Hey Shooters! Welcome to My Glock 26 Problems Blog,
I’m thrilled to share my hands-on experience with the Glock 26. Yeah, that’s right; I’ve been out in the field testing this little powerhouse. But even this popular choice among concealed carry enthusiasts isn’t without its drawbacks.
I’ve come across issues like jamming, chambering problems, slide issues, and a couple more. You know, the stuff that could really throw a wrench in your day.
I want to help you get the most out of your Glock 26 by identifying these problems and offering practical solutions.
That way, you can enjoy a smoother, more reliable experience with your firearm. Sounds good? Let’s dive in!
Quick Solutions For Glock 26 Problems
| Problem | Solution |
| Jamming Issue | Keep the gun clean and lubricated; use quality ammo; practice the tap, rack, and assess technique. |
| Chambering Problem | Switch to Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo; consider reaming the barrel and case ammunition. |
| Not Returning To Battery | Check the slide stop lever, lubricate the gun, and possibly replace a weak recoil spring. |
| Slide Problems | Let a fully loaded magazine “settle,” then shoot to loosen up the slide; repeat multiple times. |
| Feeding Issue | Use quality ammo; inspect and possibly replace the magazine; clean the feed ramp. |
Top 5 Glock 26 Problems & Solutions
1. Jamming Issue
So, let’s talk about jamming; pretty frustrating, huh? When I was out in the field, there were instances where my Glock 26 refused to cooperate.
I mean, you press the trigger and nothing happens. A jammed gun could spell disaster, especially in high-stress situations. This problem is often caused by misfeeding, where the cartridge fails to properly align with the chamber.
Solution
Alright, so how do we deal with it? After a little bit of tweaking, I found that keeping the gun clean and lubricated works wonders.
I also made sure to use quality ammunition. Bad ammo is often a culprit. Plus, I practiced tap, rack, and assess, a technique involving tapping the magazine, racking the slide, and then reassessing the situation.
Trust me, it’s a good skill to have in your back pocket.
2. Chambering Problem
Well, let’s dive into the chambering issue I had with the Glock 26. Talk about a head-scratcher! I was out on the field, and the rounds just wouldn’t chamber.
No matter how many times I tried, it was as if an invisible force field was stopping them. It’s frustrating, to say the least. The inability to chamber a round can be a serious issue, compromising the firearm’s efficiency and, most importantly, your safety.
In my case, I suspected that using weaker ammo was the culprit. Chambering is a crucial part of the firing cycle, and when it goes wrong, you’ve got a non-functional gun on your hands.
Solution
Now for the good news: I found a way to tackle this annoying issue. First off, I switched to Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo, and it seemed to give the Glock the kick it needed to chamber properly.
But the real game-changer was reaming the barrel and case ammunition. This seemed to dissolve that stubborn “force field,” and the rounds began to chamber as they should. After implementing these changes, the firearm started to behave much more reliably.
3. Not Returning To Battery
Alright, so here’s another problem that had me pulling my hair out: failure to return to battery. I mean, the slide just wouldn’t go back to its original position after a slingshot.
If you’re not familiar with the term, ‘return to battery’ means that the slide goes back to its starting position, ready for the next shot.
It’s vital for successive, rapid firing. When this doesn’t happen, you’re essentially stuck with a semi-functional firearm, which isn’t just annoying but potentially dangerous.
Solution
After some thorough investigation, I found a way to get past this hurdle. First, I checked the slide stop lever to make sure it was moving freely. A little nudging did the trick.
Then, it was lubrication time. A well-lubricated gun tends to function more smoothly. Finally, the recoil spring needed a look.
Turns out it was weaker than it should be, so I replaced it with a new one. And just like that, the slide was back in action, returning to battery as smoothly as you could wish.
4. Slide Problems
So, let me talk about an obstacle that really threw me for a loop: the “Slide Hard to Rack” issue. It was maddening! I felt like I was wrestling a bear every time I tried to lock back the slide on the last round.
This is more than a minor inconvenience; it’s a functional issue that can affect how you use the gun, especially in stress-induced scenarios where every second counts.
Solution
Here’s how I went about solving this doozy. First, I took a closer look at the cartridge and the magazine. My gut told me that they needed to “settle in,” so I fully loaded the magazine and let it sit for a bit.
Then, it was shooting time. I inserted a round and fired away until the magazine was empty. Rinse and repeat at least 100 times.
It was laborious, sure, but it did the trick. The slide eventually loosened up and became easier to rack.
5. Feeding Issue
Here’s one that really got under my skin: Failure to Feed. What an absolute downer! Picture this: you’re excited to test out your Glock 26, and the rounds just won’t feed into the chamber.
Instead, they’re hanging up, stuck awkwardly between the slide and the top of the chamber. It’s as frustrating as trying to thread a needle in the dark.
This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a functional flaw that can turn a good day at the range into an exercise in futility.
Solution
So, how did I crack this puzzle? First, I made sure I was using quality ammo; sometimes cheaper rounds can be the root of the problem.
Then, I inspected the magazine for any signs of damage or irregularities, as a faulty magazine can often be the culprit.
I even went ahead and cleaned the feed ramp to ensure a smoother entry for the rounds into the chamber. After these adjustments, the rounds started to feed much more reliably.
Alternatives of Glock 26
While the Glock 26 is a fantastic option for concealed carry, there are other fish in the sea, so to speak. Let’s look at a few alternatives and see how they stack up.
1. Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield
Compact and lightweight, this gun offers an 8-round magazine in 9mm. With its comfortable grip, it’s easy to handle.
2. Ruger LC9s
A slim, single-stack 9mm that’s easy to conceal. It features a 7+1 capacity and an integral trigger safety.
3. Sig Sauer P365
Known for its higher capacity in a small package, it comes with a 10+1 round magazine. A favorite for those who want more rounds in a compact form.
4. Springfield Armory Hellcat
A tiny powerhouse with an 11+1 round capacity in 9mm. It’s a bit wider but offers more grip area and rounds.
5. Walther PPS M2
A single-stack 9mm with a slim profile, it offers 6+1 or 7+1 options for capacity. The gun is known for its excellent ergonomics.
Final Thoughts
Alright, folks, here’s the deal. After putting the Glock 26 through its paces and yeah, it’s a solid gun, especially for concealed carry, but it’s got its fair share of issues.
From jamming to chambering problems to slide snags, I’ve run into a couple of things that could ruin your day.
After tweaking a few things here and there, my Glock 26 started running smoother than ever.
So, while it may have its moments of unreliability, a well-cared-for Glock 26 can indeed be a trusty sidearm. It’s all about knowing how to handle the challenges that come your way ensuring that your Glock is as reliable as you need it to be.
Also See: Best Red Dot For Glock 26
FAQ’s
Is the Glock 26 as reliable as Glock 19?
Both the Glock 26 and Glock 19 offer high reliability and accuracy, making either an excellent choice for concealed carry.
Why do Glocks jam so much?
Glocks typically jam due to poor maintenance or using low-quality ammunition. Regular cleaning and good ammo can generally solve this issue.
Which is better: Glock 26 or Sig P365?
Both are excellent for concealed carry; your preference may depend on brand loyalty or specific concealment needs.
How many rounds before a Glock goes bad?
Spring assembly and guide rod should be replaced every 3,000 to 5,000 rounds; other parts are good for about 150,000 rounds.
