The Glock is one of the easiest pistols to work with, which is also one of the reasons why it is so popular. We understand that you are probably quite attached to your Glock and want to work optimally at all times. But, like anything mechanical, there are times when it can malfunction, so we’ve pulled together a summary of the top 4 most common Glock malfunctions, along with the causes of Glock malfunctions and some troubleshooting tips.
Glock Troubleshooting Tips
1. Feeding Failure
Here are some of the most common causes of feeding issues, and some quick solutions to try. It may be that the magazine is not correctly inserted, so try removing it and reinserting. Another cause may be that the ammunition is underpowered, so change the ammunition and try again. In some cases, feeding issues can be caused by a dirty magazine so it’s always a good idea to inspect this regularly and keep it clean. The same goes for the chamber, so check that too. A weak Glock Magazine Release Spring can cause feeding issues, so you could try replacing the spring or the magazine itself. On occasion, the issue may be a tight extractor. If this is the case, relace it or give it a clean.
2. Your Glock Is Not Extracting
If your Glock is not extracting or ejecting, take a look at some of these possible causes and solutions. Check that the extractor is not worn, broken or missing altogether and replace it if necessary. It may be that you have defective ammunition, so that can be changed too. Dirt can be a common cause of extraction issues, so check beneath the extraction claw and inside the chamber and clean these parts if needed. If you have specific ejection issues, it may be that you have a damaged or broken ejector. If so, you can replace the trigger mechanism housing with a new ejector. Issues can also be caused by a lack of lubrication so check this too as it can be an easy fix.
3. Your Glock Isn’t Firing
First of all, inspect the round and replace it if needed. The problem could also be caused by a damaged or weak recoil spring or recoil spring tube, in which case these should be replaced. Dirt can be another cause, so check the mating surfaces of the barrel, slide, receiver and chamber for any dirt that might be causing issues. If there is no primer strike, check for wear and tear of the firing pin tip. Also check there is nothing obstructing the firing pin channel. Finally, it could be that the spring cups are inverted so check that these have been assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the trigger safety is failing to return or to engage in the forward position, it could be that it was stored incorrectly in its original box. If this is the case, replace the trigger bar and always store the pistol unloaded with the trigger in the back position.
4. You’re Having Issues With The Slide
If your Glock Slide Back Plates are failing to lock open on the last firing round, it could be that your magazine follower is broken, so check this and replace if necessary. Check the pistol and parts for dirt too. It’s always a good idea to regularly clean your Glock. Check that the trigger pin hasn’t been inserted too far or that the slide stop lever hasn’t worn down as this can cause the spring to bind. If the slide stop doesn’t move freely, press the pin slightly to the right until it does.
If you have tried all of the above possible solutions and you are still having issues with your Glock, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer for some further advice. It is crucially important for the safety of you and others that your Glock is maintained in optimal working order.