6 Common Glock 17 Problems (Fix Them This Way!)

I’ve had the Glock 17 for a while now. And I’m blown away by how amazing this firearm is for most shooters. 

It surpassed all my expectations after just one year with it. G17 is precisely what you need in critical situations because it shoots perfectly regardless of the shooter’s hand size.

Be that as it may, I faced some nagging problems, including feeding, magazine issues, trigger mechanism woes, the extractor issue, and the MOS problem, among others. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through typical Glock 17 problems and practical solutions that worked for me. 

Here are the Glock 17 problems and solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Failure to feed	Magazines, feed ramps, and bad recoil springs	Regularly cleaning and polishing gun parts, such as the feed ramp
Magazine issue	Wrong springs	Use of correct or stronger springs in the magazines
Trigger mechanism woes	Problematic trigger or broken trigger spring	Clean and lubricate the gun, as well as replace a faulty firing spring
Extractor issue	Potential damage to the extractor depressor channel	Clean the chamber and extractor
MOS problem	Plate surface not being level	Troubleshoot base plate
Difficulty finding the right holster	The market is full of different holsters	Keep Glock 17 main features and specs in mind

1. Failure to feed

Failure to feed (FTF) is a big concern with the Glock 17. While the Glock 17 is considered an affordable, reasonably ergonomic, full-sized 9mm pistol, it experiences feeding issues.

When a gun fails to feed, the firearm’s action does not load the next round properly into the firing chamber.

This problem is likely to cause operational interruptions and compromise the overall reliability of the weapon.

Factors such as a malfunctioning recoil spring on the firearm can impede the slide’s cycling motion, leading to feeding issues. A weak magazine spring can also contribute to this issue.

Problems with the gun’s action, extractor, or ejector can cause this problem, too. FTF is among the Glock 19X problems, too. 

Solution

Remove your magazine from the firearm and visually inspect it because a damaged magazine is one common reason for failure to feed in the Glock 17.

Clean the magazine thoroughly as you pay close attention to the feed lips and interior. Alongside that, ensure that the spring inside the magazine is functioning correctly.

Different ammunition types may also affect feeding, so use the appropriate caliber and load for your Glock 17. That’s to say, you be mindful of the overall quality of the ammunition. 

2. Magazine issue

Owners have reported annoying magazine problems in the Glock 17.  This involves issues with the feeding and retention of ammunition. It may manifest as failures to feed, jams, or misfires.

Common causes include a weak magazine spring, damaged or bent lips, dirt inside the magazine, or a faulty baseplate.

A weak spring leads to inadequate force for proper ammunition feeding. Conversely, damaged lips hinder the smooth movement of rounds, causing malfunctions.

The dirt inside the magazine will likely impede the free flow of ammunition. A defective baseplate can compromise the structural integrity of the magazine. All these affect the overall performance of a firearm.

Solution

Any magazine issue demands swift solutions. Start by scrutinizing the magazine spring – if it’s weak, swap it for a robust one for proper feeding.

Clearing jams is next; if rounds are stuck, remove and assess them. Inspect the magazine lips for cracks; replace if necessary.

The interior shouldn’t harbor dirt. You should often clean the pistol; no shortcuts are allowed. For a damaged baseplate, swap it out promptly.

Opt for quality ammo, steering clear of subpar options. If problems persist despite these interventions, you can send the gun back to the manufacturer for troubleshooting.

3. Trigger mechanism woes

After successfully pumping 250 rounds into targets without any issue, I was devastated to see things take a strange turn. There were difficulties with the trigger mechanism of the Glock 17.

Here’s the thing: the trigger didn’t reset appropriately after firing a round. Fortunately, I realized that the cause of this problem could be fouling in the trigger mechanism. A worn-out trigger spring may also have resulted in this.

Other gun enthusiasts I met suggested that they encountered this problem because of the modifications and aftermarket components installation.

Solution

My first move was to clean and lubricate the trigger components by applying a small amount of quality firearm lubricant. This solved the problem right away.

You can also disassemble the trigger mechanism and inspect the trigger bar for wear. Any damage tells you the components need to be replaced. Ensure proper alignment during reassembly.

4. Extractor issue

The extractor is a crucial component of a gun’s firing system. It’s responsible for gripping the rim of a cartridge case and pulling it out of the chamber after firing.

Suddenly, my Glock 17 developed an issue with the extractor. This piece failed to grab the rim of the spent cartridge case properly, leaving the case in the chamber.

This compromised the overall reliability of my firearm during the time of testing. The damage to the extractor itself seemed to be why my gun jammed.

Solution

So, how did I fix this problem? I disassemble the firearm to locate the extractor spring. Here’s the bad news – the spring was old and couldn’t provide enough tension for proper extraction.

Extractor springs can weaken over time due to use and may lose their ability to provide sufficient tension.

The replacement spring should specifically be designed for the firearm, as using an incompatible spring leads to further problems.

5. MOS problem

The Glock MOS system allows you to mount different types of optics, such as red dot sights, on their handguns without any hassle. There have been occasional concerns about the stability of the mounting platform.

A good number of Glock 7 lovers have reported issues with the MOS system, including optic screws coming loose under recoil, leading to a loss of zero or damage to the optics.

I found that the stock plate bends when used with optics like the Trijicon RMR. There’s a probability that the plate surface isn’t level.

Solution

To counter this issue, I used a caliper to check if the MOS (Modular Optic System) surface was level. This is a helpful approach to ensure proper optics alignment on a Glock handgun.

Having a level mounting surface is crucial for maintaining the zero of the optic. It prevents issues with accuracy.

Obtaining a specially milled slide for the optic from suppliers like Brownells is another solution I found effective. These aftermarket slides are usually designed to provide a more stable platform for mounting optics.

6. Difficulty finding the right holster

With numerous manufacturers offering various holster designs, materials, and carry styles, it can be overwhelming for gun owners to choose the holster that best suits their needs.

Even within the Glock 17 model, there can be variations, especially when considering different generations (Gen 3, Gen 4, Gen 5).

Individual preferences for carry styles (inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, etc.) vary.

Solution

When picking the holster for your Glock 17, remember its specs. Do thorough research, read user reviews, and possibly consult with professionals to identify a well-suited holster for your gun.

Final Verdict: Is Glock 17 worth buying despite its problems?

The Glock 17 has earned its reputation as a reliable handgun. While it has faced criticisms, its durability and simplicity make it a dependable choice.

The polymer frame enhances lightweight yet robust construction, balancing strength with ease of use.

Despite trigger complaints, the Glock’s consistent trigger pull aids accuracy. The aftermarket support offers customization options to address any perceived shortcomings. I

n the end, the Glock 17 remains a solid choice for those valuing performance.

FAQS

Do Glocks jam so much?

No. It will only jam issues if there’s inadequate cleaning, use of low-quality ammunition, or improper handling.

Is A Glock 17 durable?

Yes. It is constructed with a polymer frame and a robust steel slide, contributing to its strength.

Why is Glock 17 famous?

The Glock 17 gained fame for its innovative design, reliability, and widespread adoption. Introduced in the 1980s, it was one of the first successful handguns to feature a polymer frame.

Is Glock 17 reliable?

Many users trust the Glock 17 for its ability to function well in adverse conditions and its consistent performance over time.