I couldn’t wait to test my glock 17 which I had bought from a friend. But my excitement was cut short when I noticed some issues that hindered what was meant to be a smooth ride for me.
I noticed Glock 17 Problems with the MOS system, occasional cycling and ejection hitches, magazine snags, trigger difficulties, and even concerns with the RSA/guide rod.
In this article I will dive into the problems I encountered and give you the possible solutions that worked on my Glock 17.
1. Feeding issue.
During my firing process I notice that my glock 17 couldn’t complete the process, this upset me because I wanted to proof to myself how competent I was.
Upon inspecting the firearm I realized that, this was caused by worn out magazine springs, buildup dirt and I hadn’t lubricated it.
I noticed my recoil spring was also weak and this made the glock 17 not to produce enough force to cycle the slide fully, resulting in failures to feed.
Solution
I replaced the worn out magazine springs with new and good quality ones. I lubricated it and yes, the glock 17 fired without any problem.
I thoroughly cleaned my glock 17 with a cleaning solvent; I started off by disassembling the ammo and cleaned every part. This restored not only its shape but also its stability when firing.
I replaced the recoil springs that were weak with quality ones. This made the glock 17 produce enough force when firing.
2. Ejection issue
The second problem I encountered with glock 17 was cycling and ejection. There were instances where the slide would stop, refusing to eject live round.
This occurred when I failed to give enough resistance to the recoil of the firearm, causing the slide to cycle improperly.
Solution
What worked for me was ensuring I had a firm grip on the firearm. Your grip should be high on the backstrap of the grip, with your dominant hand wrapped securely around the grip and your non-dominant hand supporting it from below.
Second thing that worked for me was maintaining a stable shooting stance, where my shoulder feet-width was apart and knees slightly bent. I leant slightly forward into the recoil to absorb it more effectively.
Confirm the functionality of the ejector by inspecting its alignment and performance, ensuring it applies adequate force to eject cartridge cases reliably. If signs of damage or wear are present, contemplate replacing the ejector with a new one to enhance reliability.
3. Extractor Malfunctions
Perhaps the most vexing challenge I faced was recurrent extractor malfunctions, characterized by erratic ejection patterns and occasional failure to extract spent casings.
Diving deeper into the intricacies of Glock 17 mechanics, I learned that extractor malfunctions can be attributed to a variety of factors, including worn extractor components, improper maintenance, or ammunition inconsistencies.
Solution
Armed with diagnostic insights, I embarked on a systematic troubleshooting process, beginning with a comprehensive inspection of the extractor assembly.
Upon identifying worn or damaged components, I promptly replaced them with high-quality aftermarket parts, ensuring optimal functionality and reliability.
Additionally, I refined my cleaning and maintenance routine, paying careful attention to the extractor and its surrounding components.
4. Guide rod issue /RSA
This happened when I was returning the slide on an empty magazine; the guide rod would get a little too attached to the slide.
There were even instances when the guide rod decided to pop out of its home in the barrel lug every time I removed the slide. It’s like it wanted to take a little adventure of its own.
Solution
Just like most things in life, being in the right place matters for the RSA and the guide rod too. Ensuring these components were properly seated made a world of difference.
So, if you’re having a rough day with your Glock, maybe it’s time to give your RSA and guide rod a little check-up.
If you notice any significant wear or damage to the guide rod assembly or other components, consider replacing them with new, factory-original parts. This includes the guide rod, recoil spring, and any associated components.
5. Magazine issue
I encountered this issue with magazines while testing the glock 17. During my field test I realized that these magazines were somewhat rebellious.
My assumption was maybe the glock had low quality springs. The 10- round magazines had a tendency to rattle; I suspect this was due to the peculiar anatomy of the 9mm rounds.
Solution
In my search for a solution I bumped into this new discovery; that magazines featuring a “2” inscription beside the Glock logo have shown to be notably more reliable, with stronger springs that effectively decrease the occurrence of jams.
However, if your magazines lack this distinctive marking, it’s advisable to acquire ones that do, as they offer improved performance and reduce the likelihood of feeding issues.
This issue can also be solved by cleaning the magazine to remove any dirt, debris, or fouling from inside the magazine body using a cleaning brush and solvent.
Inspect the follower for any damage or wear. Ensure it is properly aligned and moves smoothly along the magazine body without binding or catching.
Magazine issue can be due to worn out follower. If there’s any tear replace it immediately.
6. Trigger issue
It sucks when the trigger doesn’t reset after 250 smooth shots. More often than not, I noticed this stubbornness when the slide was fully forward with a round cozy in the chamber. It’s like the trigger wanted a moment of silent contemplation before getting back to work.
Solution
I found that a thorough cleaning and diligent lubrication of the gun brought the trigger back to life.
Another helpful solution was ensuring that the connector had enough outboard angle. And, of course, when I identified a faulty firing spring, a quick replacement fixed things up nicely.
I reassembled the firearm and performed function checks to ensure that the trigger operations were smooth and reliable. I then tested the trigger pull and reset it multiple times to verify that the issue was solved and yes it was.
FAQs
- Is Glock 17 reliable?
Yes, the Glock 17 is known for its high reliability, durability, and simplicity of design. It is widely used by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters around the world
- Can I customize my Glock 17?
Yes, there is a wide range of aftermarket accessories and modifications available for the Glock 17, including sights, triggers, slide modifications, and grip enhancements.
- What are the dimensions of the Glock 17?
The Glock 17 has a barrel length of 4.49 inches (114 mm), an overall length of 7.32 inches (186 mm), a height of 5.43 inches (138 mm), and a width of 1.26 inches (32 mm).
- What caliber does the Glock 17 use?
The Glock 17 is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, commonly known as 9mm