Author Topic: Glock blowups? (Read 2641 times)

Skeeterbaymac · « **on:** October 18, 2006, 01:56:14 PM »

I am in the market for a small compact 45acp. I carry a Sig P220 but also want a smaller 45 for those times when the full size is to much. I was all set to get a Glock 36 untill I started hearing about Glocks going boom. My only experience with Glock's was just before I retired from Fed L.E. Our agency decided to require us to use only issue weapons and they issued us the Glock. In the short time before I retired I never saw even a malfunction with a Glock. From what I saw they were very very reliable. I hated the trigger pull, but thought they were stone dead reliable and safe! So when looking for a new compact RELIABLE 45 for carry I figured I couldn't beat the Glock, (based on what I saw with our duty guns). Then just before I ordered a new one I had a couple of guys tell me that some are having problems with Glocks blowing up! I find this hard to believe, as I think I would have heard about it before now.

Has anyone heard of this? Thanks!

handyman06 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2006, 02:57:36 PM »

I worked with a guy that had damaged one in the academy. For the firearms training they order a bunch of really cheap reloads, well he fired a round that lodged in the barrel and then fired a good round on top of that. It ruined the barrel and it took them a long time to figure out how to get it out of the slide without ruining the slide. He was the only one with a glock with a stainless barrel. They found some kind of stainless "match" barrel cheaper than an original glock barrel. Thats the only major problem that I know of and it was due to ammo.

razdog76 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 20, 2006, 10:28:18 PM »

A co-worker of mine has blown up two .40 S&W glocks, one of which was a model 35. I cannot recall what the other one was. Both were personally owned weapons. He was using reloads, from the same reloader on both occasions.

Glock chambers are pretty loose, similar to that of the British .303 lee-enfields. The benefit is reliability. The downside is of course it will wear on the brass which is why Glock says not to use reloads. The .40's and .45's have less case head support than the 9mm. So long as you feed it a proper diet, it will work for you.

lefty red · « **Reply #3 on:** October 21, 2006, 02:56:05 AM »

As long as GLOCKs are fed FACTORY NEW AMMO, you will never have a problem!

I blew up my G35 about three weeks ago. I had a match STORMLAKE barrel on it and they have a very tight chamber. I was using my reloads, casted bullets over not alot of BLUEDOT seated short. But the slide stop had taken a beating and it broke, causing my silde to fly off. My GLOCK certified armorer looked it over and repaired it, I still had the original barrel to put back o it, and I traded it off two counties over!

Was it my fault? I guess. I shoot the same load through my older XD40 TACTICAL and never had a problem. ALso, this load was the only load that went through a buddies Ruger 40cal and my HiPoint 40JCP.

I still carry a GLOCK as my duty weapon (G22, AUX LEO), but I don't own anymore. If it can't eat cast bullets, then I can't afford it fed it.

I don't drink the "GLOCK Perfection" kool-aid, but I believe that it is a great handgun in certain calibers. I don't think there is a better full size 9mm than than the G17. All other models seem to have a problem, but that's just internet chat. I personally only seen two GLOCKs KB, mine and another LEO who was using relaoded ammo in his 40S&W. But alot of what is said about GLOCKs, good and bad, can be said about alot of newer designed handguns.

Lefty

Skeeterbaymac · « **Reply #4 on:** October 21, 2006, 01:07:37 PM »

Well Thanks for the info!

I had never heard of this before and always had a very high opinion of them for being reliable. I remember when they started showing up in the country. They were put thru and passed more test than most guns ever would. But now that I hear this from some folks that have had them go boom. It suprises me and kind of makes me nervous about buying one. My whole point in getting one was to have a small compact 45 that would be totally reliable no matter what. I guess I will re-think my choices. I have shot, carried and reloaded for more years then I care to admit and I have never had a gun blow up on me. I kind of think it's not a normal thing to have happen. So when I hear from two or three who have had it happen to them, or know someone that has had it happen. Then I start to wonder about the gun design. I guess I will look around for a small compact 1911 and then tweek it to the reliable point.

Thanks again for the info! Skeeter

razdog76 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 22, 2006, 04:50:52 AM »

Remember that there are KBs with all guns. Compare the amount of problems to how many have been produced to gauge quality.

