4 Glock 23 Gen 4 Problems (How I Sorted Them Out)

I have carried my Glock 23 Gen 4 everyday for over 4 years. In fact, I’ve put around 20k rounds through it.

Every time I fire Gen 4 on the range, I find it quite pleasant. The Glock 23 Gen 4 is tough, easy to maintain, and relatively serviceable.

While this firearm is easy to work on, it isn’t without issues. I’ve had some problems with Glock 23 Gen 4, and got solutions to them. This is what our article is all about.

Why do I like Glock 23 Gen 4 in the first place?

I can pretty much buy this firearm again and again. No handgun is perfect, and the Glock Gen 4 isn’t an exception.

That being said, here’s why I prefer Glock 23 Gen 4:

• Only a few problems exist. The only number of malfunctions I’ve had is countless on one hand.
• It’s durable. After thousands of rounds, I merely had to replace an extractor on one of my guns.
• It’s easy to work on. A pretty much only pistol around you can take down to pins and springs in about one or two minutes, and you can do it over and over again, without having to replace worn roll pins, using special tools, or paying a gunsmith even.
• It shoots reasonably well; at least, under an experienced shooter, the little bore lax helps keep the gun flat under recoil. I actually like the grip.
• The variety of sizes and calibers Glock offers is unmatched. It makes Gen 4 versatile for various activities — whether competing with a Glock 34 9mm in IDPA, hunting with a Glock 40 10mm, or everyday carry with a Glock 43 single stack 9mm.
• An array of exciting features. Having spent some years firing Gen 4, I’ve found an almost comfortable gem, thanks to its uniform controls, grip angles, and other features.
• It is striker-fired. Glock 23 Gen4 is designed with a striker-fired mechanism to ensure a consistent trigger pull every time, unlike the variable pull in double-action semi-autos.

Overview of Glock 23 Gen 4 problems and solutions

1. Failure to eject (FTE)

Ejector problems in the Glock 23 Gen 4 can significantly affect the firearm’s functionality. One common issue reported is the erratic ejection pattern, where spent casings are not ejected efficiently, causing potential distraction.

Potential causes:

This malfunction arises from several factors. One potential cause is wear and tear on the ejector itself, which leads to its failure to engage the rim of the casing properly.

The buildup of dirt in the firearm also impacts the ejector’s functionality. Using ammunition that does not meet the recommended specifications for the Gen 4 is likely to put undue strain on the ejector, heightening the risk of malfunctions.

Solution

Such an ejector problem poses risks not only to the firearm’s reliability but also to the safety of the user.  It increases the likelihood of malfunctions, leading to injury during attempts to clear a jam.

Upon recognizing these issues, solutions have been sought after, with some shooters finding success in replacing the ejector with an updated version specifically designed to mitigate these problems.

Regular cleaning, as well as sticking to manufacturer-recommended ammunition, can also help prevent ejector-related malfunctions.

You should focus on the fixes if at all you want to improve both the performance and safety of the Glock 23 Gen 4.

2. Failure to feed (FTF)

Though not very frequently, feeding issues can sometimes be encountered with the Glock 23 Gen 4. One common problem users report is failure to feed properly, resulting in misfires.

Potential causes:

This can be attributed to several factors, including the type of ammunition used, improper maintenance, or worn-out magazine springs.

Solution

It is essential to ensure you are using high-quality ammunition that is suitable for your Glock. Additionally, maintaining your firearm after use can prevent feeding issues.

In addition it’s advisable to replace the magazine springs or consult a professional gunsmith for further assistance.

Taking these precautions can guarantee a dependable performance from your Glock 23 Gen 4.

3. Magazine issue

When it comes to the Glock 23 Gen 4, one cannot overlook certain magazine-related problems that users have reported. These issues, although relatively common, require attention.

One of the most notable problems I encountered with the magazines is occasional feeding failures. I users experienced instances where the rounds failed to feed properly into the chamber.

Due to the compact design of this firearm, the magazine capacity is limited, often leading users to feel the need for more rounds.

Potential causes:

You must familiarize yourself with the reasons behind these feeding failures, ranging from a dirty or worn-out magazine spring to improper ammunition dimensions.

Solution

Proper maintenance, regular cleaning, and selecting quality ammunition can significantly reduce these magazine-related problems.

Glock owners should also consult with experienced gunsmiths, join online forums, or participate in shooting events to further understand any magazine issues they may face.

Being aware of these problems and taking the necessary precautions provides a more enjoyable shooting experience for everyone.

4. Recoil spring problem

The recoil spring is an essential component of the Glock 23 Gen 4 pistol. Its primary role is to absorb and distribute the energy generated by the firing of the gun.

This allows the slide to move backward and forward smoothly during the firing cycle. However, the recoil spring can experience failures over time.

One common problem is wear and tear, which causes the spring to lose its tension. It, therefore, becomes less effective in managing the recoil energy.

Another potential issue is a broken recoil spring, which can lead to stoppages during shooting.

Potential causes

A faulty recoil spring can have a significant impact on the shooting experience. It may result in increased recoil, reduced accuracy, and even failures to feed or eject properly.

Solution

To identify recoil spring problems, you should be attentive to any changes in recoil behavior, such as increased muzzle flip.

Regular inspection also helps detect issues early on. If a problem is identified, it is recommended that the recoil spring be replaced with a high-quality, factory-specification replacement.

This will ensure optimal performance and reliability of the Glock 23 Gen 4, preserving its shooting experience and safety.

FAQs

Is Gen 4 Glock 23 a good gun?

Yes, the Gen 4 Glock 23 is considered a good gun. It offers excellent reliability. With its compact size and versatile .40 S&W caliber, the Glock 23 Gen 4 is suitable for duty use.

Is the Glock 23 Gen 4 discontinued?

The Glock 23 Gen 4 is still in production and not discontinued. It continues to be a reliable option for those seeking a compact and powerful handgun.

Can a Glock go off by accident?

Not really. Glocks, including the Gen 4 Glock 23, are designed with numerous safety features to prevent such incidents. These include trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety.

Be sure to handle any firearm responsibly nevertheless.  Also follow proper safety protocols to minimize the risk of accidents.