Glock 20 Gen 4 Problems And Their Solutions
The Glock 20 Gen 4 is a popular handgun among firearm enthusiasts due to its versatility and high capacity. It is chambered in the powerful 10mm cartridge, making it a top choice for hunting, self-defense, and law enforcement applications.
Despite its reputation as a reliable and robust weapon, like any other firearm, the Glock 20 Gen 4 may sometimes encounter issues that impede its performance.
To address these problems and help Glock 20 Gen 4 owners maintain the optimal operation of their firearms, we aim to identify common problems that users may experience and provide effective solutions backed up by experience and technical knowledge.
Some of the most common problems with the Glock 20 Gen 4 include failure to feed or eject, inadequate accuracy, trigger reset problems, and malfunction due to the gun’s recoil spring. Various factors, including operator error, mechanical malfunctions, and the lack of proper maintenance, can cause these issues.
Common Glock 20 Gen 4 Problems And Their Solutions
Contents
1. Ejector Issue
The ejector is a small piece of metal located inside the gun’s slide, responsible for extracting the spent casing from the chamber and throwing it out of the firearm. When the ejector fails to do its job, a casing can become stuck, preventing your firearm from firing again.
There are several reasons why an ejector can malfunction. The most common cause of ejector issues is wear and tear. The ejector is subjected to high pressure, heat, and stress, leading to eventual degradation.
Over time, this can cause the metal to bend or break, leading to issues with the firearm’s overall function.
Another possible cause of ejector problems is improper cleaning and maintenance.
Failing to clean and lubricate your firearm regularly can result in dirt and debris buildup, causing problems with the ejector’s function.
The first step is to disassemble your firearm and inspect the ejector carefully. If it appears bent, corroded, or worn, it’s time to replace it.
The next step is to thoroughly clean the ejector and surrounding area, removing any dirt and debris causing the issue.
Once clean, apply a small amount of lubricant to the ejector to ensure its smooth operation.
You can finally reassemble your firearm and try it out to ensure the ejector is functioning correctly.
2. Failure to Feed
Failure to Feed happens when a loaded cartridge fails to get properly fed into the chamber of your firearm. It’s a frustrating issue that can quickly ruin your experience at the range.
The causes of Failure to Feed can vary greatly, but some of the most common include using the wrong type of ammunition, high slide speeds, holding the gun too tightly, weak springs, faulty followers, and worn-out magazines.
The good news is that you can fix most of these issues independently without taking your firearm to a gunsmith. Below are some step-by-step solutions:
1. Use compatible ammunition: If you’re having trouble with your firearm jamming frequently, you may be using the wrong type of ammunition. Make sure you’re using ammo that’s compatible with your firearm.
2. Reduce slide speed: High slide speeds can cause rounds to jam and fail to feed. Try to reduce the speed of your slide by slowing down your grip and technique.
3. Loosen your grip: Holding your firearm too tightly may also contribute to the issue of Failure to Feed. Lighten your grip to allow for smoother feeding.
4. Upgrade springs and followers: Replace the weak or faulty springs and followers with new ones capable of handling your firearm’s recoil and feeding needs.
5. Replace the magazines: If they are worn out, they can cause feeding issues. Replace them with new, quality mags specifically designed for your firearm.
6. Polish the feed Ramp: A rough feed ramp can cause feeding problems. Take some time to polish it to ensure smoother feeding.
3. Stovepiping
Stovepiping is a common issue when the spent casing fails to eject properly from the weapon’s chamber during the firing process. This can lead to significant problems, such as misfires and jammed chambers, potentially putting the user in danger.
There are several different causes for stovepiping. One is a weak or worn recoil spring responsible for driving the slide backward to expel the spent cartridge.
Another common cause is a dirty or improperly lubricated weapon, which can impede the cartridge’s smooth ejection. In addition, a damaged extractor or ejector can prevent the cartridge from exiting the chamber.
To fix these issues, there are several steps you can take. First, inspect the recoil spring and replace it if necessary.
This will ensure that the slide is being driven with enough force to expel spent casings properly. Next, thoroughly clean and lubricate your firearm.
