Last trip to the range - Glock problems...

[Cheatin5]

Last Friday night, the wife and I went to the range. We are hopeless romantics. She wanted to try one of the range's Glocks. While the range worker was validating the weapon was clear and prior to handing it to her, the slide came off. It seemed like an accident on his part, so it didn't register as dangerous. She ran 100 rounds through it and liked the way it handled. While she had it, performance was flawless except for one instance when the slide did not lock back on the last round. When she returned it, another range worker was verifying that the firearm was clear and, again, the slide came off in his hand. This time it fell on the floor and was obviously a surprise.

She is interested in a compact semi-auto and the Glock 26, Ruger SR9c, or something similar is about right.

The question is: This is the second Glock I've been around that had failed. They have a real reputation for reliability, but recent experience dictates otherwise. What do owners past and present have to say? Pitfalls?

Thanks.

 

[Zak Smith]

The slide probably didn't lock back because either the op spring was weak or it was really dirty. Rental pistols typically see a lot of rounds and almost no maintenance. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the parts involved in field stripping the pistol was damaged with regard to the slide coming off.

Glocks are good to go. Buy and carry one without concern.

 

[PT1911]

I dont see a "failure" in your post... Other than the failure to lock back on empty... could be a mag, slide stop, or even the ammo... Not really what I would call a failure..

as to the slide coming off.. I can only assume they managed to depress the release levers. Otherwise that piece could be a bit worn.. but seeing as the gun didnt fly apart while firing (much more stressful than checking the slide by hand!) I assume excess operator headspace was the culprit.


Glocks, though I dont really prefer them, are rock solid.. they have their weaknesses, as do all designs.. With Glocks, the "weaknesses" are their lack of a fully supported chamber.. (only a problem for a reloader TYPICALLY!) and their susceptibility to jamming with a limp wristing shooter...

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Did the slide come off the front? I had this happen to mine when the slide lock (the serrated tab you pull down to field strip the gun) retention spring broke. There is a more durable, new style spring, which I had it replaced with. Any gun will break something if you shoot it enough, and rental range guns are often used very hard, even more so with Glocks, which are very popular.