Glock makes some of the best handguns on the market. They are known for their durability, and even when they are working at full functionality, there is a bit of rattling that can be expected. So why does my Glock rattle, and what can be done to fix it?
Your Glock rattles because the striker is loose when the gun isn’t cocked. By pulling back the slide on your weapon and placing the trigger in the firing position, the rattle will go away. The bigger problem is if your gun is empty, the trigger has been pulled, and there is no rattling noise.
Glocks are dependable and will remain accurate and powerful if adequately maintained by cleaning them. If there’s excess grime or corrosion, the weapon could become unusable. A bit of maintenance is nothing to fret over! Read on and learn all you need to know about why your Glock rattles and what you can do about it.
Why Your Glock Rattles: Common Causes
The rattle in your Glock is caused by the tension being off the striker of the firing pin. The pin is what drives forward into the primer igniting the grains in the shell. Therefore, a bit of looseness is expected, as a gun that is too tight will often fail when firing.
The Striker is the Main Rattling Issue
When you have a striker that rattles around after your Glock has been dry-fired, it should not be alarming. Remember that the movement of the pieces on the inside makes the weapon function, and some of these tiny gears could make a sound when there is no tension on them. If there is grinding or clunking, you should take the gun to a gunsmith for a tune-up.
A few ways to determine if the rattling is the striker are as follows:
- Trigger Tension – If you have released the trigger tension by dry firing the weapon, the striker should make a rattling sound when the gun is moved or shaken. This is the typical striker sound against the housing on the inside.
- Lock to the Rear – Locking the slide to the back, you should have a few rattles from the barrel. However, if you have the slide moved forward, and the weapon is ready to fire, there should be no sounds from the barrel.
There aren’t many things that can go wrong with a Glock. That could be another issue if there are noticeable grinding or clunking sounds during firing. If you have no gun ready to fire and it still makes a sound, it would be wise to take caution.
Here’s a video showing what the rattle can look like:
I use either Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, or Optics Planet to buy parts, that way I always know what I’m getting and that it will actually show up.
Is Glock Barrel Supposed to Rattle?
Another culprit of the rattle inside the Glock is a loose barrel. The barrel, when exposed, will move around a tiny bit and make a slight clicking sound. The rattling should go away as soon as the slide moves into the charged position and the gun is cocked.
Is the Glock Firing Pin Supposed to be Loose?
Again, the firing pin will be loose when the weapon has been dry-fired, and the trigger tension is relaxed. This is normal and allows the components inside the handgun to flex when firing. This flexing aids in cycling shells and ejecting once the pin has gone forward.
How Often Should I Lubricate my Glock?
One of the best ways to ensure that your Glock is ready when you need it is by lubricating it properly. There are certain times that it should be maintained, and a process for the pieces will ensure that they are all in peak condition. By taking care of your weapon, it will be there in your time of need to protect you and your family.
Knowing When to Lube Your Glock is Essential Information
If you take the time and download the instruction manual for your firearm, you will notice that Glock lays out specific events when a gun must be maintained. Taking the time to clean it after using it and a few other times will keep it in perfect working order.
The suggested times for cleaning and lubricating your Glock are as follows:
- After Firing – One of the most critical times to lubricate your Glock is after it has been fired. The scoring from the particles of burned gunpowder can be disastrous for the weapon’s inner workings. You prevent catastrophic build-up by thoroughly cleaning the gun after you fire it.
- When You Buy It – You should lubricate the weapon after you buy it. When guns are new, they could have been sitting for a while and have parts that need some lubrication to ensure they function correctly. Likewise, Glocks that come out of the factory could have a preliminary lube but nothing for practical use.
- Every 100 Rounds – A great rule of thumb when getting your Glock on a cleaning schedule is to ensure it is cleaned after every 100 rounds fired. Keeping a low number like 100 protects against clunky trigger mechanisms and ensures that the firing pin response stays springy and ready.
- As Needed – You should lubricate your Glock whenever it needs it. That doesn’t mean you can be bored on a Saturday night and break out the kit, but it does mean if it hasn’t been lubed and cleaned regularly or taken to the range several times without proper service.
Lubricating your Glock requires you to disassemble the weapon into five major pieces and clean them before applying oil. Cleaning patches and rods will ensure you get the barrel, and Q-tips are an old trick to get around tiny bits of the trigger.
I use either Brownells, Palmetto State Armory, or Optics Planet to buy parts, that way I always know what I’m getting and that it will actually show up.
Conclusion
Your Glock rattling is usual and shouldn’t bring you any alarm. When the tension is off the striker and firing pin, it will rattle in the chamber. The rattling could also happen if your slide is drawn back and the exposed barrel connects with other bits of metal on the firearm.
Lubricating and maintaining the weapon is critical to keeping it serviceable and ready to defend. You should follow the guidelines Glock sets when cleaning and lubricating to ensure that it is around for several years to come.