How ok is it to NOT clean my Glock?
- Thread starter Visionairy
- Start date
- Status
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
...EVENTUALLY...
... but possibly not in your lifetime!
Let me ask this. Why wouldn't you clean your Glock? What would the point of not cleaning it be?
Please don't take this as me being a jerk. I was trying to think how I could ask with out coming off as a jerk, that's the best I came up with.
Please don't take this as me being a jerk. I was trying to think how I could ask with out coming off as a jerk, that's the best I came up with.
Zeke Markham
Member
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2008
- Messages
- 82
EasyG: Why so fast to call shenanigans? My RIA 38 Super shoots a bit better when its a little dirty. I notice it the most after about 100 rounds or so after cleaning.
Visionairy
Member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2010
- Messages
- 43
I was just feeling like NOT cleaning it the other day. It had been 3 range trips since I had and I figured heck, it's a glock, it's indestructible right? I just cleaned it last night though, but I think for now I'll give it 2 or 3 range days between cleanings so I have time to clean other guns that actually DO jam when dirty, i.e. Autoloader 12GA for light target loads.
Zak Smith
Member
I don't really keep track. Lots.
fastbolt
Member
Being a firearms instructor, upon occasion there are a number of firearms which I'll not carry as defensive weapons for a period of time, but which are used just for range training & practice.
That being the case, there are times when those specific guns aren't cleaned after range sessions. Sometimes it's just a couple of sessions, and sometimes it's for several sessions. I've set aside guns and fired them for anywhere from just several hundreds rounds to upwards of a few thousand rounds before cleaning them.
Guns which have been used for this sort of 'abuse' have included any number of my revolvers, 1911's, 3rd gen S&W's, Glocks & my SW99's. I've also participated in abusing T&E guns by shooting them for extended periods without cleaning.
Mostly the guns which have been thus abused have ran just fine as they became dirtier. Being run dirty, however, doesn't mean being run dry. A timely reapplication of lubrication to a dirty gun is a good thing. After all, it's commonly been mentioned that a dirty/lubed gun often runs better than a dirty/dry gun, or even a clean/dry gun, when things start to heat up.
Now, you'll note I just said "mostly" when referring to the observed performance of the guns I used. There have been some occasions when a dirty gun exhibited a feeding/functioning problem which was directly attributable to it's dirty condition. It can happen folks.
I can't count the times over the years when folks came in off the road to qualify and discovered that their improper cleaning practices resulted in guns that failed to properly function as the guns became heated from shooting a couple or more mag loads. Sometimes within the first several shots (really grungy, dry guns which obviously hadn't been cleaned for anywhere from one to several prior sessions ... which is why policies have to be written requiring cleaning of duty weapons before leaving ranges, folks. ).
Another thing I'd mention is that as an armorer I've had to resolve more functioning problems caused by improper cleaning practices than I've ever had to resolve caused by actual gun problems.
It's often seemed to be divided between grungy/dry guns and grungy/wet guns, although the 'wet gun' problems often included conditions where firing pins became fouled by an accumulation of gunk seemingly brought about by allowing excessive amounts of solvents, CLP's & lubricants to migrate to the firing pin channels.
I recently has a 3rd gen S&W TSW brought to my attention with a hammer follow problem (hammer wouldn't stay cocked in single action after some shots). The inside of the gun was slathered in a nasty combination of solvent & oil which had congealed within the fire control parts. The sear was not free to move and catch the falling hammer, it seemed. A detail strip, examination and cleaning (meaning the inside of the frame was left clean & dry, with oil only being applied to those spots recommended by the manufacturer) revealed no visible problems with the actual parts. It also immediately restored the gun to normal functioning, confirmed by live-fire in the hands of the user and another instructor. Some discussion with the issued weapon's user was done regarding prudent cleaning & maintenance practices.
This is one of those risk assessment, individual choice & responsibility issues. There are some inherent potential consequences for decisions and actions.
I like to reduce the potential for exposure to unnecessary liability. I like to make sure my carry weapons are in optimal condition for normal functioning according to their design and manufacture.
If a given weapon doesn't run well because it may be dirty and improperly maintained, that's not the fault of the weapon, is it?
Sure, I may prefer a dirty/wet gun over a dirty/dry gun ... but I also prefer a clean/wet gun over either.
That being the case, there are times when those specific guns aren't cleaned after range sessions. Sometimes it's just a couple of sessions, and sometimes it's for several sessions. I've set aside guns and fired them for anywhere from just several hundreds rounds to upwards of a few thousand rounds before cleaning them.
Guns which have been used for this sort of 'abuse' have included any number of my revolvers, 1911's, 3rd gen S&W's, Glocks & my SW99's. I've also participated in abusing T&E guns by shooting them for extended periods without cleaning.
