Glock 21 light strikes

[gunnery]

Had it for about 10 years with no problems. Now getting alot of light strikes
on the primers. I clean it after every shoot but have not taken apart the slide.
Would that be something that would shed light on the problem?
Or is something wearing out?
Thanks for any help.

[Bill Steele]

Had it for about 10 years with no problems. Now getting alot of light strikes
on the primers. I clean it after every shoot but have not taken apart the slide.
Would that be something that would shed light on the problem?
Or is something wearing out?
Thanks for any help.

Could be a worn striker spring, also just might be gunk buildup in the striker channel.

If you are unaware of how to disassemble the slide, there are a number of youtube vids that will take you through it. Clean that channel out and it may clear up.

[teg33]

you can use Polymer safe quick scrub to clean action without disassembling

[macman9]

Glocks about the most simple guns to work on. Theres a good change it just needs to be cleaned.
But if you have to replace a part it will be cheap. Might want to just replace it any way when you take it apart just for peace of mind.

[mcat707]

OP, what brand of ammo are you using? Maybe they have hard primers?

[UnWired]

Had the same issue. You likely have a very very small amount of either brass, or cleaning oil that worked it's way into the firing pin channel over time.
Grab a q-tip, disassemble the slide (be careful of flying springs) and remove your firing pin and components.
Run a dry q-tip in there and pull out the junk. Get it nice and squeaky clean. Don't re-lube... just re-assemble.
Problem should be fixed.

That channel gets crap built up in it over time and it's a really simple fix. Had it happen with a 15yo 40 cal, and a 9mm that I accidentally overlubed.

[sammy]

Detail strip the slide and take a look at your striker spring. It is possible you have a broken spring or just grit in the firing pin channel. I have only seen it once but on a very well used G35 the tip of the firing pin broke off. Google a picture of the striker tip and compare to yours.

Lastly clean the heck out of the channel taking special care at the end of the striker channel.

My stock G21 eats my handloaded Tula primed ammo with out a single light strike.

Good luck!!

Sammy

[chonkey]

Everyone sounds spot on. The firing pin channel should be cleaned out every once in a while. 10 years of shooting without cleaning it's not surprising it would gunk up on you.

[18Dmedic]

Had the same issue. You likely have a very very small amount of either brass, or cleaning oil that worked it's way into the firing pin channel over time.
Grab a q-tip, disassemble the slide (be careful of flying springs) and remove your firing pin and components.
Run a dry q-tip in there and pull out the junk. Get it nice and squeaky clean. Don't re-lube... just re-assemble.
Problem should be fixed.

That channel gets crap built up in it over time and it's a really simple fix. Had it happen with a 15yo 40 cal, and a 9mm that I accidentally overlubed.

This...almost...

...but make sure you use a tight coiled medical grade one (the longer q-tips).

When it is the way it's supposed to be, when you have the assembled slide in your hand, press the plunger down while simultaneously shaking slide back and forth. You should be able to hear the firing pin moving back and forth. That's when you know it's nice and clean.

[hcbr]

Everyone sounds spot on. The firing pin channel should be cleaned out every once in a while. 10 years of shooting without cleaning it's not surprising it would gunk up on you.

This, probably a good time now to dive in and give it a good breakdown and clean the channel and check the firing pin and spring, especially having the gun for 10 years