Those of you who've been here for awhile may remember THIS thread. At that time, I purchased an additional, identical pistol and have used this second gun as my training and competition pistol. The only modification I made was to exchange the OEM plastic sights with Meprolight night sights.

The past year and a half has been a rough one in this gun's life. It was WELL used (abused) when I bought it, and I gave it no mercy in my treatment of it. It's been shot in every weather condition at matches and in training. It was given out to students to try a different caliber. "Poor" would be an accurate way to describe how I've treated this gun over the course of this test.

What I've done to simulate accelerated wear and mild abuse:
-Minimal cleaning and lubrication: I'd clean it monthly and never lubricate it between cleanings.
-Full power service ammunition: CCI Blazer and Blazer Brass only for ammo, 10,000 rounds worth. This stuff is no mouse fart loading, for sure, especially the alloy Blazer.
-Weaponlight use: Between 75% and 80% of my shooting has been done with a TLR-1 mounted. This stiffens the frame and accelerates wear on the recoil spring.


What did all this tell me? Well, mostly what I already knew. Glocks chambered in .40 S&W require more care and maintenance over their 9mm brethren.

In my past experience shooting 9mm Glocks, I've had to replace VERY few parts on my guns. (Routine spring changes are NOT included in this statement).

The pistol was given a detail stripping before the start of the test, at the six month mark, and again last night after the test's conclusion. I noted at the beginning that several of the slide parts had appeared to have been "fluffed", but I left them in place.

This particular G22 has required several parts changes:
--Recoil spring, replaced at the 5000 round point, per suggestion from Glock.
--Trigger pin, replaced at the six month mark.
--Slide Stop Lever w/spring, replaced two months ago when the broken part was discovered.
--Trigger w/trigger bar assembly, replaced at end of test.
--Connector, replaced at end of test.
--Firing Pin Safety, replaced at the six month mark.
--Firing Pin Safety Spring, replaced at the six month mark.

Each part was replaced because of either breakage in the case of the trigger pin and slide stop lever, or what appeared to be unhealthy wear in the case of the other parts. The trigger pin's breakage did not affect the gun's reliability. The Slide stop lever spring did by flopping around causing the slide to lock back prematurely. The trigger parts were replaced due to galling (increasing the trigger pull to nearly ten pounds).

Reliability throughout the test was nearly perfect. Nearly. The slide stop lever breakage gave a few problems until I figured out what the issue was. The case of Blazer alloy combined with the weaponlight was also problematic (though brass cased ammunition was always flawless).

I'll now open up the floor to CIVILIZED discussion. As in the past, if you want to participate like a grown up, you're welcome to post. If you want to trash and bash, I'll happily abuse my Staff powers to remove your posts. Threads of this nature are supposed to be educational...keep it that way.

bc

That's an interesting and informative test. Glocks are like Timex's-they take a licking and keep on ticking. Now that you've replaced all those parts, I assume it's good for another 10,000 rounds?

No comments other than I have another reason not buy 40 s&w.

I didnt not know that. Good to know.

It's not my first choice, either.

bc

Longer.

With proper care it'll go forever.

If it doesn't, it's a Glock...they'll fix or replace it for free.

bc

Recoil springs should be replaced at the 5000 round point, in all calibers, especially .40's and .357's. This goes for Glocks and Sigs (per their armorer's courses).

bc

Good info BC, thanks.

So now that you have 10k+ rounds down range in .40 S&W, how has your opinion of the round changed?

Any plans on getting a G23 as a stand-in for your 19?

You're welcome, jchtrh.

What I did, and why I posted this thread, boils down to is this: Keep your gun maintained properly if you want it to keep working.

Replace recoil springs every 5000 rounds at least. If you shoot a LOT of full power ammo, especially with a mounted weaponlight, don't be afraid to change the assembly every 3000 rounds.

Replace magazine springs annually. This is an often debated topic, but springs are cheap and I'd rather be safe than sorry when reliability is concerned.

Replace your trigger spring every 20000 rounds.

Keep your gun properly lubricated, ESPECIALLY where the trigger bar and connector meet.

bc

Edited to add: The above spring changes are for Glocks. Other platforms may be different per their manufacturer's suggestions.

I have used my duty weapons for the past ten years, it is a .40 Caliber and I believe I am at the 15,000+ mark. I have changed out my recoil spring and have yet to change my trigger spring. I believe I may switch my duty weapon to a M&P or a G22. I have a SW99 and it is quickly becoming hard to get parts for.

I have always cleaned and maintain my weapon, it is what I rely on to save not only my a**, but others if need be and I want it in great working order. Not one malfunction in all those rounds. Say what you will about the .40, but it has done me right all these years.

I still do not like the round. It's a difficult round for me to shoot well, and I honestly don't feel I'm benefiting from have a .4x caliber when I shoot the 9mm so much faster and more accurately.

I briefly thought about picking a G23, but nixed the idea when my wife got pregnant. I put that money into .40 ammo and a few extra magazine for the G22. That said, if I have the cash and an opportunity to get one at a good price comes, I may still, but it'd have to be a pretty good since I'm so heavily invested in G22 mags.

Honestly, I'm carrying my G27 so much these days since low profile is a must at my new job.

bc

Oh, please don't mistake me here...this gun was a secondary pistol, dedicated for competition and training ONLY. While it's a clone of my duty pistol, it was not used for that purpose.

I maintain my duty and back up guns to the point of extreme anal retentiveness.

bc

This is a well done and extremely informative post. I thank you for putting this info out there. Although I am a card carrying glock hater, I do respect the gun. It is just not for me. However, this information can carry over to other polymer pistols and as such, thank you.

Thanks for the compliment, psy.

I will give one additional compliment to the Glock system. Every single bit of damage to the gun was easily and inexpensively repaired. I would NEVER run a Sig this way, the damage to the frame would likely total the gun.

bc

BC,

No confusion here, just wanted to add to your comment about maintaining guns properly and them continuing to work.

your post just got me thinking about reliability and no matter what kind of maintenance, there still is wear on the guns that can be irreversible. I appreciate the info and now that I think about it, I really need to change my duty weapon ASAP.

Again thanks for the information, great post.

James

Edited-spelling

This post has been edited by jchtrh: July 11th 2009 8:19 AM

The springfield is just much more comfortable to me and I don't like the spring system of the glock. That, however, does not mean that I should bash the glock. A lot of people use and like them. Just not me. It is a matter of taste. There is too much of this "my gun is better than your gun" kida crap going around. Whatever puts the bullets downrage and on target in a reliable manner for you is all that matters.

Cool....I thought we were on the same page but felt the need to clarify anyway.

If you're seriously looking into a new duty pistol, I'd heartily suggest the G22. Considering the treatment I gave mine, it's given excellent service.

bc

bc,

I appreciate that. I like Glocks very much, my winter off duty carry gun is a Glock 32, I also have a 27, 19 and an 18(could just hear the $$$ when I shoot it!). I think I just may go with the 22, it is a solid performer...proved time and time again(your posts is more proof). The State Troopers here carry the 22...since the 22 mags will work with the 27, I just may do it.

James