Safety First: Your Primary Focus
Before even considering touching your Glock 19 with a cleaning rod or solvent, the paramount priority is safety. This isn’t just good advice; it’s a fundamental principle of responsible gun ownership. All the performance in the world is useless if a negligent action leads to injury.
Always, without exception, treat your Glock 19 as if it is loaded, even if you believe it’s unloaded. This fundamental principle should guide every action you take. Never point the muzzle – the front end of the barrel – at anything you are not willing to destroy. This includes yourself, other people, and any objects you don’t intend to damage. The trigger is your second point of control. Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made the conscious decision to fire. This is critical to preventing accidental discharges.
The first, and most crucial, step is unloading the firearm. This must be done with the utmost care and focus:
1. **Magazine Removal:** Depress the magazine release button and remove the magazine. Place the magazine aside.
2. **Visual Inspection:** Point the muzzle in a safe direction. With the pistol pointed away from you and anyone else, pull the slide fully to the rear and lock it open using the slide release lever. Visually inspect the chamber of the Glock 19, looking for any ammunition. Ensure the chamber is empty.
3. **Physical Inspection:** Even if you *see* the chamber is clear, use your finger (or a cleaning pick) to *feel* the chamber. This is crucial for confirming the absence of a round that might be difficult to see, especially in poor lighting.
4. **Repeat and Verify:** Close the slide, then repeat steps one through three. Double-checking is vital. Ensure the chamber is absolutely clear.
Only after completely ensuring the Glock 19 is unloaded and safe can you proceed.
Next, assemble your cleaning supplies. Having everything readily available will make the process smoother and more efficient. You’ll need:
* **Cleaning Rod or Bore Snake:** A cleaning rod with attachments for patches and brushes, or a bore snake designed for Glock 19, is essential for cleaning the barrel.
* **Cleaning Patches:** Cotton patches, sized appropriately for the 9mm bore, are used to apply solvent and remove fouling.
* **Gun Cleaning Solvent:** Choose a quality solvent designed to remove powder residue, carbon, and other contaminants. Hoppe’s No. 9 or similar is a common choice.
* **Gun Oil or Lubricant:** A gun oil specifically formulated for firearms is necessary for lubrication.
* **Gun Cleaning Brush:** A bronze or nylon brush is ideal for scrubbing the barrel and other components. Avoid using a steel brush, which can damage the finish.
* **Cleaning Picks:** Small, non-metallic picks can be helpful for removing stubborn debris from hard-to-reach areas.
* **A Clean Working Surface:** A clean, well-lit surface provides a dedicated space to work on your Glock 19.
* **Gloves (Optional):** Gloves can protect your hands from cleaning solvents.
* **Eye Protection:** Always wear eye protection (safety glasses or glasses) to prevent solvents or debris from entering your eyes.
The working environment is also important. Make sure you are in a well-lit area with adequate ventilation, particularly if you’re using strong cleaning solvents. Consider setting up your cleaning station in a space where accidental spills won’t be a major issue.
Field Stripping Your Glock 19: Breaking It Down for Cleaning
Field stripping your Glock 19, also known as disassembly for routine cleaning, is a straightforward process. It’s essential for gaining access to the core components that require cleaning. Here’s how it’s done:
1. **Slide Removal:** Ensure the magazine is out and the pistol is unloaded. Point the Glock 19 in a safe direction. Retract the slide slightly to the rear. Then, on both sides of the frame, pull down on the slide lock levers. This action releases the slide from the frame. Once the slide lock levers are in the correct position, the slide can be pushed forward and off the frame. The slide will move forward, separated from the frame.
2. **Components of the Slide:** At this point, you have the slide in your hand, separated from the frame. Now you can proceed with cleaning.
Deep Cleaning: The Heart of Your Glock 19’s Performance
With the Glock 19 field-stripped, you can now focus on the cleaning process. Careful and thorough cleaning will remove the build-up of carbon, powder residue, and other contaminants that can negatively affect the weapon’s reliability and accuracy.
Cleaning the Barrel
The barrel is where the bullet travels, and it’s the most crucial part to keep clean.
1. **Apply Solvent:** Saturate a cleaning patch with gun cleaning solvent.
2. **Pass the Patch:** Insert the patch-covered cleaning rod into the breech (the rear of the barrel) and push it through the barrel to the muzzle. Continue doing this until the patch exits the barrel and wipe away any excess fluid.
