Common Problems and Real Fixes from a Gunsmith’s Bench

Even though Glock pistols have an excellent reputation for reliability, real-world use still brings real-world problems. On the bench, most issues turn out to be a combination of ammunition, magazines, maintenance, and worn or altered parts—not a “bad Glock.” This page walks through common problems that show up at a gunsmith’s bench and outlines practical, proven fixes that follow Glock armorer standards and professional gunsmithing practices.

Failure to Feed (FTF)

Failure to feed is one of the most common complaints. The gun may nose-dive rounds into the feed ramp, hang up halfway into the chamber, or fail to pick up a round at all.

Likely Causes

• Worn, weak, or out-of-spec magazine springs.
• Damaged or spread magazine feed lips.
• Underpowered or inconsistent ammunition.
• Excessive fouling on the feed ramp or in the chamber.
• Aftermarket recoil spring assembly with incorrect spring weight.

Real Fixes from the Bench

• Inspect and test magazines first. Swap to known-good OEM Glock magazines. If the problem disappears, rebuild or replace the suspect mags.
• Clean the barrel and feed ramp thoroughly. Remove carbon and fouling; do not over-polish or change the geometry of the ramp.
• Return to a factory-spec recoil spring assembly. If an aftermarket RSA is installed, replace it with a correct OEM part.
• Try quality factory ammunition. If feeding issues only occur with a specific brand or load, the problem may be ammo-related, not pistol-related.

Failure to Eject (FTE) and Stovepipes

Failures to eject, including classic “stovepipe” jams, usually point to ejection timing, extractor control, or slide velocity issues.

Likely Causes

• Weak ammunition or inconsistent pressure.
• Worn or damaged extractor or extractor spring assembly.
• Aftermarket recoil spring that is too heavy, slowing slide movement.
• Excessive fouling around the extractor claw or breech face.
• Unstable grip (“limp wristing”) that allows the frame to move excessively under recoil.

Real Fixes from the Bench

• Clean the slide thoroughly. Pay special attention to the breech face and extractor claw. Remove built-up fouling that can interfere with extraction.
• Inspect the extractor. Look for chips, rounding, or loss of sharp engagement on the case rim. Replace with OEM if any damage is found.
• Use a correct, factory-spec recoil spring assembly. Oversprung slides are a common cause of ejection problems.
• Confirm ammo choice and grip. Test with known-good factory ammo and verify the shooter is using a firm, locked-wrist grip.

Light Primer Strikes or Misfires

Click instead of bang? Light primer strikes can be intermittent or repeatable and always warrant careful inspection.

Likely Causes

• Contaminated or over-lubricated firing pin channel.
• Aftermarket or reduced-power striker springs.
• Debris obstructing the striker’s full travel.
• Hard primers or inconsistent ammunition quality.

Real Fixes from the Bench

• Disassemble and clean the firing pin assembly and channel according to Glock armorer procedures. The channel should be dry and oil-free.
• Use an OEM striker spring and cups. Replace unknown or reduced-power springs with genuine Glock parts.
• Inspect the striker tip for chipping or deformation and replace if damaged.
• Test with quality factory ammunition. If the problem disappears, the original issue may be ammo-related.

Slide Not Locking Back on Empty

Another frequent complaint is that the slide fails to lock back after the last round. This can be a mechanical issue, a magazine issue, or a shooter technique issue.

Likely Causes

• Thumb or hand contacting the slide stop lever during firing.
• Weak magazine springs or worn followers that do not push the slide stop up reliably.
• Debris or fouling around the slide stop lever and notch.
• Incorrect or weakened slide stop spring.

Real Fixes from the Bench

• Verify shooter grip first. Ensure the firing hand or support hand isn’t riding the slide stop lever.
• Test with known-good OEM magazines. If the problem disappears, rebuild or replace older magazines.
• Inspect and clean the slide stop area. Make sure the lever pivots freely and the slide notch is not damaged.
• Replace a weakened or altered slide stop and spring with OEM parts if necessary.

“My Glock Isn’t Accurate”

Accuracy complaints are common, but a Glock that is mechanically sound will usually outshoot most of us. The key is to separate shooter, sight, and mechanical factors.

Likely Causes

• Poor or inconsistent trigger control.
• Loose, damaged, or improperly installed sights.
• Using ammo that does not group well in that specific barrel.
• Excessively worn barrel or crown (less common, but possible in high-mileage guns).

Real Fixes from the Bench

• Bench the pistol in a rest or sandbags. This helps separate shooter input from mechanical accuracy.
• Inspect sights. Confirm they are tight, centered, and undamaged. Reinstall or replace as needed.
• Test multiple loads. Glocks often show clear preferences for certain bullet weights and loads.
• Inspect the barrel crown and rifling for visible damage, erosion, or severe leading. Replace the barrel if necessary.

Trigger Issues and Reset Problems

Spongy triggers, unreliable resets, or inconsistent break points are often tied to non-factory parts or incorrect installation.

Likely Causes

• Aftermarket connectors, trigger bars, or springs not working together properly.
• Improper fitting or polishing of trigger components.
• Debris or fouling in the trigger mechanism housing.
• Worn trigger return spring.

Real Fixes from the Bench

• Return to OEM trigger components when reliability is the priority, especially for defensive use.
• Disassemble and clean the trigger mechanism housing to remove debris and old lubricant.
• Inspect the trigger return spring and replace if there is any question about its integrity.
• Verify correct installation of all parts following Glock armorer procedures, especially when a mix of OEM and aftermarket parts has been used.

When to Stop and Call a Gunsmith

Some issues can be solved with good cleaning, correct parts, and careful inspection. Others require an experienced eye and proper tools. If you see cracks in the frame or slide, repeated parts breakage, unusual wear patterns, or anything you are unsure about, it’s time to put the pistol on a professional bench.

A certified Glock armorer or qualified gunsmith can safely diagnose and correct problems, verify safe function, and ensure your Glock is ready for duty, carry, or the range.

Glock Troubleshooting & Repair Services

If your Glock is experiencing any of the issues listed above—or something that just doesn’t feel right—we offer inspection and repair services that follow Glock armorer-level standards. From simple magazine and spring problems to more complex diagnostic work, we focus on safe, reliable fixes backed by real bench experience.

Contact us to schedule a Glock troubleshooting session or to discuss a specific problem you’re seeing on the range.