slide may define an elongated medial recess receiving the aiming stripe. The aiming stripe may be a film applied to the slide. The aiming stripe may be an articulated surface.