This will help ensure that the cartridge can smoothly eject from the chamber. Finally, inspect the extractor and ejector components and replace any damaged parts.
This will ensure that the cartridge is properly guided out of the chamber.
4. Extractor Blow Up
For those of you who are not aware, an extractor blow up refers to the disengagement of the extractor from the case rim while firing, leading to malfunctioning of the firearm.
One of the main causes of extractor blow up is a plunger pin that pulls out. If the plunger pin is not installed correctly, it can lead to the pin coming loose and falling out, which causes the extractor to lose its tension.
This can be avoided by properly installing the plunger pin into the slide assembly.
Another cause of extractor blow up is a bad or faulty extractor.
A damaged extractor, whether due to improper installation or wear and tear, can cause the extractor to lose its tension and can lead to jams and misfires.
To correct this issue, a new extractor must be installed.
Slide teardown is another step that needs to be taken when attempting to fix extractor blow up. Once the slide has been removed from the frame, it can be disassembled to examine the extractor.
Doing so lets you identify any issues that require attention and make the necessary repairs.
Lastly, ensuring proper extractor tension is crucial to preventing extractor blow up. The tension should be tested and adjusted if necessary.
A lack of tension can lead to the extractor slipping and failing to grip the spent casing when it ejects.
5. Recoil Spring Problems
The recoil spring is an essential component of a firearm, and it plays a critical role in controlling the movement of the slide during firing.
Recoil spring problems can arise due to several factors, including stack up, slide-to-frame contact, front slide lugs, significant battering, and plastic.
These issues can result in a weakened or damaged recoil spring, leading to malfunctions and decreased accuracy.
Fortunately, there are several solutions to fix recoil spring problems, and one of the most effective ways is to replace the recoil spring with a KKM barrel and a 22lb flat IMSI recoil spring.
This combination can improve the durability and longevity of the recoil spring while enhancing your firearm’s accuracy and performance.
However, it is crucial to note that this solution may require some gunsmithing skills and should only be attempted by experienced individuals.
Another way to prevent recoil spring problems is to ensure proper firearm maintenance.
Cleaning and lubricating your weapon regularly can help prevent debris build-up and reduce wear and tear on the recoil spring.
Additionally, inspecting your firearm for damage or signs of wear and tear can help catch any underlying issues before they worsen.
6. Trigger Problem
This common problem can occur with many firearms, including Glock 20 Gen 4 models. In order to address this issue, it is important first to understand what is causing the problem.
A variety of factors can cause trigger problems. One common cause is debris or dirt lodged in the trigger mechanism.
Over time, this debris can build up and interfere with the trigger’s functioning ability.
Additionally, trigger problems can also be caused by worn or damaged components within the trigger mechanism. This can cause the trigger to stick or become unresponsive during use.
It is important to take a few important steps to fix these issues. First, it is important to thoroughly clean your firearm’s trigger mechanism, removing any debris or dirt that may be causing the problem.
This can be done using a cleaning solution and a small brush or swab. Once the mechanism is clean, you may also want to oil it to ensure that it is properly lubricated.
If the trigger problem is more serious and caused by worn or damaged components, it may be necessary to replace these parts.
A professional gunsmith or firearms technician can typically do this.
Some common components that may need to be replaced include the trigger spring or the trigger bar.
7. Heavier Trigger Pull
Many gun owners face similar issues, especially with high caliber firearms like the Glock 20. But what causes a heavier trigger pull, and what can you do to fix it? Let’s take a closer look.
One common problem that can cause a heavier trigger pull is a bulge on the cartridge’s primer.
This happens when the firing pin strikes the primer at an angle, causing it to deform and create a bulge. This bulge can make it harder for the trigger to release, resulting in a heavier pull.
A rough or dirty trigger mechanism is another cause of a heavier trigger pull.
Over time, dirt and grime can accumulate in the trigger assembly, making it harder for the trigger to move smoothly.
This can result in a heavier pull and reduced accuracy and precision.
The best way to prevent this is to ensure your firing pin is straight and properly aligned.
You may also want to check the ammunition you’re using to ensure that it’s of good quality and not prone to bulging or deforming.
