Glocks malfunctioning with flashlights

Willie Lowman · December 21, 2013, 12:58 PM

I have seen people refer to particular Glocks (.40) malfunctioning when equipped with a flashlight.

Is this a generation related problem? Spring problem? Unknown cause or cure?

Internet hyped BS? Real issue?

michael t · December 21, 2013, 01:19 PM

I remember reading a lot of Police departments thought was a real problem.

mbott · December 21, 2013, 01:47 PM

This was a real issue but easily resolved IIRC. The fix involved a new mag spring (11 coil) and possibly a new mag follower to help stiffen up the frame of the .40 Glock.

--
Mike

Noreaster · December 21, 2013, 01:48 PM

Fixed with the Gen 4.

Coach Z · December 21, 2013, 02:20 PM

I've had both streamlight lights and viridian light laser combos on my gen three and four guns and not a hiccup with either setup.

Mine are all 9mm but hole that helps relieve some of your concern.

Theohazard · December 21, 2013, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noreaster

Fixed with the Gen 4.

This ^^^. On the previous generations, a light or laser attached to the rail could change the way the frame flexed and sometimes cause malfunctions. As far as I know, this was only a problem on the Glock 22. The dual recoil spring setup on the Gen 4s slowed down the slide cycling and fixed this problem.

Aaron1100us · December 21, 2013, 06:19 PM

I have a gen 3 G22. I have had a light on it for 4 years now. Never had a single issue. But yes I have heard others have issues with the frame cracking.

IdahoG36 · December 21, 2013, 06:39 PM

It is not internet hype, it did happen. Here is a link to a PDF file from the Streamlight website describing the issue-
http://www.streamlight.com/static/do...lockissues.pdf

I thought that this was pretty weird-

Quote:

There is evidence that the problem sometimes develops with use, and may progress until the pistol is unreliable even with no light attached.

Tactical Jackalope · December 21, 2013, 06:52 PM

I've ran pistol lights on a Glock 34, 17, 19, 22, 23, and 21 with no issue. All gen 3's.

James K · December 21, 2013, 09:10 PM

I wonder what Glock has done about the bad guy who puts a slug through the stupid light and into the head of the guy who put the light on his pistol. Or is that a question we are not allowed to ask in this day of "tacti-cool"?

Jim

TunnelRat · December 21, 2013, 09:11 PM

Quote:

I wonder what Glock has done about the bad guy who puts a slug through the stupid light and into the head of the guy who put the light on his pistol. Or is that a question we are not allowed to ask in this day of "tacti-cool"?

Not a fan of lights?

**JohnKSa** · December 22, 2013, 12:10 AM

Glock acknowledges that some Glocks (particularly the .40S&W guns) may malfunction with accessories (especially flashlights) attached to the accessory rail. The fix is a stronger spring (one additional coil).

If you're having problems, contact Glock. They will likely provide you the springs at no charge.

RBid · December 22, 2013, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James K

I wonder what Glock has done about the bad guy who puts a slug through the stupid light and into the head of the guy who put the light on his pistol. Or is that a question we are not allowed to ask in this day of "tacti-cool"?

Jim

In what way is the wording of this post likely to benefit ANY reader? It doesn't answer the posed question, and is worded in a way that stands only to incite drama and polarize other readers. In the absence of concern for helping others, it appears that the post was written for the sole purpose of making the author look cool by tearing others down.

A more productive choice may be to start a new thread, discussing in detail the realities and merits of different light uses and implements.

Jo6pak · December 22, 2013, 04:14 PM

^^Agreed, but he is staff and they seem to be able to say whatever they want.
I'm sure this post will be deleted or I will get a naughty note. Probably both.

As for attachments causing malfunctions, it is something I have even considered. Interesting to find that is could be an issue.
Seems Glock has fixed the problem in the Gen4, but thanks for posting about the possibility of issues with older generations.

Has any other brand/model had issues with this? Or is it just he sheer number of Glocks out there that make the problem seem more pronounced?

silverstang23 · December 22, 2013, 04:36 PM

Haven't had any problems with my g23 and x300

RBid · December 22, 2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

^^Agreed, but he is staff and they seem to be able to say whatever they want.
I'm sure this post will be deleted or I will get a naughty note. Probably both.

