Prioritizing Safety: The Golden Rule
Unloading the Firearm
Before you even consider touching a Glock magazine, the absolute paramount priority is safety. Firearms safety isn’t a suggestion; it’s an unwavering obligation. Your safety, and the safety of everyone around you, depends on it.
Firstly, always, *always* ensure the firearm is unloaded. Completely unload the Glock. Verify the chamber is empty by physically inspecting it. Use the magazine release to eject the magazine. Then, cycle the slide to ensure no round remains in the chamber. Repeat these steps until you are completely certain the firearm is unloaded.
Consider this process as a fundamental ritual before *any* gun-related work.
Separating and Preparing
Next, physically separate the Glock from the magazine. Remove the magazine and keep it away from the gun.
Always wear appropriate eye protection. Magazine springs are under considerable tension, and components can be ejected with surprising force.
Choose a clean, well-lit workspace. A clean environment prevents the introduction of dirt and debris into your magazine, which can interfere with functionality. Good lighting makes it easier to see the components and identify any potential issues.
Legal Compliance
Familiarize yourself with all local laws and regulations concerning firearm ownership and maintenance. Ensure you are legally permitted to own and work on firearms in your area. If you are unsure, consult with a legal professional.
Spring Tension Warning
Remember that magazine springs are under pressure. Exercise extreme caution when manipulating them. The sudden release of spring tension can cause injury. Never point the magazine or its components towards yourself or anyone else.
Essential Tools: What You’ll Need
To safely and effectively remove the floor plate of your Glock magazine, you’ll require some essential tools. Fortunately, the process doesn’t demand a complex array of equipment.
You will need a Glock magazine, or multiple magazines, of the type you plan to service. Select the magazines you will be working on. Different generations of Glock magazines may have slight variations in their design.
You will need a magazine disassembly tool. While not strictly mandatory, a magazine disassembly tool makes the process much simpler and safer. These tools are readily available from online retailers and gun stores. It typically has a feature for depressing the locking tab.
Alternative Tools
If you don’t have a magazine disassembly tool, a small punch or a thin, non-marring implement will be crucial. A roll pin punch is ideal. If you don’t have one, a small, non-serrated screwdriver can suffice, but be extra careful not to damage the magazine body.
If using a punch, you will also need a hammer to tap the punch and dislodge the retaining components. A light hammer is usually sufficient.
Optional Supplies
Optional items include safety glasses, a clean working surface, a small container to hold the removed parts, lubricant, such as a light gun oil (specifically designed for firearms), and a replacement floor plate or spring, in case of breakage or wear.
Getting Started: Initial Preparations
With your safety precautions in place and the necessary tools at hand, you can begin the Glock magazine floor plate removal process. Remember, safety is the foundation.
Double Checking Safety
Repeat the safety checks. Verify that the firearm is unloaded. Remove the magazine from the firearm.
Visually inspect the magazine for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, dents, or other deformities in the magazine body, follower, or floor plate. Check the feed lips for any damage. If you see any damage, the magazine may not function properly, and you might need to replace it.
Wipe down the exterior of the magazine with a clean cloth. This removes any loose dirt or debris that could interfere with the removal process.
Understanding the Retention System
The mechanism securing the floor plate is a critical detail. While the basic principle is the same, there might be subtle variations depending on the magazine’s generation.
Most Glock magazines utilize either a locking tab or a roll pin to secure the floor plate. Older magazines and some aftermarket designs often have a locking tab. More recent factory Glock magazines frequently utilize a roll pin. It’s important to identify which type your magazine uses.
Carefully examine the bottom of the magazine where the floor plate meets the magazine body. If you see a small, recessed tab, the magazine likely uses the locking tab system. If you see a small, cylindrical pin, the magazine uses a roll pin.
Taking Apart with a Locking Tab
For magazines equipped with a locking tab, follow these steps:
Positioning for Removal
Place the magazine on your work surface, oriented so that the floor plate faces upwards.
If using a magazine disassembly tool, align the tool’s lever or other feature with the locking tab. If not, position the edge of a small screwdriver or punch at the base of the locking tab.
Depressing the Tab
Using the disassembly tool or the screwdriver/punch, carefully depress the locking tab. The objective is to push the tab inward, away from the magazine body.
While keeping the locking tab depressed, begin sliding the floor plate forward, away from the magazine body. This might require a bit of effort, but it should move relatively freely.