As for a dirty or rough trigger mechanism, the solution is simple: clean it! Disassemble your firearm and clean the trigger assembly thoroughly with a good gun cleaner and oil.
This will help to remove any dirt, grime, or other contaminants that may be causing the trigger to stick or move roughly.
8. Jamming issue
A jamming issue is when the gun fails to fire properly or the bullet does not eject fully from the chamber, causing a malfunction.
The main causes of jamming could be due to a variety of factors such as a dirty gun, a damaged magazine, poor maintenance, or weak ammunition.
To fix this issue, the first step is to clean your firearm thoroughly. This includes disassembling it and cleaning each component with a designated cleaner.
Be sure to check the barrel for any obstructions. Next, inspect the mags for damage and ensure it is fully seated in the firearm.
Then, lubricate all moving parts with a gun oil that is approved for your particular handgun.
If any of these steps do not solve the problem, consider experimenting with different ammunition to find the right fit for your firearm.
It is essential to note that using low-quality, weak ammunition may exacerbate a jamming issue, so always opt for good-quality bullets.
3 Best Alternative To Glock 20 Gen 4
The Glock 20 Gen 4 has been popular for many gun enthusiasts due to its reliable performance and accuracy. However, it is not a perfect firearm, and its users have reported various issues.
Some of the problems faced by the Glock 20 Gen 4 are the lack of suitable holster options, frequent stove-piping of rounds, and suboptimal grip ergonomics.
In light of these concerns, gun enthusiasts have begun exploring alternatives to the Glock 20 Gen 4 that offer similar or superior features without the drawbacks.
1. Glock 40
One of the best alternatives to the Glock 20 Gen 4 is the Glock 40.
The Glock 40 offers excellent accuracy, and impressive power due to its long barrel, which is perfectly suited for hunting and long-range target shooting.
Its oversized magazine and sturdy grip panel are designed for maximum comfort and control, eliminating any concerns about grip ergonomics. With its proven reliability and performance, the Glock 40 is a reliable alternative to the Glock 20 Gen 4.
2. Springfield XDM 10mm
Another alternative that stands out is the Springfield XDM 10mm. This powerful handgun can deliver impressive kinetic energy, making it a great self-defense and range shooting option.
The Springfield XDM 10mm is also comfortable to hold and operate, thanks to its hand-fitting grip contour and ambidextrous features.
The Springfield XDM 10mm has robust rails and a stainless steel barrel, making it ideal for serious gun enthusiasts looking for a high-quality firearm.
3. Magnum Research Desert Eagle
Lastly, the Magnum Research Desert Eagle 10mm offers another compelling alternative to the Glock 20 Gen 4. This handgun features a chrome finish and a powerful gas-operated mechanism, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable shooting experience.
The Desert Eagle 10mm also has impressive accuracy, and a comfortable grip for robust control. Its rugged design and compatibility with a range of accessories make it a versatile choice for a variety of applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caliber of Glock 20 Gen 4?
The Glock 20 Gen 4 is chambered in 10mm Auto caliber, which boasts powerful performance and excellent accuracy.
What is the Magazine Capacity of Glock 20 Gen 4?
Its magazine capacity of 15 rounds makes it ideal for personal protection, hunting, and other applications.
What is the Barrel Length of Glock 20 Gen 4?
The Glock 20 Gen 4 features a 117 mm barrel, which helps to improve accuracy and velocity.
What Type of Trigger Does Glock 20 Gen 4 Have?
A standard trigger known for its crisp, consistent pull and short reset.
What is the Weight of Glock 20 Gen 4?
It weighs 30.7 oz. with an empty magazine, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
Is Glock 20 Gen 4 Suitable for Hunting?
It is a suitable handgun for hunting, especially for hunting larger game such as deer, elk, and bear.
Is Glock 20 Gen 4 Suitable for Concealed Carry?
While the Glock 20 Gen 4 can be concealed carried, its size and weight make it less ideal for everyday concealed carry than smaller handguns.
Conclusion
The Glock 20 Gen 4 is renowned for its gentle recoil and remarkable durability, but its large and heavy weight may pose challenges for concealment. Its extended barrel enables exceptional ballistic performance, and every firearm is meticulously crafted in Austria.
Related Posts:
