I took the Armorers Course in Connecticut yesterday and learned some things that were new to me and received confirmation re some of the things we speculated about here (we were told we were the third class to hear the following):
The repair on a G17 Gen4 with functioning problems is the new (02) dual captured recoil spring. It is two pounds lighter than the standard. There is no provision for and it is not feasible to swap out the slide assemblies as the slides/frames between a Gen3 and Gen4 are not interchangeable.
The #9 follower on a G22 Gen4 is only necessary if switching the mag catch to the right side for lefties. The area supporting the slide release is longer. Apparently when the mag catch is moved to the other side more space is created near the contact area between the lip of the magazine and the slide release. Otherwise, the #8 followers are good to go.
We all know that the recommended replacement interval for a standard recoil spring is 5000 rounds. On the new dual captured springs there is no official word yet. When pressed we were told between 7500-10000 on a G22 Gen4. Presumably higher on a G17Gen4. Apparently there is a G22 Gen4 being used as a mule with 17000 rounds (with a light mounted) that has not experienced any stoppages using the same recoil spring.
Apparently there is a mag catch available that splits the difference in length between the standard and the extended. It was ordered by the FBI-part #6351 (but its not on the standard parts list). I didn’t say it but LAV did it first and his is contoured.
The ambi-mag catch is no longer offered on the G21 SF as it was “Glock’s Edsel”. Apparently it is feasible that foreign matter can get lodged in the mechanism causing the entire catch to fall apart where as a result nothing is holding the magazine in place “a bad thing in a gun fight”. The repair is a free new standard non ambi frame. This should be done as preventive maintenance.
Dont laugh: A new rifle caliber (556) striker fired rifle is being developed and may be available in January.
Nothing on the Compact guns though i tried. I did get him to admit that the Gen4 guns have a harder trigger pull (6.5 lb). As has been discussed here before, the angle of the new trigger bar where it mates to the connector causes this. We were told to use the Gen 3 trigger bar if anyone is concerned.
Over all a very good experience. The two instructors were top notch and honest.
As a side note: this morning i called Glock and told them that as a result of some of the things i was told at the class i needed an upgrade to my wife’s G19; namely the new slide lock spring (its now stainless and untapered). Much to my surprise the response was that based on the serial # i should also change the slide lock itself. He asked how many rounds the gun had (15,000) and the response was “lets change the extractor too”. I said ok and he said “tell you what how about i send you the whole 9mm upgrade kit”. You can surmise my response.
Pressing my luck: i said “that since my G22 Gen 4 only had 2400 rounds i was told not to worry about the recoil spring until about 7500 rounds-what do you think”? He said “change it at 5000, i’ll add it to the upgrade kit-i will talk to the mail guys and get this out priority”.
I was wondering about this. My Gen4 G22 came with the #9 followers and I just assumed they improved them again over the #8. I’ve been waiting on finding mags with the #9 followers before buying anymore, but since I don’t plan on swapping the mag release I’m good to go with the #8 it seems. I’ve noticed both mags with the above followers also have the 2 on the lower backside of the mag.
Thanks for the info!
The instructor referred to the 02 spring as a fix for the G17 Gen4 with issues. He also said that the G17 Gen 4 was designed for full power SAAMI spec loads. It was indicated that if you go with some of the lighter loads “like Winchester White Box this could happen”. I didnt press further but i would say the 02 spring is available only for those in need. Its good to know the option is out there.
Thats great that they took care of you! How would one go about finding out wether or not their Glock was in need of this upgrade? Sounds like a few parts have been refined and/or modified?
As the owner of several 19’s and 26’s, thanks in advance!
I heard Glock was switching from Tennifer to Melonite so they can finish the guns here and print “Made in the USA” on their slides. Any notes on that in the course?
The word Melonite never came up. Tennifer must have been mentioned 100 times. I will say this, we were told that there are now 2 milling machines in Smyrna able to produce full guns in the US. In comparison there are 16 in Austria.
but a simple spring swap. Oh the humanity! 