Introduction
The Glock 19. A name that resonates with law enforcement, military personnel, and civilian gun owners alike. Celebrated for its reliability, simplicity, and durability, it’s a handgun that has become a staple in the firearms world. But even the most robust firearm requires diligent care to maintain its peak performance. Regular maintenance, specifically field stripping and cleaning, is paramount to ensuring your Glock 19 functions flawlessly when you need it most. This guide provides a clear, comprehensive, and easy-to-follow approach to the essential task of field stripping your Glock 19.
Safety First
The foundation of responsible firearm ownership lies in prioritizing safety. Before we even begin to explore the mechanics of disassembly, it’s crucial to understand the absolute necessity of treating every firearm as if it were loaded. This means always, always, adhering to the fundamental principles of gun safety. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or worse. This guide serves as an informational resource only, and does not replace the knowledge imparted in a certified firearms safety course.
Essential Safety Steps Before Handling
Before you even *think* about touching your Glock 19, follow these crucial steps to ensure the firearm is safe to handle:
1. **Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction:** This is the cardinal rule. Always direct the muzzle of the firearm towards a direction where an unintentional discharge would cause minimal harm. This might be a safe backstop like a sandbag or an empty space.
2. **Remove the Magazine:** Depress the magazine release button and withdraw the magazine. Ensure the magazine is completely removed from the firearm.
3. **Visually and Physically Inspect the Chamber:** Lock the slide to the rear, providing a clear view of the chamber. Carefully look inside to confirm it is empty. Then, run your finger or a cleaning rod along the chamber to ensure there are no rounds present. If in doubt, repeat this process.
4. **Confirm the Slide is Locked Back:** After checking the chamber, the slide *must* be locked to the rear, preferably by manually pulling it fully back and engaging the slide stop lever. This holds it open.
5. **Double-Check Everything:** Take one more look. Ensure the magazine is out, the chamber is empty, and the slide is locked open. This double-check is essential for safety.
Once you’ve rigorously confirmed your Glock 19 is unloaded, you can proceed to the field strip. Remember, safety is not just a procedure; it’s a mindset.
Tools and Materials
The tools and materials required for the field strip are minimal, thankfully, as Glock designed their firearms to be easily maintained. You won’t need an elaborate arsenal of tools. This streamlined approach contributes to its reputation as a user-friendly firearm.
The essentials are:
- Your Glock 19 (obviously!)
- A field strip tool (optional, but highly recommended)
- A cleaning mat or a clean work surface. (highly recommended to avoid damaging your firearm)
That’s it! This streamlined approach makes maintenance simple. Beyond these core tools, you might consider having a cleaning kit with brushes, solvents, and lubricants handy, though you won’t need those for the *field strip* itself. Those are important for the *cleaning* steps that follow.
Field Strip Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of field stripping your Glock 19. Following these procedures will enable you to properly disassemble your handgun for cleaning and maintenance.
Removing the Magazine
The first step is to remove the magazine from the firearm. This seems obvious, but it’s an important safety step.
1. **Locate the Magazine Release Button:** The magazine release button is located on the left side of the Glock 19’s frame, near the trigger guard.
2. **Depress and Remove:** Press the button firmly to release the magazine. The magazine should drop free. If it doesn’t drop freely, gently pull it out by hand.
3. **Inspect the Magazine:** Quickly glance at the magazine to visually confirm that there are no rounds left inside it.
Chamber Inspection: Double-Check Safety
Even though you’ve already checked the chamber before starting, the double-check remains critical.
1. **Visually Inspect the Chamber:** Look into the ejection port on the right side of the slide, with the slide open. You should clearly see the empty chamber.
2. **Physically Check:** If you’re unsure or have any doubt, use your finger (carefully!) or a cleaning rod to run along the chamber. Be absolutely certain there are no rounds present. This double-check reinforces safety.
Preparing for Disassembly
This process prepares the firearm for disassembly.
1. **Retract the Slide Slightly:** Pull the slide back a small amount, enough to give you some movement.
2. **Depress the Slide Stop Lever:** On the left side of the frame, the slide stop lever will be used to hold the slide. Push the slide stop lever downwards.
3. **Prepare for the Final Step:** With the slide stop lever depressed, it’s ready to separate from the frame.
Separating the Slide from the Frame
Now it’s time to separate the slide from the frame. This is the point where you remove the upper part of the gun, providing access to the barrel, recoil spring assembly, and trigger mechanism housing.
1. **Pull the Slide to the Rear:** Continue pulling the slide fully to the rear. This action is often easier when you apply gentle pressure upwards.
2. **Lift the Slide Up and Forward:** Once the slide is at its rearmost position, carefully lift it up and off the frame. The slide should slide forward off the frame. It might need a little encouragement, but it should come off with minimal effort.
