Glock Maintenance

Can I clean my Glock in the dishwasher?
You could, but would you want to? First, there is a possibility that the high temperatures could weaken the plastic parts. Second, and more important, you are filling your dishwasher with various chemical foulings including lead; and lead is poisonous.
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What's that copper colored paste on the slide?
It is an automotive anti-seize compound that is applied at the factory. You can clean it off if you like or it will wear off in a short time. If you like it, you can order it from www.TopGlock.com http://www.topglock.com/catalog/cleaning.htm
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What's the best cleaner/lubricant to use on my Glock?
Any commercially available product will work fine for cleaning & lubricating your Glock. For what it's worth, Glock factory armorers use Breakfree CLP.
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I thought Glocks never had to be cleaned?
The Glock's reliability is legendary and you could probably fire it hundreds of times a week for decades with ever having a problem. However, it will function better, last longer, and shoot straighter if it is cleaned after each use.
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How do I do a safety and function check?
A big thanks to the Director Training of the HALO Group http://www.thehalogroup.com for this procedure.

We recommend you function check every time you disassemble the pistol to field clean. This way you develop a habit and stick to it, the next question is usually "When do I clean?" It is really personal preference, but we suggest if the weapon is for personnel protection then clean it after a good range evolution. More on that later.

Now, the function check for the Glock. Remember this is done with no live ammunition anywhere close to the pistol, double check always. First, with the weapon still disassembled, hold the slide upside down. Check to make sure the firing pin protrudes forward of the breech face. Next, depress and hold the firing pin safety (small button) on the underside of the slide and gently shake the slide up and down. You should hear the firing pin travel up and down in the firing pin channel. If not, problem one. Get it to a Glock Armorer or clean it up.

Second, reassemble the pistol and lock the slide to the rear. Make sure the slide stop lever engages and holds the slide to the rear. Release the slide however you normally release it. With the weapon pointed in a safe direction, attempt to press the trigger without engaging the trigger safety. It should not release the trigger. If it does, attempt it again or better yet get it to a Glock armorer.

Third, ensure the weapon is clear and safe, with it pointed in a safe direction. Press the trigger and hold it to the rear. Cycle the slide with the weak hand then slowly release pressure on the trigger until the sear re-engages. Again, if this does not work try it again or get it to the armorer. Press the trigger fully to the rear one last time.

Fourth, using the magazines you will carry for personnel protection, down load them so they are EMPTY. Check them again, then fully insert one into the magazine well. Cycle the slide to the rear. The slide should remain locked back. If it does not: check your magazine or replace it.

If the magazines are already downloaded, I can do this in about two minutes or less. A small price to pay for the confidence of a reliable weapon at your side. There are many different ways to accomplish this, but this way is methodical and simple. We have checked all the safeties and mechanical operations of the weapon. After a few practices, it will become second nature. Good luck and stay safe. [Director of Training, The HALO Group]
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How do I keep the recoil spring assembly seated?
Don't worry, it's not supposed to stay seated. When you re-assemble your Glock the end of the recoil assembly will fit snugly into the semicircle cutout in the barrel. During firing it will move down slightly, into it's correct position. When you disassemble the gun you will see that it has moved out of the semicircle a little bit. This is completely normal.
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What are the shiny wear marks/divots on the bottom of my slide?
Those wear marks are called "slide peening". They occur when the top of the locking block contacts the bottom of the slide when firing. Slide peening occurs primarily and most noticeably on .40 caliber models. It is perfectly normal and it will wear to a certain amount and then stop. These wear marks will not have any effect on the gun's reliability or accuracy. If the edges are too sharp you can smooth them out with a file or stone

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