Jams like stovepipes and failures to feed can be caused by a whole load of factors, ranging from limp-wristing to recoil springs that are on the way out. Lots of fouling on the feed ramp, hollow point bullets, and other factors can cause jams too.
But what about your Glock mags? For those of you that shoot a Glock, is it possible that the mag itself is contributing to your gun’s propensity to jam periodically?
If your gun is clean, and you’ve ruled out the ammo, limp wristing, and other mechanical factors that can cause jams, drop your mag and take a closer look. It just might turn out that the mag itself is causing some problems of its own.
The Feed Lips
Once you drop the mag, take a closer look at the feed lips. These are the curved flanges/lips at the top of the magazine that hold the cartridges in place so that they feed fluidly into the chamber.
On a Glock mag, you want to make sure that the plastic exterior is unmarred and that there is no visible damage to the feed lips. If your magazine has an underlying metal reinforcement, you will want to make sure that this part of the feed lips is not deformed, scratched, or otherwise damaged.
Damage to the top of a magazine can change the dimensions of the feed lips, which can change the pressure placed on the cartridges, resulting in jams. In any event, if the feed lips are noticeably damaged, stop using the mag and get a new one.
Another very important note here is that even if there is no detectable damage to the feed lips, there’s one more thing you should check.
Run your finger along the edge of each lip and along the underside, too. The edge and underside of the lip should be smooth, clean, and without a trace of grittiness.
If the feed lips are rough, they’re probably digging into each cartridge case, resulting in higher friction and a lower chance of a smooth feed.
If you notice this exact problem with your Glock mag’s feed lips, get a small piece of high-grit sandpaper and work each lip until the edges and underside feel smooth.
The Mag Spring
It is the mag spring that stores the potential energy to force the cartridges up and into the top of the mag, against the feed lips, so that the slide can strip them off and feed them into the chamber.
Since magazines are so simplistic, this is one of the only parts you need to check in order to determine viability. You may be able to do so without even disassembling the Glock mag.
Just load the mag with snap caps and if you don’t feed adequate pressure when you’re loading the first few rounds, then the problem may be that your mag spring is on the way out.
Fortunately, this doesn’t require you to replace the whole magazine. In fact, for a few dollars you can get a compatible replacement Glock mag spring, drop the base plate and insert, put the new spring in, and reassemble.
The Follower
The follower is a little plastic component on which the cartridges actually rest within the magazine. Though it isn’t often the culprit in failures to feed, a deformed (or in some cases, even a missing follower) may be the cause of the jams.
Just unload the mag and inspect. If the follower is clean and the right shape (without damage or deformation) then keep looking. It’s not the follower causing jams.
However, if the follower is gouged, misshapen or otherwise damaged, very dirty, or if it’s not sitting on the top of the mag spring properly, then replace this part and see if that solves whatever issue you’re experiencing with feeding.
The Mag Body
Lastly, we recommend inspecting the mag body - lastly, because there’s almost no chance that the mag tube itself is the cause of jams. But, it could happen, so it’s worth a look.
Just give the mag a quick once-over. If there’s no damage to it, then it’s probably not that. Pay close attention to any areas that seem to have dents, as underneath the polymer (depending on the mag) there may be a metal substructure. If this is bent inwards and puts pressure on the cartridges within, it could be causing jams.
Time for a New Glock Mag?
Time to replace your Glock mags or just to add a few spares to your range bag? Got a damaged one you need to replace? We can help with that. Check out our full collection of Glock mags via the previous link and shop bundles which can save you even more. Then make sure you check out our police trade-in specials so you never miss a deal!