4 Solutions To Glock 34 Problems

The Glock 34 is reputable for its precision, making it a favored choice among competitive shooters.  However, as with any mechanical device, it’s not immune to issues.

After extensive use, I encountered several problems that could frustrate even the most seasoned users.

In this article, I will take you through Glock 34 problems and the solutions that work for me.

Glock 34 Problems & Solutions

Failure to eject

One of the most common issues you may face is a failure to eject spent casings. This malfunction, commonly known as a “stovepipe,” occurs intermittently. It’s particularly frustrating when it disrupts your shooting rhythm.

My experience with this problem was most pronounced when using 115-grain range ammunition. The gun would occasionally jam, failing to eject every few rounds.

This issue results from several factors, including the use of lighter ammunition, the added mass from slide-mounted optics, or even a weakened recoil spring.

Solution: As a firearm lover, I found that switching to a heavier ammunition load, such as 124-grain or 147-grain rounds, improved reliability.

Factory ball rounds, like the W-W white box, performed exceptionally well. Ensuring the gun is properly cleaned and lubricated also makes a difference.

You should consider replacing the recoil spring with a stronger one to better handle the slide’s mass, especially if you’ve added optics.

In cases where these solutions don’t resolve the issue, sending the firearm to Glock for a thorough inspection and servicing might be necessary.

Failure to fire

Another significant issue I bumped into was the failure to fire, which is particularly alarming in high-stakes situations.

This problem was more prevalent with certain types of ammunition, notably 147gr. Ranger and 115gr. White Box.

The cause of this issue is mostly linked to the striker assembly. This is where improper lubrication or debris can impede the firing pin’s movement.

Solution: I performed a detailed cleaning of the firing pin channel to ensure it was free from debris. It’s critical this area remains dry and clean, as even a small amount of lubricant can cause light primer strikes.

The next thing you expect is misfires. Checking the condition of the striker spring and replacing it if worn can also be beneficial.

Comparing parts with another Glock 34 can help identify any irregularities that may be contributing to the problem.

Careful selection of high-quality ammunition can significantly reduce the likelihood of this issue occurring.

Failure to Feed

Failure to feed is another problem that can disrupt your shooting experience.

This issue manifests as a round not fully chambering or jamming halfway into the chamber, which I experienced with PPU ammunition.

The problem might be related to the magazine, ammunition type, or even the feed ramp.

Solution: At the time of testing, I discovered that using 124-grain round-nose range cartridges helped mitigate this issue.

Additionally, cleaning the feed ramp to remove any debris that could hinder the smooth transition of rounds from the magazine to the chamber was crucial.

In some cases, upgrading the recoil spring to better accommodate the ammunition’s power level resolved the problem.

It’s also worth checking the magazines for any wear that could affect feeding. Replacing damaged magazines often solves feeding issues.

Slide lock problems

Sometimes a malfunctioning slide lock can be dangerous, especially when it occurs unexpectedly.

After firing over 600 rounds, I faced a problem where the slide locked back prematurely, even when the magazine wasn’t empty.

This issue often points to a misaligned coil spring or an improperly installed extended slide stop.

Solution: I made sure that the small coil spring in the slide stop lever was correctly aligned and not twisted.

Replacing the extended slide stop with a standard one also helped prevent premature slide lock.

Investing in higher-quality ammunition, which generates consistent pressure, seemed to reduce the occurrence of this problem.

Always offer regular maintenance to your firearm, including checking the slide lock lever and spring during cleaning.

Additional considerations

Magazine issues

While not a problem with the Glock 34 itself, magazine-related issues can contribute to many of the problems listed above.

Ensure that magazines are clean, free of debris, and not overly worn so that you can have reliable feeding and slide operation.

If you encounter consistent ejection issues, opt for a different magazine to rule out this common culprit.

Ammunition compatibility

The Glock 34 is designed to handle a wide range of ammunition, but some loads may perform better than others.

Lighter loads – below 124 grains, for example, may not provide sufficient force to cycle the slide reliably, leading to failures to eject or feed.

Having different brands and weights of ammunition helps identify the best match for your Glock 34.

Regular maintenance

Regular maintenance matters a lot in the Glock 34, particularly if it’s used frequently. Keep the firearm as clean as possible.

I mean areas like the firing pin channel, feed ramp, and recoil spring, can prevent many of the issues described.

Lubrication should be applied in the right places to avoid attracting dirt that could impede the firearm’s operation.

FAQs

Is Glock 34 better than Glock 17?

The Glock 34 offers a longer barrel and greater magazine capacity, making it more accurate over longer distances than the Glock 17.

Why is the Glock 34 a competition gun?

The Glock 34 is designed with competitive shooting in mind. Thanks to its extended barrel and slide length that improves sight radius. Its overall design minimizes recoil is the reason G34 hits with precision in competition scenarios.