Mostly the guns which have been thus abused have ran just fine as they became dirtier. Being run dirty, however, doesn't mean being run dry. A timely reapplication of lubrication to a dirty gun is a good thing. After all, it's commonly been mentioned that a dirty/lubed gun often runs better than a dirty/dry gun, or even a clean/dry gun, when things start to heat up.
Now, you'll note I just said "mostly" when referring to the observed performance of the guns I used. There have been some occasions when a dirty gun exhibited a feeding/functioning problem which was directly attributable to it's dirty condition. It can happen folks.
I can't count the times over the years when folks came in off the road to qualify and discovered that their improper cleaning practices resulted in guns that failed to properly function as the guns became heated from shooting a couple or more mag loads. Sometimes within the first several shots (really grungy, dry guns which obviously hadn't been cleaned for anywhere from one to several prior sessions ... which is why policies have to be written requiring cleaning of duty weapons before leaving ranges, folks.
). Another thing I'd mention is that as an armorer I've had to resolve more functioning problems caused by improper cleaning practices than I've ever had to resolve caused by actual gun problems.
It's often seemed to be divided between grungy/dry guns and grungy/wet guns, although the 'wet gun' problems often included conditions where firing pins became fouled by an accumulation of gunk seemingly brought about by allowing excessive amounts of solvents, CLP's & lubricants to migrate to the firing pin channels.
I recently has a 3rd gen S&W TSW brought to my attention with a hammer follow problem (hammer wouldn't stay cocked in single action after some shots). The inside of the gun was slathered in a nasty combination of solvent & oil which had congealed within the fire control parts. The sear was not free to move and catch the falling hammer, it seemed. A detail strip, examination and cleaning (meaning the inside of the frame was left clean & dry, with oil only being applied to those spots recommended by the manufacturer) revealed no visible problems with the actual parts. It also immediately restored the gun to normal functioning, confirmed by live-fire in the hands of the user and another instructor. Some discussion with the issued weapon's user was done regarding prudent cleaning & maintenance practices.
This is one of those risk assessment, individual choice & responsibility issues. There are some inherent potential consequences for decisions and actions.
I like to reduce the potential for exposure to unnecessary liability. I like to make sure my carry weapons are in optimal condition for normal functioning according to their design and manufacture.
If a given weapon doesn't run well because it may be dirty and improperly maintained, that's not the fault of the weapon, is it?
Sure, I may prefer a dirty/wet gun over a dirty/dry gun ... but I also prefer a clean/wet gun over either.
Last edited:
Doc Rizzi
Member
To clean or not to clean the Glock
I have heard opinions from different gun-smiths....and they vary. Some said that if you withhold cleaning for the first 500 rounds that it will break-in better, others said that it did not enhance break-in withhold cleaning. Our department gunsmith suggests that firearms be cleaned after every use or after long periods of storage before firing again. As was stated earlier, this is a good time to inspect for damage and functionality. I'm just saying....when you need it to go bang...you want it go bang.
I have heard opinions from different gun-smiths....and they vary. Some said that if you withhold cleaning for the first 500 rounds that it will break-in better, others said that it did not enhance break-in withhold cleaning. Our department gunsmith suggests that firearms be cleaned after every use or after long periods of storage before firing again. As was stated earlier, this is a good time to inspect for damage and functionality. I'm just saying....when you need it to go bang...you want it go bang.
How important is it?
How important is it to make sure that the mechanical device with which you stake your life on is in proper working order? Personally, it is very important, so I tend to clean them after every shoot. It only takes about 15 minutes and greatly helps insure reliability and decreased wear as well as insuring against corrosion.
Fantastic words of wisdom put in a wonderfully simplistic fashion.
How important is it to make sure that the mechanical device with which you stake your life on is in proper working order? Personally, it is very important, so I tend to clean them after every shoot. It only takes about 15 minutes and greatly helps insure reliability and decreased wear as well as insuring against corrosion.
Fantastic words of wisdom put in a wonderfully simplistic fashion.
Zak Smith
Member
Is a Glock that has been disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled more or less likely to work properly the next shot than one that was fired and then not messed with?
Zak Smith
Member
Well, that's the crux of the question isn't it. I haven't cleaned any of my Glocks in years, but they haven't malfunctioned either. Other "machines" as bicycles, trucks, my race motos, computers, etc, all get verified before they go into service again.
By all means one needs to know and recognize when a firearm must be cleaned to stay operating; however, if the machine is still in the "reliable" region, then messing with it is more likely to introduce the possibility of failure - IMO.
By all means one needs to know and recognize when a firearm must be cleaned to stay operating; however, if the machine is still in the "reliable" region, then messing with it is more likely to introduce the possibility of failure - IMO.
shiftyer1
Member
i clean mine when they need it and not before. Not all that often
Radagast
Member
Zak:
I found the hard way at an IPSC State Titles that if you chemically clean a Glock and fail to lube it before use then it will become a single shot pistol. A nice and shiny single shot, but still a single shot.
