Bad Glock mags the source of my problems?

[outrider627]

I've been having issues with my dad's Gen 1 Glock 17 the last few times we've gone to the range. It's been failing to lock back on the last round of pretty much every magazine we have. My dad has 14 magazines. Based on this photo detailing the different glock 17 mag generations we have: 8 NFML mags, six of the 2nd gen mags and two of 3rd gen, and 6 FML mags, which are evenly divided between 7th and 8th mag generations.

The mags lock the slide back when I hand cycle the slide, but not when actually shooting. Based on the advice of my gunsmith (who is a certified glock armorer and works with them every day), I adjusted the tension of the slide stop, but that didn't do anything. When we went to the range last week, we took the 6 oldest NFML mags. The trip before that, we took at least one of the newer FML mags because it still has the piece of tape I put on it to mark it as a potential bad magazine.

So I decided to open up the mags and take a look at the springs. Here's what I found:



The mags are arranged from oldest to newest. Mags 1 and 2 are what I believe to be the original mags that came with the gun, because they were the only ones with the Glock logo on the base plate. Mags 3-6 had blank base plates. My dad installed the original +2 base plate on mags 7 and 8, which I believe we've never taken to the range. Numbers 9-11 are the gen 7s, and 12-14 are the gen 8s.

As you can clearly see, the springs on 3-6 are clearly FUBAR. Mags 4 and 5 are worst. Not only are the springs extremely compressed, but the lower end of the spring has twisted almost 90 degrees. Here's a pic:



Almost all the mag springs have a twist to them, with some creating a slight but noticeable drag on the mag body when pulling them out. Only three mag springs are completely straight and do not make contact with mag tube; mags 2, 10, and 11.

Anyone ever seen something like this? Is a little twist in mag springs a normal thing? At some point in my hours of reading forums, I read that Glock will replace problematic mags if you mail them in. Is that true?

Besides the ****ed up the springs, would the older followers affect locking back on empty? I was thinking about changing the followers on the older mags to the most recent appropriate follower. From my reading, the last NFML follower revision was the 9mm3 follower. Would that be necessary? The newer mags have followers 5 and 6, which should be fine.

Right now I've thought of three ways I can solve this problem:

1. Send in the old mags to Glock for replacement (if they do that)
2. Get extra power Wolff springs for all mags. Maybe new followers if necessary.
3. Sell the old mags to someone in a state with an AWB that allows pre ban mags (with full disclosure of problems), and replace with new mags.

[awad]

your best bet is to buy the springs from wolff and replace them yourself.

i had an issue with my g23 with multiple FTFs with a light attached to my weapon. Glock confirmed it was due to the fact that I had the old style magazine springs and offered to send me replacements. I waited a month and then called them and they told me they were on the way. it's been almost a year and a half since then and still no springs. maybe one day!

anyways, i just ordered the wolff springs and did it myself. fixed all my issues.

[5pins]

I had a similar problem with some G19 NFML mags. I put new Glock springs in and problem solved. If I were you I would sell them to someone in a ban state and get new ones.

[og556]

When faced with a situation like this is it better to go with Wolff springs or OEM ?

[ST911]

I've been having issues with my dad's Gen 1 Glock 17 the last few times we've gone to the range.

First... Let's confirm what you have. It's a true pebble grip "gen 1"? No front and backstrap checkering, correct?

It's been failing to lock back on the last round of pretty much every magazine we have. My dad has 14 magazines.

The problem is following something with the gun, not the magazines then.

The mags lock the slide back when I hand cycle the slide, but not when actually shooting.

And that something with the gun would seem to be the shooter. Check to make sure that you're not riding the slide stop lever while shooting.

Based on the advice of my gunsmith (who is a certified glock armorer and works with them every day), I adjusted the tension of the slide stop, but that didn't do anything.

There is no adjusting the tension of the slide stop with the Glock. If the part and its tension is suspect, replace it.

So I decided to open up the mags and take a look at the springs. Here's what I found:...As you can clearly see, the springs on 3-6 are clearly FUBAR. Mags 4 and 5 are worst. Not only are the springs extremely compressed, but the lower end of the spring has twisted almost 90 degrees. Here's a pic:

Not ideal, but not generally a problem. I've had many mags with more compressed springs continue to function, and continue to activate the slide stop.

I was thinking about changing the followers on the older mags to the most recent appropriate follower. From my reading, the last NFML follower revision was the 9mm3 follower. Would that be necessary? The newer mags have followers 5 and 6, which should be fine.

Good for you. Followers and mag bodies have compatibilities, and should be heeded else you add to your problems.

Right now I've thought of three ways I can solve this problem:

Do this:

• Sell the pre-ban mags to someone in a ban state. They can use them.
• Replace the slide stop you fixed with a new OEM slide stop.
• Replace your mag springs with OEM 11-coil springs.
• Check your hold to ensure you're not riding the slide stop.

[ygbsm]

1. Make sure it has the right slide stop lever/replace

2. Ensure not shooter induced malfunction

3. Replace the mags

[outrider627]

First... Let's confirm what you have. It's a true pebble grip "gen 1"? No front and backstrap checkering, correct?

Yep. Its older than I am!

The problem is following something with the gun, not the magazines then.

And that something with the gun would seem to be the shooter. Check to make sure that you're not riding the slide stop lever while shooting.

I use a thumbs forward grip, and made sure my thumb wasn't riding the slide stop. Still wouldn't lock back. My dad uses a crossed thumbs grip and it doesn't lock back for him either.

There is no adjusting the tension of the slide stop with the Glock. If the part and its tension is suspect, replace it.

I'll probably do that.