Releasing the Tension
Once the floor plate clears the body, you will encounter the spring tension. Proceed slowly and cautiously.
With the floor plate removed, the spring and follower should be accessible. Slowly and carefully control the spring’s release as you remove the internal components. If a spring keeper is present, note the placement of this component.
Disassembly with a Roll Pin
For Glock magazines that use a roll pin, the procedure is slightly different:
Setting Up for the Roll Pin
Securely position the magazine on your work surface. The floor plate should face upwards. Position the magazine so the roll pin is accessible.
Locate the roll pin. This small cylindrical pin is what secures the floor plate.
Driving out the Pin
Carefully position the punch at the center of the roll pin. Ensure the punch is perpendicular to the pin.
Using the hammer, gently tap the punch, driving the roll pin out of the magazine body. Avoid excessive force, as this could damage the magazine.
Floor Plate Removal
Once the roll pin is partially or completely removed, you can carefully manipulate the floor plate. Control the spring tension as you remove the floor plate.
Once the floor plate has been removed, the follower and spring are accessible.
The Interior Components: Extraction
Regardless of the retention mechanism, the next step is to extract the magazine’s internal components.
With the floor plate removed, slowly and carefully remove the spring. Be cautious, as it is under pressure.
Remove the follower. Note the orientation of the follower and the spring for proper reassembly. Observe how the follower interacts with the spring and magazine body.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity
Once the magazine is disassembled, this is the ideal moment for cleaning and maintenance.
Cleaning the Magazine
Thoroughly clean the magazine body. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt, debris, or old lubricant.
Inspect the follower, spring, and floor plate. Check for any signs of wear, damage, or deformation. A damaged follower or spring can cause feeding problems. Replace any components that appear worn or damaged.
If desired, lightly lubricate the internal components. Use a small amount of a gun-specific lubricant. Avoid over-lubrication, as this can attract dirt and debris. Apply the lubricant to the spring and follower, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Reassembly: Putting it Back Together
Reassembling a Glock magazine is a reverse of the disassembly process, but it requires careful attention to detail.
Spring and Follower Installation
Begin by re-inserting the spring into the magazine body. Ensure the spring is oriented correctly. Many Glock magazines have a spring that is wider at the bottom.
Position the follower on top of the spring. The follower must move freely within the magazine body. Orient the follower correctly.
With the spring and follower in place, re-install the floor plate.
Securing the Floor Plate Again
For magazines with a locking tab, ensure the locking tab is pushed into the magazine body, and the floor plate can slide into position. Slide the floor plate into its original location, ensuring the locking tab securely engages.
For magazines with a roll pin, carefully reinsert the roll pin into the hole in the magazine body. Ensure the pin is flush with the magazine’s surface. Use the punch and hammer to seat the pin firmly.
Functionality Check: The Final Step
Once the magazine has been reassembled, it’s critical to perform a functionality check.
Insert the magazine into your Glock.
Cycle the slide of your Glock to ensure the magazine feeds rounds properly.
Ensure the floor plate is securely attached and does not move or wiggle.
Dealing with Troubles: When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Sometimes, things don’t go perfectly. Here are a few common issues and some possible solutions:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the floor plate is difficult to remove or install, ensure the locking tab is fully depressed or the roll pin is completely removed. The magazine may need to be cleaned.
If the spring is binding, check for any debris or obstructions within the magazine body.
If the magazine doesn’t feed properly after reassembly, double-check that the spring and follower are correctly oriented. Inspect the feed lips for damage. It’s possible you have a damaged follower.
The Conclusion
Mastering Glock magazine floor plate removal is an important skill for any Glock owner. By following these steps, you can safely disassemble, clean, and maintain your magazines, thereby ensuring reliable function of your firearm. Always prioritize safety, handle your firearm and its components with care, and consult a professional if needed. Remember to always store your magazine in a secure area.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional firearm instruction or advice. Always prioritize safety when working with firearms and their components. The author and publisher are not responsible for any accidents or injuries that may occur during the process of Glock magazine floor plate removal. Consult with a qualified gunsmith or firearms instructor if you have any doubts or concerns.
For Further Information
To supplement your knowledge, consider consulting resources, such as the Glock Owner’s Manual. Look for online video tutorials from reputable firearms experts, and/or participate in a firearms maintenance class.