On the other hand I've found that 1500 rounds of dirty reloads with carbon granuals building up in and over the gun combined with shooting in a thunder storm (Another state titles. Only mad dogs and practical shooters go out in the midday storm) will create a jelly like muck that will also jam up a Glock. Some where in between is a happy median.
I found the hard way at an IPSC State Titles that if you chemically clean a Glock and fail to lube it before use then it will become a single shot pistol. A nice and shiny single shot, but still a single shot.
On the other hand I've found that 1500 rounds of dirty reloads with carbon granuals building up in and over the gun combined with shooting in a thunder storm (Another state titles. Only mad dogs and practical shooters go out in the midday storm) will create a jelly like muck that will also jam up a Glock. Some where in between is a happy median.
Radagast
Member
Edit, I don't think I've cleaned the Glock in the last two years, just an occasional drop of oil. But I've only been shooting factory (Winchester/Federal) and it really hasn't needed it.
Regular Joe
Member
My Glock regimen is to inspect often, and clean as necessary. I don't do all of my shooting at one time, and all of my cleaning at another.
Every man's castle has a throne, and every man spends time on the throne. Once you've read the Cheaper than dirt and Midway catalogs thru, there is time to break down your Glocks and consider the deeper implications of wear and cleaning.
My Glocks get shot with loads that use Blue Dot powder and (mostly) plated bullets. It's been a VERY long time since inspection has indicated that cleaning is needed. My 17 and 19 have never failed to launch a bullet, very close to the point of aim. This precludes further discussion.
Every man's castle has a throne, and every man spends time on the throne. Once you've read the Cheaper than dirt and Midway catalogs thru, there is time to break down your Glocks and consider the deeper implications of wear and cleaning.
My Glocks get shot with loads that use Blue Dot powder and (mostly) plated bullets. It's been a VERY long time since inspection has indicated that cleaning is needed. My 17 and 19 have never failed to launch a bullet, very close to the point of aim. This precludes further discussion.
Sapper771
Member
I usually clean after 300 rounds. The guns that arent in my carry rotation get cleaned when i get around to it. Glocks are pretty tough guns and can take a lot of abuse.
HOWARD J
Member
On my carry Glock:
After a range session I run a brush down the barrel, wipe inside the chamber with a rag,
Brush off the top of the mag.
After 3-4 months I take the gun down & clean it.
Nice weapon.
If I was using one of my .380's--it would get a good cleaning every session.
After a range session I run a brush down the barrel, wipe inside the chamber with a rag,
Brush off the top of the mag.
After 3-4 months I take the gun down & clean it.
Nice weapon.
If I was using one of my .380's--it would get a good cleaning every session.
I was shooting at the local range with a friend of mine who is a sherrif's deputy. He was shooting his duty gun, a Glock. His Glock jammed every single round. I asked him what was going on and he stated that he hadn't cleaned it since a year ago even though he has been shooting 200 rds a week through it. I wondered how he trusted his life each day to a dirty and jamming gun....
Anyways, if you do the math:
52 weeks * 200 rds/week = approximately 10,400 rds before his started jamming every single shot.
I, personally, clean my pistol after each shooting session - expecially if my life depends on it!
Anyways, if you do the math:
52 weeks * 200 rds/week = approximately 10,400 rds before his started jamming every single shot.
I, personally, clean my pistol after each shooting session - expecially if my life depends on it!
I really dont see any reason not to clean each time you shoot it. Ive got a glock 27 with close to 4000 rounds through it and you cant tell it from a new one cause i clean it often. It honestly only takes a few minutes, and while not cleaning probably isnt going to lead to a failure, why take the chance. But then again its my primary carry weapon.
Zac Smith said:
I hardly consider the simple field strip I do in order to clean the gun "messing with it." But, that's just me. Sure they can work without being cleaned often, but IMO they are more likely to work when clean as a whistle and properly lubricated.
Cleanliness aside, a lack of proper lubrication can lead to increased wear and tear, and I want to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to my guns.
Joe Demko
Member
Do you change the oil every time you drive your car?
That argument again.
No, because that would be impractical considering the time it takes to do so and the cost of the oil change. Cleaning my gun on the other hand is quick, easy, cheap and somewhat enjoyable.
I'm not trying to get on a soapbox, but I do feel strongly about my position. It's not a big deal and it better insures reliability.
Your Glock isn't going to have any failures from some "gunk" buildup. However, it can fail if you don't lubricate it properly. My primary carry is a Glock and sometimes I'll go through 1,000+ rounds without cleaning it but I never have any issues because I keep it lubricated properly.
Joe Demko
Member
It does? What, besides strong emotion, makes you say that? All mechanical devices need maintenance, but what is accomplished by more maintenance than a device requires? Gun cleaning schedules are yet one more thing that get a lot of ego and feelings of moral superiority tied up in them. Shooting seems to be richer in that than many activities.
- Status