Safety is Always The Priority
First, and this cannot be stressed enough, *always* verify that your firearm is unloaded. This simple, yet crucial, step prevents accidental discharges.
Begin by pointing the Glock 19 in a completely safe direction. This means a direction where a potential accidental discharge would not cause harm to people or property. Ideally, this will be in a direction where you have a clear, unobstructed view, like downrange at a shooting range or a safe backstop.
Next, remove the magazine. Press the magazine release button, located on the grip of the Glock 19, and fully remove the magazine. Place the magazine away from the work area for now.
Now, lock the slide back. This is often done by pulling the slide fully rearward and then pushing the slide stop lever upwards. The slide will now be held open, clearly exposing the chamber.
With the slide locked back, and the magazine removed, visually inspect the chamber. Look into the chamber to confirm it is empty.
To double-check this, physically inspect the chamber. Press the slide-stop lever down. The slide should return forward. Now, with your finger, carefully feel the chamber to ensure it is empty of ammunition. There should be no rounds present.
If the chamber is empty (which it absolutely *must* be before proceeding), ensure the slide is securely locked back. A clear chamber, the magazine removed, and the slide held open – these are the non-negotiables before you even consider touching any other component.
While not strictly required, it’s highly recommended to use protective equipment while working with firearms. Safety glasses are vital, safeguarding your eyes from any potential debris or particles that could become dislodged. A clean, well-lit workspace is also a must, providing ample visibility to all parts of the firearm, preventing mistakes. A gun cleaning mat can protect your workspace and provide a non-slip surface, further aiding the process.
Gathering What You Need
Besides the Glock 19 itself, you’ll need a few other items to help you through the process.
Your Glock 19 should be the first item on your list. Make sure it is a Glock 19, and not another Glock model.
The magazines are useful for reference. Keeping one or two magazines close by can help you in understanding how the frame components fit together, and their relationships.
A field stripping pin is an optional, yet helpful, tool. While a field strip is possible without one, the field stripping pin provides a more controlled approach to pushing out the takedown pins. This small, inexpensive tool can make disassembly a little easier and prevent scratching or damaging your frame.
Finally, you’ll need cleaning supplies. These are for after the disassembly and are not required to break down the firearm, but will be needed to keep the firearm clean and functional. You’ll want cleaning solution, lubricant, brushes, patches, and any other cleaning items you typically use for your firearms.
Taking It Apart: Step-by-Step Disassembly
Now we move into the core of this guide: the step-by-step disassembly of your Glock 19. Following these steps carefully, you’ll be able to field strip your Glock 19 with confidence.
Repeat: Before you touch anything else, confirm the firearm is unloaded! Follow the safety checks listed above. Verify the chamber is empty.
The first step is to remove the magazine (again). Ensure you have already followed the safety protocols and that the chamber is empty. Press the magazine release button and fully remove the magazine. Set the magazine aside.
Now, take the Glock 19 in your dominant hand, ensuring your fingers are clear of the trigger.
With the other hand, grasp the slide of the Glock 19. The takedown lever (or takedown tabs) are located on both sides of the frame. You’ll be pressing these down.
Pull down on the takedown lever on both sides of the frame. Simultaneously, pull the slide rearward (towards you) and lift it. The slide should then slide forward and off the frame.
You’ve now successfully separated the slide from the frame.
Slide Disassembly
The slide is made up of several components. We will now break down the slide further. Begin by removing the recoil spring assembly. You’ll want to compress the recoil spring assembly, and then push it forward and out of the slide. It is typically a captive assembly, so it should come out as one unit.
Next, you’ll remove the barrel. With the slide held, gently tilt the muzzle end of the barrel upward. Then, slide the barrel forward and out of the slide.
You have now completed the basic field strip of the Glock 19. With the slide and barrel disassembled, you have broken down the Glock 19 into its main components.
Putting It Back Together
Reassembling your Glock 19 is the reverse of the disassembly process. Take it slow, and pay attention to the fit of each component.
Begin by reassembling the slide. Place the barrel into the slide. The open chamber end of the barrel will be placed near the rear of the slide.
Then, reinsert the recoil spring assembly. Slide the recoil spring assembly back into its original position, compressing it slightly. Make sure the recoil spring is correctly seated.
Now, with the barrel and recoil spring installed, you’re ready to reassemble the slide onto the frame.
Align the slide rails with the frame rails. The rails on the slide fit into the rails on the frame.
Slide the slide back onto the frame. Push it toward the rear of the frame.
As the slide moves back onto the frame, the slide stop lever may interfere with the slide movement. Be sure that the slide is properly aligned.
Once the slide reaches its final position, the slide should click, fully reassembling the firearm.
Verifying Functionality
Before you consider your reassembly complete, it is essential to verify proper function.
First, pull the slide fully rearward. This will cycle the slide. Release the slide. The slide should move forward into its original position. If the slide gets stuck or doesn’t cycle smoothly, repeat the process to make sure the slide is properly fitted. This ensures all components are correctly seated.
Now, point the firearm in a safe direction and, with your finger off the trigger, pull the trigger. You should hear a distinct “click” as the firing pin (or striker) is released.
Confirm that the firing pin drops with each trigger pull.
Finally, while you are testing functionality, insert an empty magazine. Does the slide lock back?
Do not dry-fire the Glock 19 excessively.
The Cleaning Process
With the firearm now disassembled, you are ready to clean and maintain it. This is an important step in maintaining a functional Glock 19.
First, select a cleaning solution that is appropriate for your type of firearm. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Apply the cleaning solution to a brush. Clean all accessible parts of the gun with the brush, including the barrel, slide, and frame.
Now, wipe down all parts with a clean rag or patch. Ensure that all cleaning solution is removed.
Next, apply a lubricant to the appropriate parts of the gun. Be careful to use the correct type of lubricant for your firearm.
Common Issues and Potential Solutions
Even with meticulous care, problems can arise. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them.
If the slide is stuck, it’s almost always a result of a misaligned or obstructed component. Ensure the takedown lever on both sides of the frame is properly seated. Remove the magazine, and try to pull the slide back and off the frame (using the procedure described above) to see if you can dislodge the obstruction. A cleaning and lubrication can resolve many issues. If the issue persists, it is a good idea to see a gunsmith.
A failure to feed often stems from issues within the magazine or a dirty chamber. Check that the magazine is properly seated and that the feed lips are not damaged. Clean the chamber thoroughly, ensuring that any debris or fouling is removed. Using the appropriate ammunition is also key.
Failure to eject can be caused by a variety of issues, including a dirty extractor or a worn ejector. Clean the extractor and inspect it for any damage. Ensure the ejector is free of debris. If issues persist, seek help from a gunsmith.
Bringing It Home
Disassembling and reassembling a Glock 19 is a fundamental skill for any owner. Understanding the process, with the safety protocols in place, is crucial for the responsible ownership and proper function of this highly capable handgun. Through regular cleaning, inspection, and basic troubleshooting, you can help your Glock 19 remain a reliable companion for years to come. This guide provides you with the foundational knowledge necessary to complete a field strip, and begin a routine maintenance schedule.
Always remember the importance of safety above all else. Double-check every safety step, and remain vigilant at all times when handling firearms.
For more in-depth information, including detailed schematics, videos, or advice on advanced topics, consult the manufacturer’s official documentation. Learning how to break down your Glock 19 is a step forward in responsible gun ownership and provides peace of mind and the ability to properly maintain a vital self-defense tool.