As for attachments causing malfunctions, it is something I have even considered. Interesting to find that is could be an issue.
Seems Glock has fixed the problem in the Gen4, but thanks for posting about the possibility of issues with older generations.

Has any other brand/model had issues with this? Or is it just he sheer number of Glocks out there that make the problem seem more pronounced?

It was an issue specific to Gen 3 Glocks chambered in .40 S&W. It hasn't been an issue at all with Gen 4.

As far as Gen 4 issues go, they were pretty much specific to G17 and G19. The .40 and .45 offerings have been pretty awesome since day 1. I traded in a Glock 23 Gen 3 on a Glock 23 Gen 4, and I consider it a very big upgrade.

Willie Lowman · December 23, 2013, 01:14 AM

Quote:

I wonder what Glock has done about the bad guy who puts a slug through the stupid light and into the head of the guy who put the light on his pistol. Or is that a question we are not allowed to ask in this day of "tacti-cool"?

I wonder what Glock has done about TFL staff members making posts that are unrelated to the topic at hand.

James K, could you explain to me what badguys putting slugs into people's heads has to do with my question about reliability issues with a particular combination of brand/caliber/accessory?

mes228 · December 24, 2013, 07:37 AM

I'll be the Devils advocate. Who, in their right mind, hangs a light on a pistol? A finely crafted, balanced piece of machinery that Engineers spent countless hours and perhaps millions of dollars designing. Then stick several ounces on the end of it and un-do all that careful work and expense. I believe in lights, just not hanging lights on pistols. I'm older and remember when the FBI (and everyone else too) would never teach such a thing. I think the old school was right. Seems it would make you a great target too. But then, what do I know? Nothing really... I'm just full of opinions. My opinion is that it's not really a good place for a flashlight.

Noreaster · December 24, 2013, 07:56 AM

There is a real problem with searching with a weapon mounted light, (muzzling friendly's.) There is also a problem with a weapon mounted light that is constantly on during a search giving away your position. Then we have the undeniable fact that discharging your firearm accurately with a mounted light is quicker and more precise than the other methods of holding a light not attached to your firearm. Also take into account searching your residence with one hand on door knobs, light switches, cordless phone dialed to 911... and the other hand on your firearm. You can search using a weapon mounted light without muzzling a friendly (gun pointed at floor or ceiling and using the ambient lighting to search dark spots.) Do some real low light level shooting or building clearings with a naked gun and one with a light mounted and in the end you'll probably mount a light on your home defense firearm.

FALPhil · December 24, 2013, 08:00 AM

Quote:

I'll be the Devils advocate. Who, in their right mind, hangs a light on a pistol?

^^^
This.

One thing you can say about Americans: they love their fads. I have to say, though, that this is not the worst I have seen.

Quote:

Then we have the undeniable fact that discharging your firearm accurately with a mounted light is quicker and more precise than the other methods of holding a light not attached to your firearm.

I do not believe this to be true. I was trained in the Chapman method of shooting with a light, and not only is it equally fast, it is more accurate.

Dashunde · December 24, 2013, 08:23 AM

I have a Gen3 G35 with a Streamlight on it... no issues so far, but I do wonder now if its 100%?
The G35 isn't mentioned anywhere...

Quote:

A finely crafted, balanced piece of machinery that Engineers spent countless hours and perhaps millions of dollars designing. Then stick several ounces on the end of it and un-do all that careful work and expense.

Those engineers built a rail into the dust cover of their masterpiece didn’t they.
The weight of a light should have been accounted for and tested during those countless hours and millions of dollars.

Quote:

I wonder what Glock has done about the bad guy who puts a slug through the stupid light and into the head of the guy who put the light on his pistol. Or is that a question we are not allowed to ask in this day of "tacti-cool"?

Yea, that’s a disappointing example of a staff post.
There's nothing tacti-cool about it... its just handy on a nightstand pistol as far as I'm concerned, less to fumble around for in the dark, easier to hang onto and it all works as a unit. It also provides a generic point of aim.

dayman · December 24, 2013, 08:36 AM

Are there any confirmed accounts of someone getting shot "through the stupid light"?
It seems like it would be just as much of an issue with any method of carrying a light.
I think the increased chances of sweeping friendlies is a real concern - though keeping the gun at low/high ready, or simply keeping your finger of the trigger mitigates the risk. But, the idea that a light on your gun makes you any more of a target than any other light seems silly.

