My Glock Build Thread

[timoram]

I'm starting this thread because there seems to be a few questions asked time and time again about Glock 19's (or Glock's in general).

I intend to cover modifying my Glock 19 from first to last modification and sharing my results of each modification. I have built a couple Glock's already (Glock 17 3rd Gen, Glock 22C 3rd Gen) and had some very nice results. However I did all the modifications at one time so I could not tell exactly what made the difference on how the pistol functioned/handled.

I will be replacing almost all internal parts of this Glock with known aftermarket pieces and assessing there function, reliability and feel. I will also follow each modification with pictures of the specific modifications I have done. If you have any questions or suggestions I am open to ideas.
To start off with I guess a few pictures of the Glock 19 that will be going under the knife.

As you can see from the pictures this pistol is fresh out of the box. So the first thing I will do is get her all cleaned up.

I will follow up with the first modifications in the following week or so.

The modifications I will be doing to this pistol are as follows but not limited to;

Extended controls
- Extended slide stop lever
- Extended magazine release
- Extended take down lever
Titanium striker pin
Wolfe striker spring
Titanium firing pin saftey
Aluminum trigger assembly
- This will consist of the trigger, trigger bar, connector, extractor, over-travel stop ect
Recoil buffer
Sights
Slide end cap
Backstrap plug
Recoil Spring and Guide Rod
Magazine well and slug plug


Tim

 

[timoram]

Just finished a detail strip of the Glock 19. Cleaned her all up nicely.

Installed a Glockmeister back strap channel plug I had kicking around. I also installed a 9mm Overtravel stop.
The back strap plug is not really a functional modification. It has no purpose other than to fill the hole in the back of the pistol. I like to do this modification because it gives the pistol a more filled in kind of look and I feel that it adds a bit of rigidity to the frame. There are some out there that believe that plugging this is not a good idea. I personally have plugged all my Glocks and had no issues to date (over 30000 rounds). Is it worth doing? That I would say is a personal preference. For me I think it is.

"The Backstrap Channel Insert was developed by DEEP6COMP™ with input from the Israeli Security Forces. Testing and final approval was done by the Isreali Security Forces. The Backstrap Channel Insert was designed to guide the mag into the mag well to stop the magazine from snagging on structures within the Glock. The secondary function of the insert is to stop dirt and debris from entering the backstrap channel; this stops the dirt and debris from potentially interfering with the trigger mechanism.
Fits MODELS 17,18,19,20,21, 21SF,22,23,24,25,30,31,32,34,35 - (with slight receiver modification 26,27,28,33) "
I payed about $9usd for this one. For that price I say every Glock should have one.

Here is the channel insert installed.

The "Ultimate Trigger Stop" is definitely a modification I recommend if you shoot your Glock's a lot. I find that the amount of trigger reset that you have to deal with becomes VERY little. This makes for an easier trigger pull and more consistent follow up shot. I have done this modification to all my Glock's and I find its a very nice and cost effective modification.
"Completely eliminates Glock trigger over travel (wasted movement) resulting in smoother trigger reset, faster doubles, faster splits and overall premium trigger performance. The Ultimate Trigger Stop includes a new style trigger housing with ejector, polished trigger stop and Allen Wrench for adjustments. Simply drop it in, replacing your current trigger housing. No gunsmithing is required.
Available for all Glock pistols "

I payed about $25usd for this piece. Again not overly expensive. I think its a pretty decent "bang for the buck" part.

Trigger stop installed pics.

With the pictures of the trigger the first one is at rest, the second is with all the slack taken up and the third one is fully to the rear.

All parts were purchased from www.glockstore.com. This is where I go for a lot of the parts I need for my Glock's. Good service, decent prices and good stock.

I will post pictures of the pieces installed shortly.
Tim

 

[Guillotine]

Usually a picture is posted that this pistol has XYZ mods but no step by step of the process. I don't have a Glock but will be following this thread to see the upgraded parts going in.

