7 Glock 20 Gen 4 Problems (Quick Fixes)

I’m fond of taking Glock pistols to the woods. Having used my Glock 20 Gen 4 for a couple of years, I’ve liked its performance so far.

Chambered in 10mm auto caliber, this firearm stands out. It really feels nice on my hand and is fairly comfortable.

The firearm performs incredibly well, though it has had problems since I purchased it. This post discusses 7 Glock 20 Gen 4 problems and their troubleshooting tips.

Here are Glock 20 Gen 4 problems and solutions

Problem	Solution
Failure to feed	Inspect the magazine for proper seating and ensure it is fully loaded
Ejection problem	Clean and lubricate the ejector components, including the ejector
Slide not locking back	Check for any obstructions that may be preventing it from locking back.
Light primer strikes	Check the firing pin spring for proper tension – replace it if necessary
Stovepipe malfunctions	Pay attention to the ammunition for signs of damage
Trigger reset issue	Clean, polish, and lubricate the trigger components
Excessive recoil	Experiment with different ammunition loads to find one that provides a balance between recoil and performance

1. Failure to feed

One of the most common issues I encountered with the Glock 20 Gen 4 is failure to feed.

It occurs when the firearm fails to load the next round into the chamber after firing. This problem is common with the Glock 19x, too.

Possible causes

If your gun is failing to feed properly, the potential causes could be:

• Magazine issues: A faulty magazine can prevent the proper feeding of ammunition.
• Ammunition problems: Low-quality or improperly sized ammunition leads to feeding issues.
• Dirty or worn internals: Over time, the Glock 20 Gen 4 internals can get damaged, which can affect the feeding mechanism.
• Weak recoil spring: A weak recoil spring can cause the slide not fully to cycle, leading to failure to feed.
• Improper grip and stance: How you hold and position the Glock 20 Gen 4 can also affect feeding.

By addressing these potential causes, you can fix this issue with your Glock 20 Gen 4.

Troubleshooting steps

There are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem, including:

1. Check the magazine: Ensure the magazine is inserted correctly and seated in the firearm. Clean it to remove any dirt or obstructions that may prevent the rounds from feeding correctly.
2. Inspect the ammunition: Examine the ammunition for any signs of damage or defects. The rounds should be in good condition and have the correct caliber.
3. Clean and lubricate the firearm: Regular cleaning of your Glock 20 Gen 4 is essential for proper functioning. Lubricate the barrel, slide, and magazine as well. You can go ahead and polish the slide rails and other moving parts.
4. Check the recoil spring: The recoil spring plays a crucial role in feeding. Inspect it for any signs of damage. Replace it with a new one if necessary.
5. Test with different magazines: If the issue persists, try using different magazines to see if the problem is specific to a particular magazine.
6. Check the feed ramp: Inspect the feed ramp for any obstructions.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolves the issue, consult a professional gunsmith for further assistance.

2. Slide not locking back

This is when the Glock 20 Gen 4 slide does not lock back after firing the last round. The issue is sometimes called “failure to lock back.”

Possible causes

There are several possible reasons why the slide of a Glock 20 Gen 4 may not lock back after the last round is fired:

• Weak magazine spring: If the magazine spring is weak, it may not provide enough tension to engage the slide stop lever and lock the slide back.
• Obstructed slide stop lever: If it is obstructed by dirt, it may not engage properly with the slide, resulting in this problem.
• Incorrect grip or hand position: Improper grip can sometimes interfere with the slide stop lever, causing it to not engage with the slide.
• Defective slide-stop lever: Should none of the above solutions work, it is possible that the slide-stop lever itself is defective.
• Ammunition issues: Certain types of ammunition may not generate enough recoil to fully cycle the slide and engage the slide stop lever.
• Weak recoil spring: A damaged recoil spring may not provide enough force to fully cycle the slide, making the slide malfunction.
• User error: Lastly, it is important to consider the possibility of user error.

Troubleshooting steps

Here are several steps you can take to fix the problem.