SpareMag · December 24, 2013, 02:28 PM

The light question interests me. I have a laser attached to a shotgun that I have used as a training aid to help with hip-aiming. I have not used it in combat. But the laser is integerally attached to the forearm, and has not caused any reliability issue -nor would I expect it to, given the weight of the laser vs the weight of the shotgun.

Long way of saying, I have just very modest exposure to lights.

Do tactical teams use lights on handguns, or are they reserved for larger weapons where the added weight is not an issue?

**JohnKSa** · December 25, 2013, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Who, in their right mind, hangs a light on a pistol? A finely crafted, balanced piece of machinery that Engineers spent countless hours and perhaps millions of dollars designing. Then stick several ounces on the end of it and un-do all that careful work and expense.

I don't think it's reasonable to blame the gun owner for making use of the rail that the designer/engineer provided.

This one gets blamed on the engineers/designers who didn't work out all the kinks before releasing the design in a final product.

Fortunately the fix is relatively simple.

745SW · December 25, 2013, 04:36 PM

This is my understanding of the Gen3 40S&W Glock’s over the years. Personally I’ve never owned a 40S&W. The fix for the cycling issue using a light is adding two turns to the mag spring. My guess is the light causes the frame to be too stable making for a faster cycle. Issue of the locking block rubbing against the slide was addressed with the third pin on the receiver. This pin is the top pin on the locking block.

The 9mm Glock’s had a couple of issues over the years. Phase III experienced by the NYPD with the G19, the empty casing would lodge horizontally in the ejection port. A rare jam that was difficult to clear. The upper part of the chamber area of the barrel that works as a locking lug at the ejection port was beveled at the front of the ejection port. Most likely causing the unlocking of the union of the slide and barrel ever so slightly sooner.

Gen4 9mm’s had issues with the RSA (recoil spring assembly). The same dual spring RSA used in the 40S&W and 9mm caused issues with the 9mm’s using light loads like WWB (Winchester white box). The RSA has gone through a number of revisions for the 9mm I believe.

December 21, 2013, 12:58 PM	#1
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	Glocks malfunctioning with flashlights I have seen people refer to particular Glocks (.40) malfunctioning when equipped with a flashlight. Is this a generation related problem? Spring problem? Unknown cause or cure? Internet hyped BS? Real issue? __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

December 21, 2013, 01:19 PM	#2
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	I remember reading a lot of Police departments thought was a real problem. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

December 21, 2013, 01:47 PM	#3
mbott Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 1999 Location: Westerville, Ohio Posts: 640	This was a real issue but easily resolved IIRC. The fix involved a new mag spring (11 coil) and possibly a new mag follower to help stiffen up the frame of the .40 Glock. -- Mike __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member NRA Certified Basic Pistol, Basic Rifle and Personal Protection Instructor Law Enforcement Sales, Retired

December 22, 2013, 12:10 AM	#12
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,986	Glock acknowledges that some Glocks (particularly the .40S&W guns) may malfunction with accessories (especially flashlights) attached to the accessory rail. The fix is a stronger spring (one additional coil). If you're having problems, contact Glock. They will likely provide you the springs at no charge. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

December 22, 2013, 04:14 PM	#14
Jo6pak Senior Member Join Date: August 5, 2010 Location: West Coast...of WI Posts: 1,663	^^Agreed, but he is staff and they seem to be able to say whatever they want. I'm sure this post will be deleted or I will get a naughty note. Probably both. As for attachments causing malfunctions, it is something I have even considered. Interesting to find that is could be an issue. Seems Glock has fixed the problem in the Gen4, but thanks for posting about the possibility of issues with older generations. Has any other brand/model had issues with this? Or is it just he sheer number of Glocks out there that make the problem seem more pronounced? __________________ NRA Life Member, SAF contributor.

December 21, 2013, 01:48 PM	#4
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	Fixed with the Gen 4.

December 21, 2013, 02:20 PM	#5
Coach Z Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2011 Location: RI Posts: 795	I've had both streamlight lights and viridian light laser combos on my gen three and four guns and not a hiccup with either setup. Mine are all 9mm but hole that helps relieve some of your concern.

