Introduction
Whether you’re a seasoned gun owner or a Glock newbie, understanding how to safely maintain your Glock 19 is crucial. One of the fundamental skills any Glock 19 owner should master is how to remove the slide. The Glock 19, a compact and reliable handgun, is a favorite among law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian shooters alike. Its popularity stems from its robust design, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements. Knowing how to properly disassemble and reassemble your Glock 19 is not just about basic maintenance; it’s about understanding your firearm and ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. This knowledge enables you to keep your Glock in top condition, whether it’s for routine cleaning, more in-depth inspections, or more specialized maintenance tasks.
This guide offers a comprehensive and easy-to-follow approach to removing the slide from your Glock 19. We’ll break down the process into clear, concise steps, with a strong emphasis on safety. This article will walk you through each action, from the critical initial safety checks to the final separation of the slide from the frame. Learning this skill will enhance your understanding of your firearm and allow you to perform essential maintenance tasks confidently.
Safety First – Critical Precautions
Before you begin any disassembly of your Glock 19, safety must be your utmost priority. Improper handling of firearms can lead to serious injury or even death. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Let’s go through the essential safety steps.
Verify the Firearm is Unloaded
This step is paramount. Never skip this step. Before you do anything, ensure that your Glock 19 is completely unloaded.
First, remove the magazine. Press the magazine release button (usually located on the left side of the frame) and pull the magazine out. Inspect the magazine visually and confirm it’s empty.
Next, visually and physically inspect the chamber of the Glock 19. Open the slide fully and look into the chamber to confirm there is no round present. If possible, use your finger (ensuring the firearm is pointed in a safe direction) to sweep the chamber and confirm that it is clear of any ammunition.
Finally, once you are certain the chamber is clear, and the magazine is removed, point the firearm in a safe direction. This should always be a direction where, if the firearm were to accidentally discharge, no one would be harmed and no property would be damaged. A safe direction could be a direction towards a berm, an isolated area or a location that is safe from any person or object.
Clear the Chamber
Even after removing the magazine, there is a chance a round may remain in the chamber. To ensure the chamber is completely empty, cycle the slide. Pull the slide all the way to the rear, and then release it forward. This action extracts any remaining round from the chamber. Visually inspect the chamber once more to confirm it is empty. If you are using the firearm for self-defense, or in a situation where failure is not an option, repeat this step as necessary.
Protective Gear
Wearing safety glasses is highly recommended. Debris can be thrown during the disassembly process. These glasses will protect your eyes from any flying particles, ensuring that you can continue with the process and can clearly see what you are doing.
Work Environment
Choose a well-lit and uncluttered work area. A clean, organized space minimizes the chances of losing parts and makes the entire process safer and easier. Ensure you have ample space to work and that any potential hazards are cleared.
The Golden Rule
Never, ever point the firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. This rule is the cornerstone of firearms safety. Maintain situational awareness and constant control of the firearm’s muzzle.
Gathering Your Tools and Supplies
You won’t need many tools to remove the slide from your Glock 19. In fact, the process is designed to be simple and accessible.
Essential Items
You will obviously need your Glock 19. Ensure it is unloaded and safe before beginning the disassembly process.
Additional Supplies
- Cleaning rod or punch: A cleaning rod or a small, non-marring punch can be helpful for certain maintenance tasks, although not required for simply removing the slide.
- Cleaning mat: A cleaning mat provides a clean, organized surface for your work, protecting both your Glock 19 and your work surface.
- Lubricant: After cleaning, you may want to lubricate certain parts. This will help maintain the smooth operation of your Glock 19. Ensure you are using a firearm-specific lubricant.
The Process of Removing the Slide
With your firearm deemed safe and your tools gathered, let’s delve into the step-by-step instructions.
Making Sure It’s Unloaded Again
As mentioned, safety should always be the priority. Before you touch your Glock 19, double and triple-check that the firearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine, check the chamber (visually and physically), and point the firearm in a safe direction. Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Grasping the Glock
Hold the Glock 19 firmly in your non-dominant hand. The grip should be secure, yet comfortable. Your non-dominant hand will serve as a solid platform to keep the firearm steady and in a safe direction throughout the removal process. Ensure you have a good grasp of the frame of the firearm.
