Most of the larger components of Glock pistols are interchangeable between different models. This was an important feature when getting the Glock 19 fielded as a military sidearm required some creative maneuvering. Glock started as a modest plastics company. Then, Gaston Glock discovered he could make a better and more durable handgun using his polymer.

It’s Easy to Disassemble

Glocks have a relatively small number of moving parts and are easy to disassemble, making them a popular choice for law enforcement and gun enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re taking apart your pistol to clean it or make modifications, knowing how to disassemble a Glock is an important skill for all gun owners.

To begin, eject the magazine and make sure the chamber is empty and unloaded. It is also a good idea to point the gun in a safe direction as you perform this step.

With the slide open, push the extractor and take out the locking block. This can be done with a punch (preferably a Glock armorer tool) or any other small-diameter tool that’s narrow enough to fit in the hole on the floor plate of the magazine. With the locking block out, you can then take out the ejector assembly and remove the striker, firing pin and extractor plunger. The gun is now completely field stripped and ready for maintenance or modification.

It’s Easy to Modify

Glocks are a popular choice among law enforcement because they are so easy to customize and maintain. They also have a good reputation for reliability. But some modifications may not be safe to make, such as changing the firing pin or removing the magazine safety, which can cause accidental discharges.

The polymer frame makes Glock handguns lighter than steel-framed guns, an advantage for officers who carry them for extended periods of time. They also don’t have manual safeties, which are often mistaken for the trigger and can be activated accidentally during stress.

Some common Glock mods include trigger connectors, which improve the gun’s smoothness and enable shooters to fire more rounds in a row. Other modifications, such as modifying the baseplate to fit different hand sizes, help shooters feel more comfortable while shooting for long periods of time. You can even add a light or sight to your gun. However, you should be aware that doing these modifications may violate laws regarding how many rounds your gun can hold.

It’s Durable

When Glock first gained a foothold in the market, it had one huge selling point: durability. Many shooters can testify that Glock pistols are very durable. While there have been some problems with certain combinations of generation, caliber and ammo/accessories, Glocks generally have a better track record than most other pistol designs in terms of durability.

The striker-fired system in Glocks makes them very reliable firearms. Besides, Glock pistols have three passive safety mechanisms that disengage sequentially as the trigger is pulled. These mechanisms also prevent jostling and drop discharges of the firearm.

The company’s reputation for durability helped it gain popularity among police departments and civilians alike. The Glock was soon seen on television shows like Law and Order and in movies starring Bruce Willis, such as Die Hard 2. It is important to note that Glock’s reliability does not mean that it is more reliable than other pistols. However, its track record in durability and simplicity have grabbed the attention of the shooting public.

It’s Easy to Clean

Glock pistols are incredibly easy to clean and disassemble for cleaning. This makes them very popular with law enforcement officers who must perform frequent weapons inspections and maintenance on their duty firearms.

First, make sure your Glock is unloaded – point it in a safe direction and pull the trigger (dry fire) to clear it of all ammunition. Then, grab your Glock takedown tool, a cleaning rod with cotton patches and a double-ended nylon brush as well as some gun cleaner (we like Ballistol).

Conclusion

Start with the slide – you can easily remove it by pushing back on the notched plastic piece and lowering the slide lock. Once you have the slide removed, you can use the brush to clean the breech face and if you are feeling particularly detailed, wipe down the recoil spring & guide rod. After that, swab the rail grooves and recessed areas of the slide with your brush and a rag to clean any dirtiness. Once everything is clean, a light coat of lubricant and your Glock will be good to go.