Disassembling the Slide
With the slide removed, you can disassemble the components within it. This grants access for proper cleaning and maintenance.
1. **Remove the Recoil Spring Assembly:** Depress the guide rod from the front, or rear, of the recoil spring assembly, and remove the assembly.
2. **Remove the Barrel:** Lift the barrel out of the slide. It is held in place by its fit. The barrel should come free with little resistance.
3. **Remove the Trigger Mechanism Housing (Optional):** The trigger mechanism housing can be removed for a more thorough cleaning. *This is an integral part of a proper field strip*. This requires careful removal of the frame, so you can remove the trigger assembly. This is where a dedicated Glock field strip tool proves beneficial. If you are using a tool, use it to push out the pin from the side of the frame that secures the trigger mechanism housing. Once the pin is removed, you can remove the trigger mechanism housing. This step is not always necessary after every firing, and it’s up to you.
With the slide disassembled, you’ve now successfully field stripped your Glock 19. Congratulations!
Reassembly: Reverse Order
Reassembling your Glock 19 is a straightforward process, as long as you follow these steps carefully. Reversing the steps will lead to a correctly assembled firearm.
1. **Reinstall the Trigger Mechanism Housing (if removed):** If you removed the trigger mechanism housing, insert it back into the frame. Secure it with the pin. Ensure the trigger mechanism housing is correctly aligned.
2. **Insert the Barrel:** Place the barrel back into the slide. Align it with the appropriate slots.
3. **Reinstall the Recoil Spring Assembly:** Insert the recoil spring assembly back into the slide, ensuring that the guide rod is seated in its proper place.
4. **Align and Slide:** Position the slide on the frame, aligning it with the rails.
5. **Slide the Slide On:** Carefully push the slide back onto the frame, guiding it along the rails. You may need to pull the slide back slightly to get it over the slide stop.
6. **Secure:** After inserting the slide, push down on the slide stop. This action will fully seat the slide.
7. **Test the Action:** Pull the slide all the way back and release it. It should slide forward smoothly, chambering an empty round if you choose to insert one.
Post-Field Strip Checks
After reassembling your Glock 19, it’s crucial to perform a few function checks to ensure everything is working correctly.
1. **Trigger Function Check:** Dry-fire the pistol (with an empty chamber!). The trigger should function properly, releasing the firing pin.
2. **Slide Lock Back:** Manually rack the slide and engage the slide stop lever. The slide should lock back.
3. **Safety Check:** Verify the operation of any other safety features your Glock 19 may have.
4. **Double-Check Safety:** Once again, visually and physically confirm that the firearm is unloaded. *Always*. Verify that the magazine is out, and there are no cartridges in the chamber.
Only after completing these checks can you confidently say that your Glock 19 is ready for use.
Beyond the Field Strip
The field strip process is only the first step in firearm maintenance. After successfully field stripping your Glock 19, you can proceed with cleaning and lubrication. While the field strip itself does not *require* these tasks, it gives you access to the parts you need to clean.
Cleaning generally involves:
- **Cleaning the Barrel:** Use a brush and solvent to remove powder residue and fouling from the barrel.
- **Cleaning the Slide:** Use a brush and solvent to clean the slide, removing any debris or fouling.
- **Cleaning the Frame:** Use a brush and solvent to clean the frame.
- **Lubricating:** Lubricate the appropriate parts with gun oil to ensure smooth operation and prevent corrosion.
Cleaning frequency depends on how often you use your firearm. After a range session, a light cleaning is a good idea. More thorough cleanings may be necessary.
Remember, cleaning and maintenance extend beyond the field strip. Regular cleaning removes the carbon buildup that can hinder performance, while lubrication keeps the moving parts operating smoothly. A well-maintained firearm is a safer firearm.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have taken a deep dive into the field striping of your Glock 19. You now have the knowledge and the steps necessary to properly disassemble your handgun for cleaning and maintenance. However, the process doesn’t end here. The ability to properly field strip your Glock 19 is a critical skill for any responsible gun owner. The more you practice this procedure, the more comfortable and confident you will become. Proper field stripping and maintenance leads to greater firearm proficiency and, crucially, safety.
Further Resources
For more in-depth knowledge, I recommend exploring the following resources:
- **Glock’s Official Website:** Provides detailed information about your Glock 19 and other Glock models.
- **Certified Firearms Safety Courses:** Enroll in a certified firearms safety course. These courses provide hands-on training, and are often essential, to ensure safe handling and storage.
- **Gunsmithing Guides:** Some gunsmithing guides offer a wealth of information on how to field strip, clean, and maintain Glock firearms.
By consistently practicing and following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain the reliability and longevity of your Glock 19. Remember, responsible firearm ownership is a commitment to safety, maintenance, and constant learning.
