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GlockNoMore

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Do any of you use a Surefire x300 on your GLOCK 19? I have heard internet scuttlebutt (almost certainly not true) that some GLOCKs have FTF issues when you attach a weapon light. Is there any truth to this?

Any guidance you could give would be appreciated.

Thanks,

GlockNoMore
 
Do any of you use a Surefire x300 on your GLOCK 19? I have heard internet scuttlebutt (almost certainly not true) that some GLOCKs have FTF issues when you attach a weapon light. Is there any truth to this?

Any guidance you could give would be appreciated.

Thanks,

GlockNoMore
It's not just internet scuttlebutt. The instruction manual that came with my Surefire X300 says the light may cause malfunctions in any polymer-framed pistol. It suggests replacing the magazine spring with a spring with extra coils if the light is mounted.
 
I have experienced and seen other shooters experience many issues with lights on .40 caliber GLOCKs. However, the .45s and the 9mms seem to work just fine. I don't hesitate to mount my Surefires on my 9mm GLOCKs. Test yours, of course, just to be sure, but I would not worry about it.
 
Surefire x300 on my Glock22, BIG TIME FTF problems.
Surefire x300 on my Glock19, PERFECT, no problems.

The issue is real, said to be related to increased slide velocity on the .40cal resulting in the slide coming forward quicker than the magazine can "push" the next round up. This results in a "nose down" failure to feed with the .40 cal round stuck on the front lip of the magazine. (Never makes it to the ramp). In my opinion, the "flat" nose of the .40 cal also makes it more prone to this malfunction than a 9mm or .45 cal.

As previously stated, test YOUR set up.
 
Wolf + power springs on all my carry mags in the event I may be mounting the TLR-1 or any other Tactical light.

When testing a light on your gun, don't forget weak and strong hand only exercises, that is when they are most likely to FTE.
 
From Streamlight FAQ

Q: Are there Issues Using Tactical Lights on Glock® Pistols?
A: Some Glock® .40 caliber pistols, models 22 and 23, exhibit feeding malfunctions, either nose down or nose up (stovepipe), when used with tactical lights. The problems tend to occur with individual guns, with some pistols becoming totally unreliable while other identical, even close in serial number sequence, guns have no problems. Most models 22 and 23 are reliable.

A sensitive gun may malfunction with any tactical light - the TLRs, the older M models, and even Glock®’s own brand. There is evidence that the problem sometimes develops with use, and may progress until the pistol is unreliable even with no light attached.

On the basis of testing by Streamlight, we believe the problem is magazine related. It appears that the rounds are unable to rise fast enough for proper cycling. We have observed proper feeding for the first few rounds, consistent failures at mid-magazine capacity, and a return to proper feeding of the last few cartridges in the magazine.

We have tried both stronger and weaker recoil springs, and compound-action recoil buffers, all without success. Sometimes new magazine springs, either new Glock® or Wolff, will cure the problem. In one case of a pistol which was totally reliable when new but progressed to malfunctioning on every magazine, even with no light installed, we found two solutions which restored reliability, but which might not be acceptable to some users. The first was using 10 round capacity Glock® magazines. The gun will not cycle reliably with 15 round mags with their steeply stacked columns but works flawlessly with 10 round mags. The second solution was a new magazine follower from Brownells®, their part number 069-000-006. When used in a 15 round magazine with a new spring, reliability was restored. However, the follower would not lock the slide open after the last round.

Ammunition is also a factor with any weapon. Some brands and weights may be totally reliable while others jam repeatedly. Make sure your gun is thoroughly tested with your duty ammo.
 
Surefire x300 on my Glock22, BIG TIME FTF problems.
Surefire x300 on my Glock19, PERFECT, no problems.

The issue is real, said to be related to increased slide velocity on the .40cal resulting in the slide coming forward quicker than the magazine can "push" the next round up. This results in a "nose down" failure to feed with the .40 cal round stuck on the front lip of the magazine. (Never makes it to the ramp). In my opinion, the "flat" nose of the .40 cal also makes it more prone to this malfunction than a 9mm or .45 cal.

As previously stated, test YOUR set up.
Are you using high cap magazines? I live in a state that only allows 10 round. I wounder it the 10 rounders have the same issue.
 
Are you using high cap magazines? I live in a state that only allows 10 round. I wounder it the 10 rounders have the same issue.
Good question, don't know the answer.

I am using STANDARD capacity magazines here in Nevada :supergrin: (as compared to your LOW capacity magazines.)

Magazines that came with G22's were stamped "1" and had #8 followers. Glock sent newer replacement magazines stamped "2" (also #8 followers). Still no good.

Per Glock, guns runs without FTF with the newer magazines and a new recoil spring that they just put in. Remember, my G22's and original mags were made in March 2009. New mags and new recoil spring needed in 2 brand new guns......:whistling:

Some .40cal glocks have problems not seen in 9mm or .45cal, especially with lights attached.

Test your set-up!
 
Can someone tell me why the Surefire X300 costs on average $249 when the Streamlight TLR-1 C4 can be had for under $100 and the XTI Procyon can be had for ~$120?

I know Surefire is good stuff I have a few of their lights but c'mon, I just don't see it.

I have fired all of my Glocks with the XTi Procyon installed and no problems at all.
 
Well now I'm pissed. First I've ever heard about problems with the G23 and tac lights!

Just got a new 23 and the X400 laser/light. It hasn't worked out for me (the laser will not zero out for windage) so it will be going back.

But now it sounds like no light for the G23....don't want to risk it on a home defense gun....
 
I have an Insight M6X light laser combo on my G22C. Never had an issue after 750 rounds or so.

I think my future purchase for handguns will be a light only with CT Lasergrips. More flexibility if I want to CC the weapon in addition to nightstand duty with a light added.
 
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