 

[Blown_Load]

edit

 

[Lazerus2000]

Tim,
another Glockaholic here,
who will be following your thread.
GREAT IDEA!!
We need more show and tell stuff like this.
[;{)

I just sold my G23 [ well actually all three of them ] and am getting a NEW G27 to replace them. I've had a G19, and a G26.

Every time I played with my G26 and G19, I always wished the slide on the G26 was a bit longer, and when I played with my G19, I wished that the butt was a bit shorter.

Unfortunately, GLOCK, in their perfect wisdom, did not make it possible to swap the slides back and forth between these two models [ unlike say a Colt Govt, with a Commander Slide, or a Commander with a 3.5" Detonics slide ]. the G23/G27 WILL swap barrels, but not the slides.
BUMMER!!!

So there were basically TWO possible solutions to my dilemma ....
1.] use G19 mags in the G26 with the Rubber Baby Buggy Bumper mag adapters, to perfectly duplicate the feel of the G19 butt.

2.] Introduce the G19 frame to my friend,
Mr. Chop Saw,
and cut off the butt to match a G26.

Actually, I went for solution # 3.
3.] Sell off all my 9 mm Glocks,
and get into the G27/ G23 .40 S&W Glocks with 9mm adapters barrels.

For a while there I was happy,
and if I could have ONLY one pistol, it would be a G23 with a 9mm conversion barrel, and possibly, a chopped butt.

But since I CAN have more than one pistol, I decided to go with a G35, with 9m and .357 SIG barrels [ to fit into my FAB Carbine Conversion ] and a G27 ... for other things.

The only bad news is that the G27 does not come with a rail, so it doesn't fit in the Carbine conversion, and my 5.5" .40 SS barrel looks ridiculous sticking out of a G27 slide.

Maybe I'd better get another G23 so that 5.5" G23/G27 barrel won't be wasted???

And if you want to introduce your g19 to my friend, MR. Chop Saw, drop by any time and we can make the perfect glock that Glock never made ... but should have.
[;{)
LAZ 1

 

[Rivalen]

Just as a side note, cuz I know the glock fans will chime in; To anyone looking for a G19, I found one for 819 (+tx, shipping inc, IGB 108mm barrel, only 1 left) while browsing sporteque website. I think it's cheap from the prices I've seen lately. I don't work for them or know the owners, just passing the info

 

[timoram]

Thanks guys.
The background that I used for the photos is a Yamaha R1 08' mid fairing. I work with carbon fiber making bike parts every day so I figured that it would look nice. Its always easier to shoot dark on dark.

Laz, I dont know if I could put my Glock's under a saw. I think I may have a heart attack I find that the 19 fits my hands quite nice for now.

As for the parts that I will be adding it will be about a week between installments as I must wait for parts to arrive and once they do I will also need to hit the range to see how they have performed while being used.

I will try and get some good shots of the channel plug and trigger stop up today for everyone.

Tim

 

[timoram]

Pics are up of the trigger stop and channel plug installed.
Sorry they are not the greatest quality. Dont have a great camera or good light.

Let me know if you guys have any questions about anything so far and I will do my best to answer it.

Tim

 

[timoram]

I have just ordered a JP Enterprises extended magazine release, Glock extended slide release/stop, recoil buffer and a tungsten guide rod.
I hope to have all of these items by the end of the week and will do and install and opinion on how they work.
I will also be making a trip to the range to assess the trigger overtravel stop before I add these other components and give an opinion of the modifications.

Tim

 

[misanthropist]

That would be good. Ideally, what would be perfect would be to replace one item, run it for a thousand rounds, replace another, run it for a thousand rounds, and so on...but who is that patient?

I have one glock. I have run it factory for ten months and 2600 rounds. I'm finally at the point where I'm changing things. Step one is the sights...after a year and a few rounds through it I'm convinced the factory sights blow.

But I will probably end up changing a couple of other things at the same time. I'm not as patient as I would like to be either.

 

[Max Power]

Thanks for the great thread Timoram. I'll be following closely...

I'm really interested in the Al trigger assembly. Information is a bit scarce, but the reviews I've seen are rave. I have been considering getting one for a while.