1. Check the magazine: Ensure the magazine is correctly seated in the firearm and not damaged. You can inspect the magazine by removing it.
2. Inspect the slide stop lever: The lever is responsible for locking the slide back when the magazine is empty. Check to see if the lever is properly aligned. If it is loose, customize or replace it.
3. Clean and lubricate: Make sure the firearm is clean. Dirty can impede the slide from locking back. Pay close attention to the slide and slide stop lever.
4. Check for damaged parts: Replace any damaged components as necessary.
5. Seek professional assistance: If you have followed these steps and are still experiencing issues, contact a professional gunsmith or Glock-certified armorer.

Remember to always prioritize safety when working with firearms.

3. Ejection issue

Many users have problems with the ejector used for Gen 4 frames. It’s a bit smaller and a little thicker.

Glock installed this new ejector because the earlier ones didn’t work out the way they thought it would. This resulted in FTEs (failure to eject).

Ejection issues happen when the spent casing fails to eject properly.

Possible causes

Several common causes of failure to eject in the Glock 20 Gen 4 exist. These include:

• Weak ammunition: Using weak ammunition raises the issue because the slide may not have enough force to cycle properly.
• Dirty chamber: A dirty chamber can cause the spent casing to get stuck, preventing proper ejection.
• Worn extractor: If the extractor has defects, it may fail to grip the spent casing properly.
• Weak extractor spring: A weak spring can result in insufficient force to extract and eject the spent casing.
• Improper grip: An improper grip on any firearm causes the slide to not fully cycle, hence poor functioning.
• Faulty magazine: A faulty magazine can cause feeding issues, which can, in turn, lead to failure to eject.
• Limp-wristing: Limp-wristing (not holding the firearm firmly) interferes with the cycling of the slide.

You’ll also find out that these are the same reasons behind the ejection malfunctions, one of the Tisas 1911 problems we saw earlier.

Troubleshooting steps

It’s a frustrating experience when your gun doesn’t eject. Some troubleshooting techniques you can employ are;

1. Inspect the extractor: The extractor is responsible for gripping the spent casing and pulling it out of the chamber. Check for any signs of damage on the extractor. Clean it thoroughly so that it moves freely.
2. Check the ejector: The ejector forcefully ejects the spent casing from the firearm. Inspect the ejector for any misalignment. Clean and make sure it is properly installed.
3. Ammo selection: The type of ammunition being used can also affect ejection. Ensure you are using high-quality, factory-made ammunition that is within the recommended specifications for the Glock 20 Gen 4.
4. Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication can cause the slide to move sluggishly, leading to ejection issues. Apply an appropriate lubricant to the slide rails, extractor, recoil spring, and other moving parts.
5. Magazine issues: Check the magazine for dirt that may impede proper ejection. Clean the magazine thoroughly and align it correctly.

4. Light primer strikes

When users aren’t complaining about ejection issues, the Gen 4 would commonly have light primer strikes.

The problem is likely to occur when the firing pin doesn’t strike the primer with enough force to ignite the cartridge.

Possible causes

The reasons behind light primer strikes are:

• Weak firing pin spring: The firing pin spring may weaken after some time. This results in reduced force when striking the primer.
• Dirty or fouled firing pin channel: If the firing pin channel is fouled with dirt, it leads to poor movement of the firing pin.
• Improper ammunition: Using high-end and compatible ammo for reliable ignition is important.
• Incorrect firing pin protrusion: If the firing pin protrusion is not within the specified range, it can cause light primer strikes. Adjust the firing pin protrusion according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Worn recoil spring: A worn recoil spring can affect the slide velocity, impacting the force of the firing pin strike.

If you’re facing the same problem as me, I recommend you troubleshoot these potential causes one by one to identify the underlying issue.

Troubleshooting steps

You can minimize the occurrence of this issue by:

1. Ensuring proper ammunition: Out-of-spec ammunition can increase the likelihood of light primer strikes. Invest in the recommended ones.
2. Checking firing pin channel: Regularly inspect the pin channel to ensure it is free of obstructions, such as dirt, that can deter the firing pin’s movement.
3. Lubricating gun parts: Apply an appropriate amount of lubrication to the gun parts. Insufficient lubrication can cause increased friction that affects the firing pin’s performance.
4. Check firing pin spring: Periodically inspect the firing pin spring for defects. A damaged spring can result in inconsistent firing pin strikes.