The Slide Stop Lever
Locate the slide stop lever. This is a small lever that protrudes from both sides of the Glock 19 frame, typically just above the trigger. It is used to hold the slide open when the magazine is empty and can also be used to manually lock the slide back. The slide stop lever’s function is critical to this entire process.
Use both hands to depress the slide stop lever. You may use the thumb of your dominant hand to depress the lever from one side while using the index finger of your non-dominant hand to apply counter pressure from the other side. If that’s uncomfortable, try using your thumb and index finger on the same side. Experiment until you find a method that allows you to depress the lever and hold it securely in position. The key is to depress the lever completely. If you don’t depress the lever completely, you won’t be able to separate the slide.
Pushing the Slide Forward
With the slide stop lever depressed, you can now begin moving the slide forward. While depressing the slide stop lever, pull the slide back slightly, then push it forward. It should move with relatively little resistance. It is important to make sure that the slide stop lever is fully depressed for this step.
As you move the slide forward, you will feel the barrel’s lugs disengaging from the frame. Continue pushing the slide forward until it clears the frame entirely. The slide should separate completely from the frame at this point. If the slide is not easily moving, double-check your steps and make sure the slide stop lever is fully depressed and that you are not applying any unnecessary force. If the slide is still stuck, consult the troubleshooting section of this guide.
Separating the Slide From the Frame
With the slide pushed forward, it will come off the frame. At this point, you should be able to lift the slide upward, away from the frame of the Glock 19. Now the slide is successfully removed, and you can begin your inspection and cleaning. Be careful when holding the slide at this point, it may slide from your hands due to the added weight.
Inspecting the Internal Components
With the slide removed, you can now inspect the various components. You may examine the guide rod, the barrel, the firing pin assembly, and other key internal parts. Check for signs of wear, damage, or debris. If anything appears damaged, or does not look normal, it may be time to consult a gunsmith or a qualified professional. At this point, you can move on to cleaning or further disassembly.
Optional Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your Glock 19 helps ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Cleaning the Barrel
Use a cleaning rod with a brush and appropriate solvent to clean the barrel. Push the brush through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle end. Repeat this process several times. Then, use a patch to wipe the barrel clean.
Cleaning the Slide
Use a cleaning solution and a brush to clean the inside of the slide, paying particular attention to the areas where the slide interacts with the frame. This includes the grooves and rails.
Cleaning the Frame
Wipe down the frame with a clean cloth. You may also use a brush and cleaning solution to clean any areas where debris may accumulate.
Reassembling Your Glock
Reassembling your Glock 19 is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. After cleaning, lubricate key parts, and carefully slide the slide back onto the frame, ensuring that it is correctly seated and locked.
Basic Lubrication
A few drops of firearm lubricant on the slide rails, the barrel hood, and the firing pin assembly will provide smooth operation and reduce wear. Always use lubricant designed for firearms.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems during the disassembly process, here are some common issues and potential solutions.
The Slide Won’t Move
If the slide won’t move forward after the slide stop lever is depressed, recheck that you have completely depressed the slide stop lever. Try wiggling the slide slightly while depressing the lever to help release it. Make sure the firearm is unloaded.
The Slide Feels Stuck
If the slide feels stuck or does not move smoothly, ensure that the firearm is unloaded. Inspect the slide and frame for any obstructions or debris. If this doesn’t solve the issue, consider seeking the advice of a qualified gunsmith.
Conclusion
Removing the slide from your Glock 19 is a crucial skill for any gun owner, contributing to effective maintenance and responsible firearm ownership. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely and confidently disassemble your Glock 19, improving its function and helping you avoid any issues. Remember, safety is paramount. Always verify the firearm is unloaded, wear protective gear, and proceed with caution.
We have detailed the process, provided safety precautions, and offered troubleshooting tips. Now, it’s up to you. Review the steps, practice, and become comfortable with the procedure. Knowing how to remove the slide is an important step to maintaining your Glock 19.
This guide provides general information, and is not a substitute for professional guidance. If you are unsure about any step, always seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith or a firearms instructor.
