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Safety First

1. Point in a safe direction at all times.
2. Remove the magazine. Press the magazine release and set the magazine aside.
3. Lock the slide open. Pull the slide fully rearward and engage the slide stop.
4. Verify the chamber is empty. Look and feel—no round in the chamber, no magazine in the well.
5. Clear the striker. Let the slide go forward on an empty chamber, point in a safe direction, then press the trigger to de-cock. (Required before removing the slide.)

Tip: Keep live ammunition in a separate room while you work.

What This Covers

This guide covers standard Glock pistols (Gen1–Gen5) across common calibers. Scope is field-strip only—separating the slide, recoil spring assembly, and barrel from the frame. Do not detail-strip the frame or slide unless trained and following official procedures.

Tools & Workspace

• Clear, well-lit bench or mat
• Optional: nylon brush, cleaning kit, patches, and lubricant

No special tools are required for a basic field-strip. For cleaning supplies and mats, see Glock-compatible accessories.

Step-by-Step Disassembly

1) Unload and De-cock (Required)

• Remove the magazine and lock the slide open; visually and physically confirm the chamber is empty.
• Allow the slide to go forward on an empty chamber.
• Point in a safe direction and press the trigger to de-cock the striker.

2) Retract the Slide Slightly

Pull the slide back about ⅛ inch (3–4 mm)—just enough to relieve tension on the slide lock. Do not pull far enough to re-cock the striker.

3) Pull Down the Slide Lock Tabs

While holding the slide slightly to the rear, pull both sides of the serrated slide lock tabs (above the trigger guard) down simultaneously.

4) Ease the Slide Forward and Off

Release the slide while keeping the tabs down; guide the slide forward and off the frame rails.

5) Remove the Recoil Spring Assembly

Turn the slide upside down. Compress the recoil spring/guide rod slightly and lift it out from the notch on the barrel lug.

6) Remove the Barrel

Lift the barrel slightly and pull it out toward the rear of the slide.

You now have a complete field-strip: frame, slide, recoil spring assembly, and barrel separated for cleaning and inspection.

Cleaning & Inspection Checklist

• Barrel: Clean bore from chamber to muzzle; check for fouling, obstructions, crown damage. Lightly oil exterior.
• Recoil Spring Assembly: Inspect for kinks, set, or damage; replace if worn.
• Slide Rails & Breech Face: Remove carbon; keep extractor channel free of debris; avoid over-oiling.
• Frame Rails & Locking Block: Wipe clean; apply a light film of oil only on contact points.

For OEM and upgraded replacements, browse Glock handgun parts.

Reassembly

1. Install the barrel into the slide; ensure it seats fully.
2. Install the recoil spring assembly: front into muzzle recess, compress gently, seat rear into the barrel-lug notch (centered, under light tension).
3. Join slide to frame: align rails and push fully to the rear; rack several times to verify smooth travel.
4. Function check (no ammunition): trigger press and reset; ensure slide locks open on an empty magazine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to verify empty: Always check chamber and magwell by sight and touch—twice.
• Racking too far in Step 2: Only ~⅛ inch; pulling too far re-cocks the striker and prevents removal.
• Mis-seating the recoil spring: Ensure it nests in the barrel-lug notch; misalignment can cause malfunctions.
• Over-lubrication: Glocks run best with minimal oil—rails, barrel exterior, and a light film on critical contact points.

When to Replace Parts

• Recoil Spring Assembly: Commonly every 3,000–5,000 rounds (varies by model and ammo).
• Extractor/Springs/Slide Stop: Replace if chipped, bent, or weak.
• Magazines: Replace worn feed lips, followers, or springs; keep several in rotation.

Explore springs, pins, sights, and small parts in our Glock parts catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Support

If you encounter resistance during reassembly, notice abnormal wear, or experience malfunctions after cleaning, stop and have the firearm inspected by a qualified armorer. We are happy to assist with parts selection and routine maintenance guidance.