Firearm ownership carries with it a profound sense of responsibility, emphasizing not only the right to bear arms but also the duty to understand and maintain them.
Knowledge of a firearm's components is crucial, as it allows the owner to appreciate the complexity and functionality of the weapon, ensuring safe and effective use.
Regular maintenance is key to preserving a firearm's condition, functionality, and longevity.
This involves routine cleaning, proper storage, and timely repairs, all of which are essential to prevent malfunctions and accidents.
For Glock owners, routine firearm maintenance generally includes a fundamental skill that allows you to clean, maintain, and inspect your firearm thoroughly, called Field Stripping.
In this article, we'll explore a step-by-step guide on how to safely and successfully field strip your Glock pistol in ten easy steps, emphasizing the importance of safety and responsible gun ownership.
Firearm Safety Procedures
Before delving into the steps, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of safety.
Below are the Four Universal Firearm Safety Rules, widely recognized and taught by law enforcement, military, and civilians.
Treat All Guns as if They Are Loaded
Always handle a firearm with the same care you would if you knew it was loaded, even if you believe it to be unloaded.
This mindset helps instill a constant sense of caution.
Never Point a Firearm at Anything You Do Not Intend to Shoot
Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, away from unintended targets.
This rule is crucial for preventing accidental harm or damage.
Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot
Your finger should rest outside the trigger guard until you have made the conscious decision to shoot.
This helps prevent accidental discharges.
Be Sure of Your Target and What is Beyond It
Before firing, be aware not only of your target but also of the area beyond it.
Bullets can penetrate through targets and travel significant distances, so understanding the entire shooting environment is vital.
Glock Field Stripping Guide
STEP 1: Eject the Magazine
Utilize the magazine catch to eject the magazine from the pistol.
This step ensures that the firearm is not loaded from the magazine, establishing a clear starting point for the field stripping process.
STEP 2: Cycle the Slide
Cycle the slide of the pistol several times. This crucial action serves a dual purpose:
(1) It helps extract and eject a round if one is present in the chamber
(2) it provides an opportunity for a malfunctioning extractor to engage a cartridge if it is still chambered.
STEP 3: Lock the Slide to the Rear
Engage the slide catch lever to lock the slide to the rear.
This maneuver grants a clear view and access to the chamber, facilitating subsequent inspection and disassembly steps.
STEP 4: Open Chamber & Magazine Well Visual Inspection
Conduct a visual inspection of the open chamber area of the pistol, checking for the presence of ammunition.
Turn the pistol over and inspect the magazine well opening to ensure no rounds are present.
STEP 5: Physical Inspection of the Chamber Area
Physically inspect the chamber area of the pistol by carefully using your finger to ensure there is no round present in the chamber.
This tactile examination adds an extra layer of assurance.
STEP 6: Final Visual Inspection
Conduct a final visual inspection of the chamber area and the magazine well to ensure no ammunition is present.
This thorough examination confirms the firearm's clear and safe condition.
STEP 7: Return the Slide into Battery and pull the Trigger
Allow the slide to close on an empty chamber, preparing the pistol for the next steps in the field stripping process.
With utmost certainty that the gun is in a clear and safe condition, point it in a safe direction and pull the trigger with an empty chamber.
This step is a crucial safety measure before proceeding further.
STEP 8: Retract, Unlock, and Remove the Slide
Retract the slide roughly ¼ of an inch and press the slide lock lever down.
Releasing the Glock's slide while holding down the slide lock lever will enable it to "Slide-off" the front of the frame.
STEP 9: Remove the Guide Rod Assembly
The guide rod assembly, with the spring attached, can be pulled up from the rear and removed from the slide with ease.
STEP 10: Remove the Barrel
Without the guide rod assembly, the barrel can move freely through the opening at the front of the slide.
Once the chamber clears the breach face on the slide, lift the barrel up by the chamber end and slide it up and toward the back of the slide for removal.
Glock Reassembly and Function Check
Now that your Glock pistol has been successfully field-stripped, you can proceed with careful cleaning, maintenance, and inspection.
Reassembly is a straightforward process, involving reversing from Steps 11 to 10 and then carefully sliding the slide assembly back onto the frame of the Glock, pulling it completely to the rear.
After reassembly, perform a meticulous function check on your now reassembled EMPTY Glock pistol.
Ensure the gun is empty by cycling the slide several times on a clear and empty gun before pointing it in a safe direction and pressing the trigger straight back.
Glock Disassembly, Maintenance, and Inspection
Disassembling, maintaining, and inspecting your pistol are essential skills that contribute to ensuring your Glock has a long and useful service life.
Undertake these tasks in a safe manner, paying close attention to your pistol’s condition and your work environment.
By mastering the art of field stripping, you not only fulfill your responsibilities as a gun owner but also empower yourself with the knowledge needed to keep your Glock in prime, reliable, functioning condition for years to come.
How To Field Strip a Glock Pistol - Video Guide
Additional Resources
For more Basic Handgun Operations information, check out our recent gun blog article on How to Clear a Handgun.
Readers can also Find, view, and download your favorite Glock owner's manual, Glock parts diagram, and other valuable resources, including Preventive Maintenance Instructions by visiting the Ammunition Depot Glock Firearm Resources Page
