Safety is Paramount: Preparing for the Task
Before you even think about touching your Glock 21, safety must be your absolute priority. This cannot be stressed enough. Mishandling any firearm can lead to serious injury or even death. It is crucial to follow these steps meticulously.
The first and most critical step is to confirm the firearm is unloaded. This may seem obvious, but it’s the foundation of safe gun handling.
Magazine Removal
Begin by removing the magazine. Depress the magazine release button and pull the magazine out. Set the magazine aside in a safe location.
Visual Inspection
With the magazine removed, visually inspect the chamber. Look directly into the ejection port (the opening on the top of the slide). You should see an empty chamber.
Physical Check
After visual inspection, and with your finger *outside* the trigger guard, rack the slide back to make sure the chamber is empty.
Only after you have *triple-checked* that the firearm is unloaded, should you proceed. Never rely on assumptions. Double-check everything.
Next, you need to gather your tools and create a safe workspace. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Glock 21: Of course!
- A Cleaning Mat or Workspace: A clean, uncluttered surface is essential. A dedicated gun cleaning mat is ideal, as it provides a non-slip surface and can help protect your firearm from scratches.
- Glock Disassembly Tool (Recommended): While not strictly necessary, a Glock disassembly tool (often called a “punch”) makes the process significantly easier, especially for removing the slide lock.
- Eye Protection: Always wear safety glasses or protective eyewear during disassembly and reassembly to prevent any debris from entering your eyes.
- Gloves (Optional): Gloves can help keep your hands clean and provide a better grip on the firearm. This is a matter of personal preference.
- Cleaning Supplies (For Later): While not needed for disassembly itself, you’ll eventually want these for cleaning: a cleaning brush (for example, a nylon brush), gun cleaning solvent, gun lubricant (like CLP), and cleaning patches.
Choose a well-lit area, free from distractions, and away from children or anyone unauthorized to handle firearms. A quiet space will allow you to concentrate and avoid any potential errors. Avoid any potentially reactive situations.
Taking Apart the Slide: The First Steps
With your workspace set up and safety protocols in place, you can start the disassembly process.
To separate the slide from the frame, start by slightly pulling the slide back. You only need to move it back about a quarter of an inch. Don’t pull it too far at this point.
Now, locate the slide release levers, one on each side of the frame. These are small, recessed levers.
Using either your fingers, or the disassembly tool, if you have one, firmly push the slide release levers down. This will allow the slide to move.
While holding the slide release levers down, carefully move the slide forward, away from the frame. It should slide smoothly off the front. The slide is now separated from the frame.
Removing the Recoil Spring Assembly and the Barrel
With the slide removed, the next steps involve removing internal components.
First, address the recoil spring assembly.
To do this, compress the recoil spring assembly (which includes the guide rod and the spring itself). It’s important to apply just enough pressure.
Once the spring is compressed, carefully lift the guide rod and spring out of the slide. They should come out easily. Make sure not to let the spring fly away, as it is under tension.
Finally, remove the barrel.
Grasp the barrel. Tilt the rear of the barrel upwards. Pull it forward and then out of the slide. The barrel should come out with relative ease.
At this point, you have completed the field strip of your Glock 21. You should now have the slide and the frame separated, with the barrel and recoil spring assembly removed from the slide. If you choose to go further, proceed with caution, as the frame houses more intricate parts. A basic cleaning can be done, but we won’t take the lower receiver any further.
Putting it Back Together: Reassembly is Key
Reassembly is the reverse of disassembly, but it’s still vital to follow the steps in the correct order.
To start the reassembly, insert the barrel back into the slide.
Insert the barrel back into the slide. Make sure the barrel is properly seated, and correctly aligned.
Re-install the guide rod and spring.
Insert the guide rod and spring assembly back into the slide. Ensure it is seated properly. The open end of the spring should be oriented toward the front of the slide.
Reattach the slide to the frame.
With the slide, barrel, and spring assembly properly assembled, align the slide with the frame. The slide should fit back onto the frame.
Push the slide back onto the frame until it “clicks” into place. The slide release levers should automatically engage.
Now, cycle the slide. Pull the slide all the way back and then release it. It should move freely, without any issues. If there are any problems, recheck your work.
The Function Check: Ensuring Everything Works
After reassembly, it’s critical to perform a function check. This confirms that the firearm is working correctly.
First, check the trigger. Pull the trigger. The striker should be released.
Next, and very importantly, dry fire the weapon. This means pulling the trigger without any ammunition loaded. Confirm the firearm is unloaded before doing this!
Cycle the slide. Pull the slide back and release it, then visually inspect the chamber and confirm that the slide feeds and ejects a dummy round (or empty casing) properly.
If the trigger functions, the slide cycles properly, and there are no malfunctions, you’ve successfully reassembled your Glock 21.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping Your Glock in Top Condition
Once the Glock 21 is disassembled and reassembled, now is the time for a quick cleaning. While the field strip allows for general cleaning, a thorough cleaning will require more specialized tools and methods.
First, wipe down all of the components with a clean cloth or a cleaning patch to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Next, use gun cleaning solvent to clean the barrel. Use a cleaning brush with solvent to scrub the inside of the barrel.
After cleaning the barrel, use a clean patch to wipe out the remaining solvent and residue.
Finally, lubricate the appropriate parts with gun lubricant. A few drops of lubricant on the slide rails, the trigger mechanism, and other key areas will keep your Glock 21 functioning smoothly.
Refer to dedicated gun cleaning guides for more in-depth instructions on how to clean and maintain your Glock 21.
Important Points and Troubleshooting
- Common Issues: The most common problem during disassembly is failing to fully unload the firearm. The most common issue during reassembly is the slide not sliding back on correctly.
- Troubleshooting: If the slide doesn’t move, ensure that all the components are aligned properly. If it still doesn’t slide, check the slide release levers.
- Professional Help: If you encounter any persistent problems, or are uncomfortable with any part of the process, consult a qualified gunsmith.
Conclusion
Learning how to take a Glock 21 apart is an essential skill for any gun owner. This step-by-step guide provides a clear and easy-to-follow process for disassembling and reassembling your Glock 21. Remember, safety is always paramount.
By understanding the procedures and practicing regularly, you’ll become more familiar with your firearm and gain confidence in its maintenance. Always follow the instructions carefully and double-check all steps. Practice the process regularly, and soon it will become second nature.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with other Glock 21 owners. Always prioritize safety and responsibility.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified gunsmith for any issues with your firearm, or for advice on firearm safety.
