Used Gen 3 Glock 19 - what do I need to look for?

[goon]

I've owned a couple Glocks before, both .40's, and had no complaints with them. Still, I have heard complaints with newer Glocks and would prefer to avoid them. A local store has a used Gen 3 (identified by its finger groove grip) G19 for a bit too much, but I think I can talk them down a bit with cash. But what should I be looking for on this Glock to identify any problems before I buy?

 

[CWL]

Here's a list of items to look for in Glocktalk's archives.
http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1155960

Here is the summation posted in #13
-note: #6 isn't going to happen unless they let you test fire it on a range.

1. Visual inspection of exterior for damage, scars, wear.
2. Look for hogged out pin holes in the frame. Press them out and put them back to make sure everything is correct.
3. Check the breach face. If it has a inward dimple around the firing pin hole, this will indicate the pistol has been shot alot, maybe with hot hand loads.
4. Check recoil spring by aiming gun verticle (unloaded), no magazine, pull slide back and slowly let forward to see how slide goes into full battery.
5. Load mags for function.
6. Cycle loaded mag through gun by racking slide.
7. Dry fire for function. With the trigger held back, push on the top of the chamber. If there is a lot of movement, it's pretty worn. If there is just a little, less so, but keep in mind, even the new guns will have a little play when you do this.
8. Field strip
9. Inspect internals for cleanliness, wear.
10. Check for aftermarket internals.
11. Run your pinched fingers down the barrel feeling for bulges.
12. Look for any rings or pitting IN the barrel.
13. Make sure the extractor is not broken
14.Check documentation of test fire date, S/N, matching numbers

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Short answer. Get the price down where you want it. Buy it. If you're already a GLOCK shooter then you already know. Complains on GLOCK (new or old) 9mm pistols are rare, even rarer on the G19. Anything out-of-whack (short of a complete home Dremel hack disaster) is a cheap, easy drop-in fix. Truly, when's the last time anyone even rumored that a 9mm GLOCK was worn-out or even damaged beyond easy repair?

 

[goon]

True enough. I never hear much bad about 9mm Glocks and don't see many for sale, which is further evidence that people tend to hang on to the ones they have. I'll have to give it a closer looking over next time I'm there and make my mind up.