Great guns to mod these Glocks...

 

[Lazerus2000]

Tim,
I had a G22 MERCURY filled guide rod in my RESTRICTED G23, and it functioned perfectly. The G22 spring stuck out the frame a bit, but the longer SS guide rod almost matched the longer SS Barsto barrel.

With the extended magazine release, I find I get more reliable mag drops , and use it on all my Glocks.

Extended slide stop ... not much difference for me.

Extended take down button ... I like these for ease of operation, but they may protrude enough to leave gouges in some holsters. I can't use an extended take down button with my RSR holster ...
it sort of catches on the holster some times.

Keep up the good work,
LAZ 1
PS: if any one wants a simple tubular stock that sluips into the butt of a small framed Glock, or a couple of different scope mounts for a railed Glock, I will have some available after my FAB Glock Carbine gets here.
[;{)

 

[PARAgirl]

Good luck with the build. Gets me thinking about starting a new project....

 

[shootemup]

I'm on my second G19 at present, and I'm quite of fan of the stock configuration. However, some of your mods have me thinking...

 

[timoram]

Well I finaly got some parts in and have her put together.

Recoil Buffer$9.99 @ www.glockstore.com

Our Recoil Buffer for the Glock pistol eliminates the metal slide from impacting the polymer frame. This repeated impact batters the frame where the two parts come into contact. Stopping this battering is accomplished by inserting the buffer between the recoil spring and the slide. Each time the action is worked or the weapon is fired the buffer comes into contact with the frame, not the metal slide.

Installation of the Recoil Buffer will result in reduced felt recoil, enhanced muzzle control and a longer service life.

Fits Glock Models:
17, 17L, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 24C, 31, 32, 34, 35, 37, 38 and 39

Does not Fit Dual Spring Glocks

IMO this is a MUST HAVE mod for any Glock I have. So far I have owned 5 Glock's and every one of them has had this little piece in them. I have never noticed any reduction in the felt recoil when I shoot with this item installed or not but what I do notice is my frame does not get beat up.

Below I have two pictures. The first one is the Glock 19 frame. It is looking at the polymer are just ahead of the forward most frame rails. Notice how the are nice and smooth with no metal showing.
The second image is of my Glock 22C. This gun had around 35000 rounds through it before I installed the recoil buffer. Notice anything different? Thats right, you can see the forward edge of the frame rail poking through. The slide has impacted the frame so many times that it has beat down the polymer. Keep in mind I was using the stock recoil spring so this is not a case of a weak spring causing the damage.

Glock 19 forward frame rail area

Glock 22C forward frame rail area. Notice how the edges are mushroomed in and the rail is exposed through the polymer. Sorry for the bad pic

So if you are an avid shooter and spend a lot of time behind your Glock I highly recommend this modification. I have yet to have one problem with any of my Glock with this installed. 100% reliable still.

Tim

 

[timoram]

Extended Slide Release $17.99 www.glockstore.com
A little longer than standard unit for better leverage, this factory GLOCK extended slide stop lever has a built-up portion that allows the shooter to get a better grip when releasing at increased speeds. There is no need to change hand, eye or head position – due to the feel of the lever. The Glock Extended Slide Stop Lever also reduces recovery time for both strong and weak hands.
There are two different models for the Extended Slide Stop Lever.One is for glock models manufactured before 2002 and one is for glock models manufactured after 2002.

Look at the photo of this item to compare what is currently in your pistol. Pay special attention to the "spike limiter" located just above the trigger pin hole. Slide Stop Levers with the "spike limiter" will only fit in the two pin guns....which were manufactured before 2002.

This is another modification that I do to all of my Glock's. From day 1 of owning my Glock I hated the flat slide release. I found ti very hard to operate quickly and efficiently without changing my grip on the gun. There are a lot of people that have no problem with there stock part but I find that the extended controls make the gun just that much more pleasurable to shoot.
This one is not something I recommend to people often unless they complain about it. If you find that you have trouble using the stock release than this is something to look at.
There are a few different options out there but the one I like is the OE Glock release.

