After
twenty or so years, it’s fairly well known that, with a minimal amount
of instruction, the Glock pistol can be disassembled into (almost) all
of its component parts. Emphasizing this uniqueness, Glock USA ran an
add depicting a pin punch as the only tool needed to do this. Glock
also sells a Glock Disassembly Tool, a nicely-configured square polymer
(what else?) handle with round metal shaft which fits the three frame
pin openings. 1911 lovers were quick to denigrate this, pointing out
that their beloved pistol contains all the tools necessary for complete
disassembly, which it does – in the 1911’s
original form.
Well, on a very slow day, I
figured out how this can be done with the Glock pistol as well. My
method follows, but the usual cautionary restrictions apply: Neither
Glock nor the author recommend or encourage any such disassembly of the
Glock (or any other) handgun without proper tools and correct
instruction. I offer the information only in the event it might be
needed in a life-threatening emergency in the field. Also PLEASE NOTE
WELL: The following disassembly directions are not spelled out step by
step. You can damage, break or lose parts, as well as injuring yourself
if you don’t know what you are doing!
After insuring the pistol and
magazine are empty, complete the field stripping. Remove the recoil
spring system and the barrel. Next, the forward top edges of the dust
cover form an "edge" which fits into the firing pin channel. Retract
the Spacer Sleeve and remove the Slide Cover Plate, then the Firing Pin
Assembly. You now have two "tools" – the Firing Pin Assembly and the
Extractor Assembly, either of which can be used to complete the slide
disassembly.
Using the firing pin,
disassemble the magazine and remove the follower from the magazine
spring. Use the open end of the spring to remove the rear frame-mounted
cross pin. The firing pin and open-ended spring can be used, with
possibly a bump or two on the firing pin with the slide, to remove the
two forward pins.
After the pins are out, all the
firing control systems can be removed. Getting the magazine spring
loose is tricky and it helps to have small fingers for this.
Parts that are not removable from the Glock are the
sights, ejector, firing pin channel liner and might well include the
Magazine Catch – if you can’t pry its spring out.
Parts that are not removable from a 1911 are the
sights, ejector, lanyard loop pin (if present), firing pin/slide stop
channel and stock screw bushings. I call this a draw...and yes, I had
way too much time on my hands!
