5 Glock 26 Problems Shooters Aren’t Aware Of (Their Solutions)

I tested the Glock 26 in the field and was hooked. My field experience, however, was marred by Glock 26 problems.

From failure to feed and eject problems to slide lock issues and loose slides, dealing with mechanical issues can be frustrating.

With these problems, my firearm didn’t reach its full potential in terms of performance.

This article puts together common Glock 26 problems and a variety of solutions to them.

Overview of Glock 26 problems and solutions

1. Failure to feed (FTF)

When I first started using the Glock 26, I encountered a “Failure to Feed (FTF)” problem. This issue occurred during the initial rounds I fired.

Instead of the rounds entering the chamber smoothly, they would get snagged and stuck at an angle between the slide and the chamber’s top.

It felt like a major setback because the gun wouldn’t cycle properly, disrupting my shooting experience.

Solution

I realized the issue was likely due to the cheaper ammo I was using. Cheaper ammunition can often cause feeding problems because it may not be manufactured to the same precise standards as higher-quality brands.

So, I switched to using better-quality ammo, specifically the Winchester White Box, which is known for its reliability.

Additionally, I transitioned to using 115gr +P and 147gr ammunition, both of which provide more consistent performance. These changes made a significant difference.

I also discovered that the Glock 26 needed a bit of a break-in period. After firing about 500 rounds, the gun’s components began to work together more smoothly, and the feeding issues diminished.

Read Next: Glock 23 Gen 4 Problems and Solutions 

2. Chambering issue

I experienced a chambering issue with my Glock 26. The bullets wouldn’t go all the way into the chamber, which is the special place inside the gun where the bullet goes before it’s shot.

It was like something was stopping the bullets. I thought maybe it was because I used the wrong types of bullets for chambering.

Solution

To address the problem, I decided to run more Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo through the Glock.

Additionally, I determined that reaming the barrel and case ammunition could be beneficial. After implementing these solutions, the rounds began to chamber correctly.

Read Next: Glock 22 Gen 4 Problems and Easy Fixes

3. Occasional jamming

I noticed that my Glock 26 was jamming while shooting at targets. It was like a performer getting nervous on stage and making mistakes.

This was one of the problems with my Ruger LCP Max as well.

This was frustrating because the Glock 26 is usually very reliable, but this time, it seemed to struggle under the pressure of target practice.

Solution

I made some adjustments to my shooting technique. I started using a two-handed grip to hold the pistol. This gave me better control.

Next, I leaned my body slightly forward to help manage the recoil more effectively. It’s also important to ensure your grip on the pistol is firm but not too tight. This can provide the Glock with the stability it needs to function properly.

These adjustments in my handling technique helped the pistol work flawlessly under pressure.

4. Failure to return to battery

This is another serious problem I experienced with my Glock 26. “Failure to return to battery” is when the slide does not fully close and lock after firing or chambering a round.

If you’ve encountered anything like this before, your pistol won’t fire when the trigger is pulled. It’s because the firearm isn’t in the correct position to engage the cartridge.

Here are some common causes and solutions for this problem:

• Build-up of fouling. Dirt can accumulate on the slide rails or within the action, hindering the slide’s movement.
• Underpowered recoil spring. A worn-out recoil spring may not have enough tension to return the slide to its forward position.
• Ammunition issues. Using low-quality or incorrect ammunition can result in insufficient force to cycle the slide properly.

Solutions

I ensured the slide rails and action are clean and free of fouling next time. If the recoil spring is old, replacing it can restore proper function.

My gunsmith recommended that I use appropriate ammunition. Higher-quality ammunition provides adequate force to cycle the slide. Finally, I lubricated the gun to ensure smooth operation.

Read Next: My Glock 19 Not Going Back Into Battery (why?)

5. Slide lock issues

When I used the Glock 26, I noticed that sometimes there was an issue with the slide lock. This problem typically occurs when the slide fails to stay open after the last round is fired.

Solution

I first made sure the firearm was safe and unloaded to address these issues. Then, I disassembled the Glock by removing the slide, barrel, and recoil spring assembly.

The second step was about inspection. I checked the slide stop lever and its spring to ensure they were in good condition. The spring should be under the locking block pin, which is crucial for proper function.

If the spring was out of place, I reinstalled it correctly. The proper assembly order is to insert the locking block pin first, then the slide stop lever, and finally, the trigger pin.

After reassembly, I performed a function check to make sure the slide lock was engaged properly when the magazine was empty.

FAQS

What caliber does the Glock 26 use?

The Glock 26 is specifically designed to fire the 9mm Luger cartridge.

What is the standard magazine capacity of the Glock 26?

The standard magazine capacity is 10 rounds, but there are optional magazines available that can increase the capacity to 12, 15, 17, 19, 24, 31, or even 33 rounds.

Can I use magazines from other Glock models with the Glock 26?

Yes, the Glock 26 can use larger 9mm magazines from models such as the Glock 17 or Glock 19, which is convenient for those who carry the Glock 26 as a backup.

What is the barrel length of the Glock 26?

The barrel length of the Glock 26 is 87 mm (3.43 inches)

Is the Glock 26 suitable for concealed carry?

Absolutely, the Glock 26 is often praised for its compact size and reliability, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry.

Has the Glock 26 undergone any recent upgrades?

The latest generation, the Glock 26 Gen5, now features the GLOCK Marksman Barrel (GMB) for increased accuracy, along with other improvements.

What is the trigger pull weight of the Glock 26?

The trigger pull of the Glock 26 is approximately 28 N.