Suppressors Glock 21 FTF(ire)

[sawgunner2001]

Since becoming a new LEO and being issued a Glock 21, I've been taking it to the range getting accustomed to its larger grip and recoil impulse than the G19 that I'm used to.

In the approximately 300rds that I've fired, I've had 4 or 5 failures to fire (meaning the chambered cartridge was struck with the firing pin, but did not fire...just in case it could mean anything else).

One of these cartridges was with old stock duty ammo (Winchester headstamp JHP), 2 were from my reloads (5.8gr Unique sitting between a 230gr FMJ and WLP primer) and 2 were from a friend's reloads (200 LSWC over Solo 1000 and a WLP primer).

When I was issued the sidearm, it was squeaky clean. I did a top end tear down today after another FTF and didn't find much gunk in the top end at all. I called our armorer and he asked me to compare the looks of the G21 firing pin ass'y to my G19 firing pin ass'y. It *looks* like the G21 pin may protrude from the breach face a little less, but we're talking very few thousandths of an inch and I can't get a measuring tool into the breach to see what it measures out to.

Any Glock wizards out there have any idea if there is something I can measure to find out if my FP ass'y is out of spec? Or have any other solutions to my FTF problem? I don't think we've got any spare FP assy's in stock and have no idea what the protocol is for a dead-lined sidearm in my dep't.

*Edited to add*

This is a Gen 3 pistol. Have no idea on the round count as it was issued to me as a used pistol.

 

[samuraiwarrior23]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

I"ve had a G21 for years and havent had any issues with FTF,you said it was with mostly reloads and 1 older duty round,you did look to see if the primers were struck but did you compare them to fired cases to see if they looked(indent) the same?If they are then its prob not the gun but either bad primers or improperly seated primers ? also you can try refiring these rounds in another gun to see if they work.Also when you did a complete take down of your slide did you inspect the channel liner see if there was any debris in there?My recommendation is to have your qualified armorer look over the gun,and not discuss it over with you via phone being this is your Duty gun.

 

[dlc356]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

Maybe a light primer strike? Some primers are harder than others but with a factory Glock you shouldn't have issues...

One thing I can say about my 21 is it's gone bang every time I've ever pulled the trigger.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

The primers on the struck and unfired cartridges looked (very) light compared to fired casings. I did inspect the channel liner and found no debris inside. I cleaned it regardless and plan on firing the weapon some more before my next duty day and see what it does.

Our armorer is off to school in the morning and won't be back for a couple days. I'll have him check the weapon when he gets back later this week. I was just wondering if this was something simple I could fix (or at least diagnose) myself in the meantime.

Thanks for the reply,

SG

 

[samuraiwarrior23]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

I would run fresh factory ammo in it only,and if your still getting any FTFs then I would getting it checked out by your amorer imediately,could be as simply as a worn FP spring.But I personally thinks its ammo related.Also speak with your amorer they should have a loaner gun while yours is being checked out.

 

[flounderpounder]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

I've been on the line at qual., (we shoot our issued duty ammo at qual. and get issued new stuff after passing) and there have been times where a few people had ftf's with the old ammo. Whether it was moisture related or whatever. My dept. forbids us from shooting reloads, so all these ftf's were with factory ammo. There was nothing wrong with the weapon. Run some more ammo, and see if it happens again. After one particular range session, I was asking myself, "what if my first round was a ftf when I needed it?" Makes you wonder about the variables you can't control moreso than the ones you can.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

I think ammo manufactures have loosen there QC standards to help pump more ammo out, I would strip and inspect the Glock to ensure there are no issues there, switch ammo, and practing malfunction drills

 

[Outsydlooknin75]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

I would pull the top end apart and look at the striker spring, see if it is broken .... if nothing else have the armorer or yourself replace the striker spring and recheck.

 

[dah]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

it's probably a reloaded ammo problem.....I would put a thousand rounds of new factory ball through it to see

as a duty/issued weapon it's probably not a good idea to do any maintenance on it except routine user stuff...there is a liability issue with a non-authorized dept armorer working on a issued duty weapon even if you know what you are doing

 

[Andrew Blubaugh]

Re: Glock 21 FTF(ire)

I have seen this on our range several times. Every time with our guns it has been caused by a small amount of debris in the firing pin channel. The debris packs at the end of the channel and does not allow the firing pin to protrude as far as it is suppose to.

The debris is cause by holding the slide in a way the debris brushes into it during the cleaning process. Add heavy lubricants or white lithium grease and it creates a very small buffer that channel.

What I suggest is have an armorer remove the striker assembly and spend some quality time with a light solvent and thin pick to ensure the end of the channel does not have any build up.