Skeeterbaymac · « **Reply #6 on:** October 22, 2006, 07:54:51 AM »

Razdog76: Your right! once in awhile a gun goes boom. But IMHO it can usually be contributed to user problems, like poor reloads, double charged, obstruction in the barrel, half baked basement gunsmithing, ect. Like I said I have shot and reloaded for a lot of years and I never had a boom with any make. Nor have any of my friends or relatives had one go boom. I think if one is reasonably careful it is real rare (or should be). I am not knocking Glock. The reason I wanted one in the first place is because I have a big problem with most compact 1911's not being dead bang reliable right out of the box. Something wrong IMHO when I have to tweek a new gun to get it to go bang everytime! I began this thread thinking that the story I heard was false as I thought they were one of the more reliable autos on the market. But when a couple of folks on here (read small sampling) have had one or two go boom then I start wondering if it's something besides operator/reloader error and I guess I am not willing to take the chance.

I do thank everyone that responded! One of the true benefits to this fourm is being able to ask questions and find out info on an unknown gun before one buys. It allows for a more informed purchase. Thanks! Skeeter

oso45-70 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 22, 2006, 11:44:51 AM »

Gentlemen.

I have been loading and shooting my Glocks for a good number of years and have O bad experience with any of them.
I guess there are exceptions to every thing we do but i find it hard to down the Glock for something that was user created, JMHO........Joe..........

tallpaul · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2006, 01:16:00 AM »

There is always the Kahr arms 45 that came out recently... I here one ccallin my name... well that and a G17...

razdog76 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2006, 03:46:00 AM »

Skeeterbaymac,

tallpaul has a good suggestion. Allthough I know there will be people crying blashemy, but the more compact a 1911 gets they seem to become more finicky. There is also the discontinued Sig P245, and S&W also has some nice compact .45s.

As far as confidence in the Glock product, I carry a 22, and a 27 at least five days a week at work. Also if it makes you feel better, Glock did take both pistols and made a franken-glock from some old and some new parts, and gave it back to him. He sold it to another Deputy who carries it now as the former owner's wife forbade him to carry it.

Savage · « **Reply #10 on:** October 24, 2006, 04:00:29 PM »

I occasionaly carry my Glock 36 with complete confidence. Same goes for my mimi 1911s.

I have a big problem with most compact 1911's not being dead bang reliable right out of the box.

Skeeter,
No problems with mine.
Savage

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #11 on:** October 30, 2006, 07:40:06 AM »

I'm sure every gun manufacturer has had a gun 'blown up' at one time or another.... What's the significance of GLOCK? It's all about the user, not the gun. Like previous posts, use factory ammo under the directed conditions and you wont have an issue.

Coppertop · « **Reply #12 on:** October 30, 2006, 06:03:51 PM »

Razdog and Hunting guy:

Are you ( and i'm just checking) saying it's just a matter of time and/or precentage that a gun blows up in your face??? I have always thought that shooting was safe when done within reason ( safe, well done reloads, where you point the muzzle, etc?)

I'm not trying to start a fight, Just trying to clarify statements made in this thread. I'm not real smart and sometimes i need better explanations.

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #13 on:** October 31, 2006, 04:26:03 AM »

Quote

Are you ( and i'm just checking) saying it's just a matter of time and/or precentage that a gun blows up in your face??? I have always thought that shooting was safe when done within reason ( safe, well done reloads, where you point the muzzle, etc?)

I'm not trying to start a fight, Just trying to clarify statements made in this thread. I'm not real smart and sometimes i need better explanations.

As I said...

Quote

It's all about the user, not the gun.

is exactly what you said

Quote

I have always thought that shooting was safe when done within reason

. If you use precautions and are safe and smart about your shooting, you won't have a problem. If you RL, use the recommended loads. If you drop the gun barrel down in the ground, clean it before you shoot. If you oil the inside of the barrel, do yourself a favor and run dry patches until dry. It's common sense stuff. There's nothing too advanced about the concept "be smart and be safe". Backing up my statement, it's the person and not the gun [in the majority of the cases]. When you hear about a kaboom, there were probably reasons for it not listed along with the statement: ie bad reloads

Just my .02, take it to the bank or don't - That's up to you.

razdog76 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 31, 2006, 07:35:03 PM »

No I am not saying it is a matter of time by any means. Skeeterbaymac asked if anyone had heard of it, which I have.

Although the Deputy that had the KB's disregarded Glock's warning both times, I still like him and he is not the type to take unneccesary risks. And as I mentioned before, I carry a 22 and a 27 everyday as testament to my opinion of the pistols, but I do not shoot reloads through them.

kyote · « **Reply #15 on:** November 04, 2006, 03:47:58 PM »

I found this some where else on GBs site..interesting..
http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/glock-kb-faq.html

I used to shoot a lot of combat pistol matchs.and have seen glocks go KB with reloads and factory ammo.even fire out of battery with mild loads.every one has a thought on why this happens.especialy the ones that have the KB..they say its the Glock normally.I recently was given a glock 23 (years back)but really just started shooting it this year.(yea the trigger was funky,but practice with it and you will learn to like it and shoot it well)I have shot boocoo reloads thru her.hot ens ta boot.so far so good.and I have not cleaned it in well over 1500 rounds.it recently had a hic-up but that was it and keep on shooting.but after reviewing this KB stuff it will get cleaned like wind..before it heads back out to the range.My thought..to make sure she goes back to battery every time..keep fresh new recoil springs in her.