3. **Repeat:** Repeat the process with clean patches until the patches come out relatively clean. This is a sign that you have removed most of the loose debris.
4. **Scrub with the Brush:** Attach the cleaning brush to the cleaning rod. Dip the brush in cleaning solvent. Insert the brush into the barrel and scrub back and forth along the full length of the barrel. Rotate the brush as you work to ensure thorough cleaning of the rifling.
5. **Final Cleaning:** After scrubbing, use clean patches to remove the loosened debris. Pass patches through the barrel until they come out clean. This will give you the best result.
6. **Inspection:** Finally, inspect the barrel to ensure it’s clean. Hold the barrel up to a light source to check the rifling.
Cleaning the Slide
The slide houses critical components, including the firing pin, extractor, and ejector. Keeping it clean ensures reliable operation.
1. **Wipe Down:** Use solvent-soaked patches to thoroughly wipe down the inside of the slide, removing any carbon buildup or residue. Pay particular attention to the areas where the firing pin moves and the extractor and ejector reside.
2. **Firing Pin Channel:** The firing pin channel is a critical area. If you’re comfortable with it, you can use a cleaning pick to remove debris from the firing pin channel. However, be careful not to damage the channel. Ensure no debris is present in the channel.
3. **Extractor and Ejector:** Clean the extractor and ejector to remove any buildup that could interfere with their functions. A small pick can be helpful here.
Cleaning the Frame
The frame holds the trigger mechanism, rails, and other essential components. Cleaning the frame is essential for optimal function.
1. **Wipe Down:** Use solvent-soaked patches to wipe down the frame, paying particular attention to the rails where the slide travels.
2. **Trigger Area:** Clean around the trigger mechanism and any other moving parts to remove debris that could hinder smooth operation.
Lubrication: Ensuring Smooth Operation
Lubrication is as important as cleaning. After cleaning, lubricating your Glock 19 is vital for smooth and reliable operation. Oil creates a barrier between moving parts, reducing friction and wear.
Where to Lubricate
1. **Rails:** Apply a small amount of gun oil to the rails on the frame where the slide travels.
2. **Barrel:** Lightly oil the exterior of the barrel, especially where it contacts the slide.
3. **Slide Rails:** Add oil to the rails inside the slide.
4. **Friction Points:** Add a small amount of oil to any other points where metal parts rub against each other.
How to Lubricate
Apply a small amount of gun oil or lubricant to the designated areas. A little goes a long way. Wipe away any excess oil to prevent attracting dirt and debris.
Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together
Once all components are clean and lubricated, it’s time to reassemble the Glock 19.
1. **Reassemble the Slide (if Disassembled):** If you disassembled the slide, reassemble the firing pin assembly and other components according to your knowledge. Ensure the recoil spring assembly is properly seated.
2. **Attach the Slide:** Align the slide with the frame rails and slide the slide onto the frame. Push the slide rearward, then release it.
Final Checks and Post-Cleaning Procedures
Once reassembled, conduct a series of final checks to ensure everything is functioning correctly and that the weapon is safe to operate.
1. **Function Check:** First, ensure the magazine is out. Dry-fire the pistol several times in a safe direction. Make sure the trigger functions properly. The slide should cycle smoothly.
2. **Visual Inspection:** Carefully inspect the Glock 19 to confirm that all parts are properly assembled and that no parts are loose or damaged.
3. **Wipe Down:** Wipe down the exterior of the Glock 19 with a clean cloth to remove any excess oil or solvent.
4. **Storage:** Store the cleaned and lubricated Glock 19 in a safe and secure location, preferably in a gun safe or a lockable case. Ensure it is inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
5. **Frequency of Cleaning:** How often you clean your Glock 19 depends on how frequently you fire it. For frequent use, clean the pistol after each shooting session. For infrequent use, clean it at least every few months, or more often if stored for an extended period.
6. **Additional Maintenance:** Consider having a gunsmith perform a more thorough cleaning and inspection periodically.
Regular cleaning of your Glock 19 is not just a chore; it is an investment in your safety, the reliability of your firearm, and its long-term value. By understanding the cleaning process and practicing it consistently, you’ll be able to enjoy your Glock 19 for years to come. Remember that safe gun handling practices are always a priority. Follow all local and federal laws regarding firearm ownership and carry.