This is the Sure Touch model. As you can see it extends much further back that the Glock item. This would ideal for someone with small hands who has trouble reaching the Glock item. This piece is more expensive tho, around $36.

 

[timoram]

Extended Slide Lock $9.99 www.glockstore.com

We now offer an extended slide lock that will aid in the field striping of the Glock. This custom part is 3mm longer than the original slide lock making it much easier to release the slide. Good for all models.

This is another ease of use item. It aids in stripping the Glock down when you need to. Being that I fully detail strip my Glock's after use for cleaning this helps.
Again, this is an item that is not needed by any means but makes it easier to use.
This piece may interfere with some holsters so make sure if you use this item that you have a compatible holster system
I found out that this piece did not fit in the SERPA holster I had. IT was a simple fix with a dremal and small sanding wheel. Just removed a slight bit of material from the holster and it worked flawlessly after that.

 

[timoram]

JP Enterprises Extended Magazine Release $24.95 www.glockwarehouse.com

JP Extended Magazine Release. Oversized button enables you to change magazines without shifting your grip.

This magazine release is an item that I have never used before. I have used the OE Glock extended one as well as another polymer one offered by www.glockstore.com.
I found the OE Glock one looked and felt just as bad as the original one in the gun. It just stuck out farther and I wanted something that moved the contact pad further back. This release definitely moves the contact area further back. The actual button head is made of aluminum and anodized black. The body of the release is actually just the OE Glock item that they tapped for the screw to fit in.
This release is not something I would recommend and if I could do it again I would not use this one.

I have used this one on my Glock 22C and I love it. The button does not sit to tall and moves the contact surface further back.

The next one I will use for the Glock 19 will be from LoneWolf

It seems to stick out just as far as the OE part does (which I like) but moves the contact patch more towards the rear making mag dumps easier.
The only downside to this one is you have to send the frame to LoneWolf to have it opened to accept the release (no going back to stock part after that).

With extended magazine release buttons you may find they do not fit in some holsters so make sure the one you use will fit the gun with the button in place without releasing the magazine!

 

[timoram]

Lightning Strike Titanium Firing Pin $94.99 www.glockstore.com

Increase accuracy by reducing lock time…the time it takes for the striker to hit the primer once you have pulled the trigger! This replacement part weighs 60% less than the original factory part. And, Because it is Titanium, it is corrosion proof with a lifetime warranty. CNC machined to aerospace tolerances…just drop it in and shoot!
Comes with 5.5 lb factory weight Wolff Striker Spring included.

[/img]

This is one mod I would love to do to all my Glock's. It does exactly what is advertised. Lock up time dropped, more instantaneous striker kits and bling factor
To be perfectly honest I bought this piece just because I love using titanium (almost every bolt on my R1 is titanium ). Its strong, light and wears well. Whats not to like.
As for if its worth it... I don't think so. Unless you are shooting IPSC and are a top shooter there will be no noticeable difference between a stock striker and this one. The main difference you will feel when getting this piece is the lighter trigger pull. It is supplied with a Wolf striker spring and as you can see it is shorter and has a lighter compression weight. This will translate to a lighter trigger but may result in light striker strikes.
Combine this piece with a 3.5 connector and an overtravel stop and you have one hell of a trigger.

 

[timoram]

Lightning Strike Titanium Safety Plunger $21.99 www.glockstore.com

This replacement Safety Plunger helps provide a smoother trigger pull and, hence, better accuracy! The surface area has been slightly rounded and the part is machined from a solid billet of heat-treated titanium. That reduces the friction of the trigger bar on the safety plunger and reduces the effort needed to pull the trigger. Again, that’s what gives you better accuracy.

At the price point for this item I think this is another must have mod. The 25 cent trigger job address' the fact that the stock plunger has some rough surface area and can be polished for a better trigger feel. Doing the polishing to the stock piece makes for a smoother trigger and marginally lighter trigger pull.
Replacing it with this titanium one lightens the trigger pull further and makes it much smoother. The plunger does come with the spring as well.