December 21, 2013, 06:19 PM	#7
Aaron1100us Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2011 Posts: 235	I have a gen 3 G22. I have had a light on it for 4 years now. Never had a single issue. But yes I have heard others have issues with the frame cracking.

December 21, 2013, 06:52 PM	#9
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	I've ran pistol lights on a Glock 34, 17, 19, 22, 23, and 21 with no issue. All gen 3's.

December 21, 2013, 09:10 PM	#10
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I wonder what Glock has done about the bad guy who puts a slug through the stupid light and into the head of the guy who put the light on his pistol. Or is that a question we are not allowed to ask in this day of "tacti-cool"? Jim

December 22, 2013, 04:36 PM	#15
silverstang23 Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2013 Posts: 180	Haven't had any problems with my g23 and x300

December 24, 2013, 07:37 AM	#18
mes228 Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2005 Posts: 628	Light I'll be the Devils advocate. Who, in their right mind, hangs a light on a pistol? A finely crafted, balanced piece of machinery that Engineers spent countless hours and perhaps millions of dollars designing. Then stick several ounces on the end of it and un-do all that careful work and expense. I believe in lights, just not hanging lights on pistols. I'm older and remember when the FBI (and everyone else too) would never teach such a thing. I think the old school was right. Seems it would make you a great target too. But then, what do I know? Nothing really... I'm just full of opinions. My opinion is that it's not really a good place for a flashlight.

December 24, 2013, 07:56 AM	#19
Noreaster Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2011 Location: New England Posts: 1,449	There is a real problem with searching with a weapon mounted light, (muzzling friendly's.) There is also a problem with a weapon mounted light that is constantly on during a search giving away your position. Then we have the undeniable fact that discharging your firearm accurately with a mounted light is quicker and more precise than the other methods of holding a light not attached to your firearm. Also take into account searching your residence with one hand on door knobs, light switches, cordless phone dialed to 911... and the other hand on your firearm. You can search using a weapon mounted light without muzzling a friendly (gun pointed at floor or ceiling and using the ambient lighting to search dark spots.) Do some real low light level shooting or building clearings with a naked gun and one with a light mounted and in the end you'll probably mount a light on your home defense firearm.

December 24, 2013, 08:36 AM	#22
dayman Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: The Woods Posts: 1,197	Are there any confirmed accounts of someone getting shot "through the stupid light"? It seems like it would be just as much of an issue with any method of carrying a light. I think the increased chances of sweeping friendlies is a real concern - though keeping the gun at low/high ready, or simply keeping your finger of the trigger mitigates the risk. But, the idea that a light on your gun makes you any more of a target than any other light seems silly.

December 24, 2013, 02:28 PM	#23
SpareMag Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2012 Posts: 514	The light question interests me. I have a laser attached to a shotgun that I have used as a training aid to help with hip-aiming. I have not used it in combat. But the laser is integerally attached to the forearm, and has not caused any reliability issue -nor would I expect it to, given the weight of the laser vs the weight of the shotgun. Long way of saying, I have just very modest exposure to lights. Do tactical teams use lights on handguns, or are they reserved for larger weapons where the added weight is not an issue?

December 25, 2013, 04:36 PM	#25
745SW Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2011 Location: California Posts: 776	This is my understanding of the Gen3 40S&W Glock’s over the years. Personally I’ve never owned a 40S&W. The fix for the cycling issue using a light is adding two turns to the mag spring. My guess is the light causes the frame to be too stable making for a faster cycle. Issue of the locking block rubbing against the slide was addressed with the third pin on the receiver. This pin is the top pin on the locking block. The 9mm Glock’s had a couple of issues over the years. Phase III experienced by the NYPD with the G19, the empty casing would lodge horizontally in the ejection port. A rare jam that was difficult to clear. The upper part of the chamber area of the barrel that works as a locking lug at the ejection port was beveled at the front of the ejection port. Most likely causing the unlocking of the union of the slide and barrel ever so slightly sooner. Gen4 9mm’s had issues with the RSA (recoil spring assembly). The same dual spring RSA used in the 40S&W and 9mm caused issues with the 9mm’s using light loads like WWB (Winchester white box). The RSA has gone through a number of revisions for the 9mm I believe.