Quick Question from a new poster

[FBGV60]

This is my first post on the board, though I am familiar with boards, I am a new member to this board. I am buying my first handgun in about 3 weeks. It is a GLOCK 23. I have read a lot about them and from what I hear they are pretty good guns. I was wondering if anyone knew of any web pages or books that inform beginners like myself about the function of the parts to handguns. An example would be: some of the stuff I have read say the GLOCK23 is a under coiled. So a different recoil spring is a common aftermarket purchase. I have no idea what a recoil spring is. Anyone know where I can find information on the function of the parts of handguns or just general, useful, information on them? Thanx.

 

[ceetee]

When you take possession of your new Glock, buy a generic pistol cleaning kit, because new guns usually come packed with oil to prevent any rusting while in transit. The cleaning kit will come with everything you need to give the gun a good first cleaning. Read the owner's manual THOROUGHLY. Then, read it agin, and as you read through the disassembly instructions, take it apart, step by step. It's easier when you actually have the pistol in your hand. While you do, you can look through the parts diagrams, and see what the names for all the parts are, and what they do.

Practicing shooting is important, but one bit of advice I'd give is this: If you can, get some professional instruction before you go out by yourself. A good instructor will give you all the information on safety, gun handling, and performance to get you started in the right direction.

Welcome to the shooting world!

 

[GoRon]

If you promise not to spend all your time over there instead of here there is always GlockTalk.

A quick browse over at Amazon revealed many books such as this one.

Welcome to THR and don't forget the four rules.

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT

 

[Owen]

FBG,

Where are you located?

 

[RustyShackelford]

Try www.glocktalk.com

I'd check www.glocktalk.com .

I'm not a big fan of the G-locks but that looks like a useful resource.

RS

 

[FBGV60]

Im from Detroit Michigan... but right now i live in Grand Rapids MI, I go to Grand Valley State University.

 

[Owen]

It's usually easier to have someone show youhow to do it, rather than trying to decipher line drawings or photographs. Maybe a member in the know would like to help out the newbie?

 

[Froggy]

I am buying my first handgun in about 3 weeks. It is a GLOCK 23. I have read a lot about them and from what I hear they are pretty good guns. I was wondering if anyone knew of any web pages or books that inform beginners like myself about the function of the parts to handguns.

I know of no websites that go into detail on the function of each part in a pistol, but I did see this little animation that might answer about 80% of your questions. It does not show enough detail to let you see things such as how the extractor (on the face of the bolt) grabs the base of the rim of the spent cartridge and pulls it from the chamber so that the ejector can cause it to be thrown clear of the slide.

I'm sure you'll be able to see the recoil spring in operation and deduce its role in dampening the effect of recoil. You'll also see that it uses the stored recoil energy to push the slide forward again, thereby stripping the next round from the magazine and forcing it into the chamber. A strong spring will absorb more recoil, but if it is too strong it might prevent the slide from going rearward far enough for proper ejection of the spent case and loading of a new cartridge. A weak spring will cause more wear on the shooter as well as the slide as both are subjected to more recoil energy when the slide slams all the way back at too great a velocity.

Note also how the exterior shape of the barrel (at its breech end) causes the barrel to drop at the breech end / elevate at the muzzle end as the slide moves rearward. This is a "locked breech" style of operation (where slide and barrel travel rearward together a short distance), contrasted with the "blowback" style of operation where the barrel is stationary (fixed to the frame).

In addition to the books recommended above, you might try browsing the magazine rack at a large bookstore with a well-stocked handgun-oriented magazine section. Sometimes you can find magazine articles on the subject in question. Hands on coaching would be best, if that is an option. Otherwise, use the instruction manual that comes with your Glock to dis-assemble it.... you can probably sort out most of the functions as you do that.

 

[10-Ring]

Welcome to THR