Follow these preventive measures, and say goodbye to light primer strikes.

5. Stovepiping

Stovepiping is another problem every shooter should be aware of. Particularly those with handguns and rifles; this problem happens when the spent case doesn’t get pushed out of the ejection port.

It gets stuck in a near-vertical position instead, resembling a stovepipe. If not addressed, this problem causes jams and misfires, potentially putting you in danger.

Possible causes

This malfunction can occur for various reasons, such as:

• Weak ammunition: Ammunition with insufficient power might not provide enough force to eject the spent casing properly.
• Dirty or poorly maintained firearm: Accumulated dirt, residue, or inadequate lubrication can hinder the gun’s cycling and cause stovepiping.
• Extractor or ejector issues: Malfunctions in the extractor or ejector, the parts responsible for removing and ejecting spent casings, can lead to stovepiping.
• Weak or damaged recoil spring: The recoil spring plays a crucial role in moving the slide or bolt back and forth. A weak or damaged spring can result in insufficient force to eject the casing.

Troubleshooting steps

Stovepiping can be dangerous, as it can cause a failure to chamber a new round. This leaves your G20 Gen 4 temporarily inoperable.

To clear a stovepipe malfunction, clear the obstruction by manually racking the slide or bolt to eject the stuck casing and chamber a new round.

It’s essential to maintain your firearm properly. This will reduce the likelihood of not only stovepiping but also other malfunctions.

6. Trigger reset issue

This refers to a problem related to the trigger mechanism of the firearm. The trigger is vital because, when pulled, it initiates the firing sequence, causing the gun to discharge a round.

A trigger issue could encompass various concerns, including inconsistent trigger pull, stiff trigger, and, of course, failure to reset.

The trigger reset issue involves the trigger not resetting properly after firing a shot. Shooters will encounter this problem with H&K VP9 as well.

Possible causes

• Dirt lodged in the trigger mechanism: Dust, debris, and fouling can build up in the trigger assembly over time, affecting the trigger’s functioning ability.
• Damaged trigger components: The trigger itself, trigger spring, and sear can wear out after prolonged usage.

Troubleshooting steps

Cleaning your firearm regularly helps prevent trigger reset issues caused by a dirty trigger mechanism. Impressively, you’ll have accurate follow-up shoots after periodic inspections of your trigger components.

7. Excessive recoil

Though not as common as others, excessive recoil is an issue Glock 20 Gen owners face.

This recoil results from the gunpowder explosion propelling the bullet from the firearm’s barrel. The force generated causes the gun to move backward.

This backward motion is what we perceive as recoil.

Possible causes

• Firearm weight: Lighter firearms have more noticeable recoil because there is less mass to absorb the backward force. This is the case with the Glock 20 Gen 5 pistol.
• Shooter’s technique: Inadequate shooting technique, like poor grip, makes recoil feel more excessive.

Excessive recoil can be uncomfortable since it affects the shooter’s accuracy.

Troubleshooting steps

To sort out this issue, practice proper shooting techniques. You must learn how to stay with a lightweight pistol, however. Otherwise, their concealed carry feature beats all odds.

Why troubleshoot your Glock 20 Gen 4?

Troubleshooting your Glock 20 Gen 4 ensures an optimal performance of your firearm. When you address problems with your gun, you impact its functionality.

Whether it’s a malfunctioning slide or issues with the trigger, understanding how to fix G20 Gen 4 problems saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to a gunsmith.

Enjoying an impressive shooting experience becomes the end result.

Importance of regular maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the longevity of your Glock 20 Gen 4. Not only that, it has a positive impact on its performance.

By doing this, you can prevent issues before they become major concerns. Cleaning the firearm regularly helps remove dirt, debris, and residue that can accumulate.

Inspecting it for any signs of wear allows you to identify faulty parts. It is also important to lubricate the gun parts with the right gun oil to prevent corrosion.

Replacing components at recommended intervals ensures the smooth operation of your Glock 20 Gen 4.

All these tips bolster your gun’s dependability.