The Glock 20 Gen 5, a 10mm powerhouse, has earned a reputation for reliability. However, like any firearm, it's not immune to potential issues. This article delves into common Glock 20 Gen 5 problems, offering insights for owners and prospective buyers. We'll explore reported malfunctions, common causes, and solutions to help you maintain your firearm's optimal performance. Understanding these potential problems can help you troubleshoot effectively and ensure your Glock 20 Gen 5 remains a dependable tool.
Understanding the Glock 20 Gen 5
Before diving into specific problems, it's important to understand the Glock 20 Gen 5's design and features. This fifth-generation model incorporates several improvements over previous iterations, including:
- Improved Ergonomics: The Gen 5 features an improved grip texture and a redesigned trigger.
- Marksman Barrel: This barrel enhances accuracy.
- Ambidextrous Slide Stop Lever: Offers enhanced versatility for both right and left-handed shooters.
- Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB): Designed for improved accuracy.
Despite these enhancements, certain issues have surfaced among users.
Common Glock 20 Gen 5 Problems
While generally reliable, several issues have been reported by Glock 20 Gen 5 owners. These issues are not necessarily widespread, but understanding them is crucial for preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.
1. Failure to Extract/Eject
This is perhaps the most commonly reported issue. Failure to extract or eject spent casings can stem from several sources:
- Weak Ammunition: Using underpowered or low-quality ammunition can lead to insufficient pressure to reliably cycle the action. Always use high-quality ammunition that meets or exceeds the manufacturer's specifications.
- Dirty or Damaged Extractor: Accumulated debris or damage to the extractor can prevent it from gripping the spent casing effectively. Regular cleaning and inspection of the extractor are crucial.
- Improper Lubrication: Insufficient or excessive lubrication can also affect extraction and ejection. Use a high-quality gun lubricant and apply it sparingly.
- Magazines: Problems with the magazine, such as weakened springs or improper seating, can hinder feeding and ejection. Inspect and clean your magazines regularly.
Troubleshooting: Check ammunition, clean and lubricate the extractor, ensure the magazines are in good condition and properly seated.
2. Feeding Problems
Occasionally, Glock 20 Gen 5 owners report issues with the firearm feeding rounds reliably. This can manifest as:
- Failure to Feed: The gun fails to chamber a round from the magazine.
- Stovepipes: The next round jams up against the previously fired round, causing a stoppage.
- Double Feeds: Two rounds trying to feed at once.
These issues often relate to the aforementioned magazine issues or ammo problems. Additionally:
- Magazine Lip Issues: Bent or damaged magazine lips can interfere with proper round feeding. Inspect your magazines carefully.
- Excessive Debris: Dirt or debris in the feed ramp can obstruct the smooth feeding of rounds.
Troubleshooting: Clean the feed ramp thoroughly, inspect the magazines for damage, and use high-quality ammunition.
3. Trigger Issues
While the Gen 5 trigger is generally lauded as an improvement, some users have reported:
- Trigger Creep: Excessive movement of the trigger before the gun breaks.
- Trigger Reset Issues: Difficulty or sluggish trigger reset.
These issues are less common but can impact accuracy and shooting comfort.
Troubleshooting: In most cases, these issues are caused by the trigger's interaction with internal parts. Professional gunsmithing might be needed to address these problems.
4. Reliability with Certain Ammunition Types
While the Glock 20 Gen 5 is designed to handle 10mm ammunition, some users report occasional malfunctions with specific brands or types of ammunition. Testing with different brands may be necessary.
Troubleshooting: Experiment with different brands and types of 10mm ammunition to determine which your gun performs best with. This is important to ensure reliability and safety.
Maintenance and Prevention
Regular maintenance is key to preventing many of these potential problems.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your Glock 20 Gen 5 after each shooting session.
- Proper Lubrication: Use a high-quality gun lubricant.
- Magazine Inspection: Regularly inspect your magazines for wear and tear.
- Ammunition Selection: Use high-quality, reliable ammunition.
Conclusion
The Glock 20 Gen 5 is a capable and powerful handgun, but like any firearm, it's not without its potential shortcomings. Understanding these common problems and employing proper maintenance practices can significantly enhance the firearm's reliability and lifespan. Remember to always prioritize safety and consult a qualified gunsmith for any significant repairs or modifications. By addressing potential issues proactively, you can ensure your Glock 20 Gen 5 continues to perform reliably for years to come.