Got a Glock pistol? Many Americans do. Their concealability, power, reliability, accuracy, and capacities have made them (collectively) very popular handguns for target shooting, competition, training, defensive applications, official duty, and for some, probably handgun hunting.
So we rounded up some of the top questions about Glock pistols and answered them here.
Why Are Glocks So Popular?
Glock pistols are lightweight, durable, reliable, accurate, easy to carry, and intuitive to shoot. The lightweight polymer frame requires minimal maintenance compared to steel, and is fairly strong, too.
They are available in many popular cartridge chamberings, and many are double-stack models, giving them higher capacities than comparable handguns that feed from single-stack mags.
Glock pistols are also relatively affordable, and thanks to compatible platforms like CAA’s MCK (micro-conversion kit) many are convertible into carbine-style shoulder-mounted platforms.
Why Are Glock Pistols Made with Polymer Frames?
One of the hallmarks of a Glock pistol is its lightweight polymer frame. They are made from high-strength nylon-based composites designed by Gaston Glock, and are lightweight and very durable.
Some prefer this material over steel because it offers excellent durability and better resistance to corrosion than steel does, all while being lighter and without sacrificing much strength.
Which Is the Best Glock Pistol for Concealed Carry?
There is no single best Glock pistol for concealed carry, but in terms of compactness and firepower, the G36 is a great option.
It is extremely small and compact (6.97” overall, 4.72” high and 1.18” wide, and only 22.4 oz) and it accepts a 6 round magazine. Chambered in .45 ACP, it offers better stopping power than alternatives chambered in 9mm or .380 ACP.
Other great options for concealed carry Glocks include the G29 (10mm), G42 (.380 ACP), G43X (9mm) and G48 (9mm). Each of these Glock handguns offers something unique in terms of size, weight, handling, firepower, and capacity.
What Is the Most Powerful Glock?
It is not the pistol itself but the chambering which is powerful. In terms of most powerful cartridge and capacity, that nod goes to the G20.
The Glock 20, though not the most popular Glock pistol, offers a standard mag capacity of 15 rounds of 10mm Auto.
10mm Auto, which produces upwards of 700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, is an extremely powerful handgun cartridge, and the G20 can deliver a total standard capacity of 15+1 rounds, for an impressive amount of firepower.
Which Is the Most Popular Glock in Official Service?
The most popular Glock service pistol is the Glock 22, chambered in .40 S&W. The size, weight, and handling of the Glock 22 all make it exceptionally popular, along with its standard capacity of 15 rounds of .40 S&W, a cartridge that delivers significantly more stopping power than 9mm. There are options for 16 and 22 round Glock mags for the G22, as well.
Should a New Glock Be Cleaned Before Use?
Yes, new Glock pistols should be cleaned and lubricated before use. Disassemble, clean, and lubricate your Glock pistol before firing it for the first time. For lubrication points, refer to your owner’s manual as these may vary slightly between models.
Not only will cleaning before use lubricate the Glock’s inner works, but it will help remove the anti-corrosive material that the gun is packed with before shipping. The same goes for all new firearms.
Why Don’t Glock Pistols Have Safeties?
For one reason or another, Glock pistols do not have functioning safety mechanisms, and are intended to be fired with minimal action on behalf of the shooter.
However, Glock pistols do have internal safety mechanisms (firing pin and drop safeties) which help to prevent the firearms from discharging unless the trigger is pulled.
How Often Should a Glock Pistol Be Cleaned?
Glock recommends that their pistols be cleaned once per month, whether the pistol has been fired or not. They suggest increasing this frequency if the pistol has been exposed to adverse conditions such as salt, water, dirt, dust, rain or snow, or sweat.
You should also clean your pistol more frequently in accordance with how often you fire it. Most shooters will recommend disassembling and deep cleaning a pistol every 500 to 1000 rounds or so. Others clean their guns after every trip to the range.
Can You Fire Lead Bullets Through a Glock Pistol?
Glock does not recommend firing lead bullets through its handguns, only jacketed bullets.
This is probably for the best since lead round nose bullets produce a lot of lead fouling, which is difficult to clean, and when allowed to remain in the bore, can adversely affect accuracy.
Does Glock Sell Frames or Slides?
Glock does not sell frames or slides.
Are Glock Mags Interchangeable?
Glock mags are designed for interchangeability as long as the two Glocks in question are double-stack models and have the same caliber.
Double-stack and single-stack models are not interchangeable, nor are mags in different calibers.
Some Glock mags are one way compatible. For instance, a G17 mag will work in a G19 but a G19 mag will not fit in a G17 because it is too short.
Do Glock Mags Need to Be Broken in?
Glock mags, like all firearm magazines, benefit from a break-in period so that they will feed more smoothly.
The best way to break in Glock mags is simply to take them to the range and shoot them. You can also accelerate the process by charging and dropping an empty mag a bunch of times, or by running snap caps through the action.
How Often Do You Need to Clean a Glock Mag?
Like the rest of the firearm, Glock mags benefit from cleaning. Keep them on the same schedule as your handgun and clean them both at the same time to make sure everything is in order.
So, for some shooters, this will be between every 500 to 1000 rounds; or you could just clean your mags every month, along with the gun itself.
Pick Up Some Spare Glock Mags Here
We carry a wide range of Glock mags, as well as Bushmaster, Colt, H&K, Sig, Magpul, Ruger, and S&W magazines, among others. We also sell 3-pack bundles.
Stock up here and put a few spares in your range bag so you can spend more time shooting and less time loading.