Safety First: Your Responsibility
Before we even touch your Glock, it’s crucial to understand the unwavering importance of gun safety. Handling firearms demands respect and adherence to established rules. Neglecting these rules can lead to serious injury or worse. This entire article is based on the principle of safety above all else. Always approach your Glock with the utmost caution and treat it as if it’s loaded.
Here are the fundamental principles that must become second nature:
- Treat Every Gun as Loaded: Assume that your Glock is always loaded, even if you believe it to be unloaded. This mindset fosters a safety-conscious approach to every interaction.
- Never Point the Muzzle at Anything You Are Not Willing to Destroy: This rule emphasizes the importance of muzzle control. Always direct the muzzle in a safe direction, away from yourself, other people, and anything you don’t intend to damage.
- Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Your Sights Are on the Target and You Have Decided to Shoot: The trigger is the final step before the gun fires. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you have made a conscious decision to shoot.
- Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It: Always know your target and what lies behind it. Be aware of potential obstacles or hazards in the line of fire. This is critical for preventing accidental harm.
Verifying Unloaded Status: The Most Important Step
The first action before *any* work on your Glock is to verify that the firearm is completely unloaded. This crucial step is non-negotiable. Ignoring this can lead to catastrophic accidents. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the Magazine: Press the magazine release button (typically located near the trigger guard on the left side of the Glock) and remove the magazine. Physically inspect the magazine to confirm it is empty. Set the magazine aside in a secure location away from your work area.
- Visually Inspect the Chamber: With the magazine removed, pull the slide fully to the rear and lock it open. This allows you to visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty. Look inside the ejection port (the opening on the side of the slide). There should be no cartridge present.
- Physically Inspect the Chamber: After your visual inspection, you must physically check. With the slide locked back, slide your finger (safely!) along the chamber, feeling for any remaining ammunition.
- Repeat and Confirm: Repeat the entire process of inspection. Safety is not a one-time event; it’s a continuous mindset.
Disassembly: The Simple Steps to Field Strip a Glock
Once you have confirmed the Glock is unloaded, you are ready to begin the field stripping process. Remember to work in a clean and well-lit area.
Locking the Slide Back
This is the initial action before disassembling the Glock. This is an essential step that prepares the pistol for the removal of the slide. It allows you to manipulate the slide without the risk of it springing forward unexpectedly.
- With the magazine removed, grasp the slide firmly.
- Pull the slide fully to the rear.
- While holding the slide back, use the slide stop lever (located on the left side of the frame) to lock the slide in the open position. This holds the slide in place.
Removing the Slide
After confirming everything is safe, the next step is to remove the slide from the frame. This step is straightforward.
- Confirm that the magazine is out and that the slide is locked back.
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Ensure your finger is away from the trigger.
- Pull the slide back ever so slightly, allowing it to unlatch from the slide stop lever.
- While holding the slide back, pull the trigger. This allows the slide to slide off the front of the gun frame.
Slide Disassembly: Taking It Further (Optional)
This section offers a step beyond basic field stripping. It’s a more advanced level of maintenance but can be extremely helpful. This part is for cleaning or replacing parts on the inside.
- Removing the Recoil Spring Assembly: The recoil spring assembly is located under the barrel. Simply push the front of the assembly down and forward to detach it.
- Removing the Barrel: The barrel is held in place by gravity and its placement within the slide. Once the recoil spring assembly is removed, the barrel can be lifted out.
- Slide Disassembly: Once the barrel and the recoil spring assembly are out, this allows for better cleaning and maintenance.
Cleaning and Reassembly: The Other Half of the Equation
After field stripping, the cleaning process begins. Proper cleaning, along with field stripping a Glock regularly, ensures your Glock runs optimally and maintains its longevity.
Cleaning the Barrel
The barrel is where the magic happens – where the bullet gains its velocity. Cleaning it removes any residue from the firing of the gun.
- Run a brush through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle, using a suitable gun cleaning solvent.
- Repeat the brushing process several times.
- Wipe the barrel clean with patches until they come out clean.
Cleaning the Slide and Frame
Wipe down the slide and frame with cleaning solvent. Pay attention to areas where debris and carbon buildup.
- Remove any stubborn carbon with a brush.
- Lubricate the slide rails, frame rails, and other moving parts with a high-quality gun lubricant.
Putting It Back Together
- If you’ve done the slide disassembly:
- Insert the barrel back into the slide.
- Insert the recoil spring assembly.
- Return the slide to the frame. This is the reverse of the field stripping process:
- Push the slide back onto the frame from the rear until it can seat properly.
- Pull the slide back fully to make sure the slide operates correctly.
Testing for Function
After reassembling your Glock, it’s vital to test its functionality.
- Ensure the magazine is removed.
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Pull the slide back and release it, making sure it goes into battery (fully forward).
- Pull the trigger to make sure the firing pin moves.
- Repeat this process several times to verify the pistol functions smoothly.
Important Considerations and Reminders
- Safety, Safety, Safety: Remember, safety is paramount. Double-check all steps and always treat your Glock as if it’s loaded.
- Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for smooth and reliable operation. Use a high-quality gun lubricant on the slide rails, frame rails, and other moving parts.
- Tools: Use the right tools for the job. A Glock disassembly tool can be very helpful, as can a good quality gun-cleaning kit.
- Experienced Help: If you’re unsure about any step, seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith or a more experienced shooter.
This concludes your guide to field stripping a Glock. Now, go forth and do it! Taking the time to understand this process empowers you to maintain your firearm, ensuring its reliability and, most importantly, your safety. Keep it clean, keep it safe, and keep it ready!