Coppertop · « **Reply #16 on:** November 07, 2006, 04:34:49 AM »

So...

Why buy a gun that is this finicky and not a gun that will eat anything all day and night and never have any issues? I do have a brand i prefer, but the point is not brand but reliability.

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #17 on:** November 07, 2006, 06:38:18 PM »

ZZZzzzzzzzz.....

kyote · « **Reply #18 on:** November 08, 2006, 08:51:52 PM »

Quote from: Coppertop on November 07, 2006, 04:34:49 AM

So...

Why buy a gun that is this finicky and not a gun that will eat anything all day and night and never have any issues? I do have a brand i prefer, but the point is not brand but reliability.

Quote from: HuntingGuy on November 07, 2006, 06:38:18 PM

ZZZzzzzzzzz.....

I understand what both you all are saying.Coppertop,no offence but I think you are kinda new to the gun world.Glock handguns hit the u.s.a by storm,as did the .40s&w,almost every law enforcement agency in the u.s use's the .40s&w.and most have gone to the glock.It is by far the cheapest (priced) hand gun on the market.for L.E.use,I have bought I don't remember how many for local police departments and sherrifs departments.their prices are way diffent from John Doe publics prices.they beat every one else's prices by far.and they don't want their prices know.Glock mags go for $9.00 L.E.price.at one time.so we now have most le departments using glocks.the FBI issues glocks to all new personel.in .40 s w ,so their is a lot of glocks being fired.I would say more then any other hand gun out there.a lot of civilins use them also.still a cheap hand gun compared to others.I guess what I am getting at is.There is a lot of them being shot.and things are happening that are coming to lite.ie:KBs,But mind you there are a lot of others hand guns that have done the same.but right now I venture to guess there are a lot of glocks being shot.brass around here is plentyfull.
I think also that a lot of folks buy a glock and reload for it.and try and make major power factor with it.and are not carefull reloaders.are really do not have the whole consept of reloading.and have accidents.and of course who ya gunna blame? the gun not your reloads.How many have heard about ar-15s/M-16 blowing up and sending the bolt thru some ones head after shooting .22 rim firebullets thru the gun and having the lead build up in the barrel and not removing it.and then shooting .223 ammo in it and the pressure build up from the restricted bore blows the bolt rearward?just some added thoughts here.becarfull of how you reload.it can and is KB if you are not carefull.

HuntingGuy · « **Reply #19 on:** November 09, 2006, 12:37:25 PM »

Finally.. a post worth reading in this thread.

jro45 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 11, 2006, 03:49:08 PM »

I have reloaded and used the same shells over and over and never had a blow up in any of my guns, Glocks included.

tnekkc · « **Reply #21 on:** January 05, 2007, 04:14:38 AM »

I have done increment load work ups on my 9mm, 357Sig, 40sw, and 10mm Glocks, until I could see a guppy belly case bulge.
No problems.
Glocks are strong.

Yet I have seen pictures on the internet of Glocks blown to pieces.

My guess is that what ever load did the damage, it was no in an incremental work up, but a bullet in the bore, double charge, wrong powder, ect. Something drastic.

specops · « **Reply #22 on:** January 07, 2007, 05:35:50 PM »

Skeeter,

I have 2 Glocks. A G36 (best kept secret Glock has) and a G19. They are almost identical in size. Factory Glocks don'ty shoot cast bullets worth a hoot. At $6.00 for white box 9mm it doesn't pay to reload so I practice with the 9mm and carry the 45.

Glock has a factory G17 that is over 350,000 rounds with no failures and Chuck Taylor has over a 100,000 through his G17 with like performance. They own over 60% of the domestic LEO market.

As with any mechnical device there can be failures but I've seen less with Glocks that any others. If you want another perspective or more information check out www.thegunzone.com/glock/glock-kb-faq.html.

My G36 is thinner that any of my 1911s even with the ultrathin CCW grips on the 1911 and shoots softer. I practice with hardball and carry 230 gr. Federal HydroShocks. Get a pair of TruGlo TFO sights for it. They will tell you they don't make them for the G36 but you can use a set for a G21/30. You may have to taper the back edge of the front sight mounting screw as some of them will cause the barrel to bind. I have over 1000 rounds through mine with no malfunctions and over 5000 through the G19 with the same outcome. You might want to look at the Springfield XDs as an option as well.