A handgun optic mounting system is disclosed for improving accuracy and durability with use of an optic mount to a handgun. The handgun optic mounting system includes an optic recess disposed on a handgun slide of the handgun, the optic recess having a recessed surface angled relative to an upper surface of the handgun slide, a barrel central axis, or both. Angle of the recessed surface provides compensation to bullet drop at longer ranges. The handgun optic mounting system further includes a plurality of threaded apertures extending into the recessed surface including a first aperture and a second aperture. The first aperture has a single mounting protrusion extending above the recessed surface, and the second aperture terminates flush with the recessed surface, allow a larger fastener to engage with the second aperture to create a greater clamping force with an associated optic mount.