J.B. Wood - Gun Digest Glock Assembly/Disassembly Instructions

Adopted by the military forces of Austria in 1983 as a standard sidearm, the Glock is notable for having its entire lower frame made of modern thermoplastic, with steel inserts where needed. It was not the first gun to have this type of construction, but it was the first of its type to enjoy commercial success. It has an odd trigger system and other unique features. There are now numerous versions, in several chamberings and sizes. They are mechanically the same. With the magazine removed and the striker in fired position, retract the slide slightly and pull down on the serrated tabs of the takedown-latch, located on each side above the trigger opening.

Dont pull the slide too far, or the trigger will engage the striker. The slide cant be removed with the gun cocked. Move the slide and barrel assembly forward off the frame. Disengage the recoil spring guide from the underlug of the barrel, and remove the guide and spring. CAUTION:The spring is under tension, so control it. Move the barrel slightly forward, and remove it from the underside of the slide. CAUTION:The striker spring and extractor spring are under tension. Remove the extractor spring and plunger system toward the rear. The striker assembly can be disassembled by drawing the spring back and separating the two halves of the small collar at the front. Remove the striker and its sleeve and spring toward the rear. Depress the firing pin lock on the underside of the slide, and remove the extractor toward the right. Remove the firing pin lock and its spring from the underside of the slide. Push out the cross-pin at the rear of the grip frame. Use the right and then the left slide rail as bases to gently pry the sub-frame upward. Move the sear unit upward out of the frame. Move the sear unit upward out of the frame.

Note that it is attached to the trigger bar. Move the sub-frame rearward and turn it toward the left to disengage the left tab of the trigger bar from its slot, as shown. The trigger bar spring is easily unhooked from its hole in the underside of the bar. The disconnector is easily pried out of its recess in the sub-frame. Drive out the trigger cross-pin toward either side. Move the trigger assembly toward the rear, and remove it upward. The trigger safety and the bar are both pivoted and retained in the trigger by blind pins. The trigger safety and the bar are both pivoted and retained in the trigger by blind pins.

Routine disassembly is not possible. Insert a small tool to depress the blade spring that powers and retains the takedown-latch. The latch can then be taken out toward either side. The barrel locking block can be pried gently upward and removed. Inserting a slim tool at the bend in the takedown-latch spring will allow it to be pried upward and removed.