Say it ain't so - Glock issues

[Soccerdad1995]

I took my Glock 36 to the range for the first time this weekend, and had a persistent issue. This is the first time I have ever had any real issues with a Glock.

For those paying close attention, this is the gun that I had listed for sale, but decided to keep when I couldn't get my minimum price. I bought it about 6 months ago, never fired it, and ultimately decided to upgrade the trigger connector (Ghost edge) and put an extended slide release on it along with my 3 other Glocks. So this was my first time firing the gun, and unfortunately I never fired it in the stock condition, as that might help me to better isolate the issue.

The problem is a consistent failure to return to battery. The slide either locks back on a non-empty magazine, or it goes almost into battery but requires a slight push from my thumb to fully seat. One or the other is happening about 20% of the time. I fired 50 rounds, and encountered about 5-6 instances of each (+/- 1).

If it is the modifications, then I am thinking that the most likely culprit is the extended slide stop given the locking back on a non-empty mag. But the failure to fully seat has me confused. I am thinking of switching back to the stock slide stop to see if that helps. Then again, could it just be a "break-in" issue?

As another data point, I also fired a G19 and a G26 that each had the same, exact modifications. Both of those guns ran fine and have consistently run 100% before the mods as well. The only issue is that the G19 likes to chamber a round when I slap a new magazine in with the slide locked back (mag loading is possibly activating the slide stop?). That doesn't bother me, as it just makes the reloading process quicker.

I am also thinking that this could be something external to the gun. I was using basic Federal FMJ 230 grain ammo that I bought at Wal-Mart and I was a bit fatigued, as I was firing a number of guns this day. I was also breaking in a Dan Wesson Guardian that had run flawless for the previous 150 rounds, but encountered about 5-6 issues during the 100 rounds I fired through it on this day. Same thing, a mix between locking back, and not fully getting into battery. I am thinking this may just come down to a limp-wristing issue? So maybe I shouldn't change anything and should just shoot it again when I am fresh and focused?

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.

[Jago668]

My first suggestion would be return to stock, and see if the problem persists. If that clears it up then you put in one mod at a time until the problem begins again. If it happens while in stock have someone fire it to see if for some reason you are doing something weird (don't know what but /shrug). If it doesn't duplicate for the second person then you know you got a problem somewhere in the way you are using the pistol. If it duplicates for them, then you got something in the gun.

[Soccerdad1995]

My first suggestion would be return to stock, and see if the problem persists. If that clears it up then you put in one mod at a time until the problem begins again. If it happens while in stock have someone fire it to see if for some reason you are doing something weird (don't know what but /shrug). If it doesn't duplicate for the second person then you know you got a problem somewhere in the way you are using the pistol. If it duplicates for them, then you got something in the gun.

Thanks. Good advice.

[Excaliber]

Did you install the slide stop made specifically for the Glock .45 caliber guns? It's different than the ones for the other calibers.

Check out the available models at the Brownell's web site here.

[mcneyens]

I thought I had a problem with my Glock 27 G4 staying open after firing. I talked with an instructor at the range and he told me to mind my left thumb.

Sure enough because it's smaller (than my G17) my thumb was getting a little high and because of that little extra bit of friction the slide was staying open.

Not saying that's your problem, but I was relieved when I found out mine was user error.

[TexasCajun]

I took some pistol classes last month where one of the instructors let me use his G19 for a couple of the strings. The slide kept locking back on a loaded chamber when I fired it. Apparently my thumbs were engaging the slide stop - which was aftermarket.

[Bryanmc]

Remember, the locking block pin is the FIRST to be removed and the FIRST to be installed.

I always remove the trigger pin first (but like you on reassembly install the locking block pin first). That way the slide stop spring can't get tweaked by being caught by a notch in the locking block pin when you remove the pin, just remove the trigger pin first and pull the slide stop lever straight back and out..

To the op, if you're not used to the smaller frames, there is a good chance that your right thumb is bumping the slide stop lever up. If the slide stop is functioning correctly (easy test: remove the slide and hold the frame upside down. The slide stop should stay up against the frame, not hang down and if you pull it down should snap right back up)), try shooting left handed and see if the problem persists.

[Texsquatch]

I'm thinking this is another troll. Glocks don't behave like this, ever!

Joking. I'd say run it stock, and mind your thumbs. Also, depending on who you ask, some say the gold grease is bad, some leave it there. I think it would be worth a good cleaning if you hadn't done so prior to first shoot. Might be nothing wrong, but then again no manufacturer is perfect - this is why we poke many, many holes in paper before carrying a gun that you and yours may have to rely on.

[Mick22]

I have heard of this issue being the trigger connector. I would start with returning that to stock and trying again.

[The Annoyed Man]

Lol.

[goose]

Same thing, a mix between locking back, and not fully getting into battery. I am thinking this may just come down to a limp-wristing issue? So maybe I shouldn't change anything and should just shoot it again when I am fresh and focused?

Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.

While I think that you have received lots of good advice, your thought about going back rested requires the least amount of initial investment. And it may well be the fix. If getting to the range isn't a big hassle, I would do as you suggested first.

I had an IDPA match one day and I felt like I couldn't hit squat. I was frustrated, big time. On the way home I stopped at a "90 degree" range and tried to calmly shoot dots on paper targets. I was having massive amounts of FTFs, FTEs and weird slide locks. Needless to say it didn't help with the frustrations. BUT, without changing a thing, the next time I went back to the range life was good again. I know I was limp wristing it. It is the only explanation. It is the only part that really could have changed.

Good luck.

[Mick22]

Here is the fix for it. I'd say its worth a try if it's just a range gun.

https://youtu.be/pErD6k1QGUk