Here is one data point in your search for enlightenment:

Over the years, I have had Glockmeister brand friction fit plugs in two different Gen 3 G26's. With a total of about eight or nine years total service between them, I have seen no problems at all. I like 'em.

 

The plug in my G26 (I think it's a Pearce) is not that tight of a fit. When pressed in up to the mold line that's as far as it can go. I notice that it backs out a miniscule amount over a short time but never enough to just fall out of the frame.

 

No use for them unless you just like the way they look. Most don't cause any problem. But I've seen a few over the years that had splitting of the backstrap due to having a plug installed. No reason to think a FDE frame would be any more susceptible than a black one. The ones I saw were all black guns. I couldn't say what brand plug was in use on any of them.

 

If plugs "crack" it then why don't the Glock safeties?

 

Because the glock safties are made to the specs of the gun, and vice versa. But I dont think most aftermarket plugs cause a problem either.

 

My son once ordered a plug for his G27. When it came he brought it to show me that it didn't look right. Had he forced it, it might very well have split the backstrap. He tossed it and got the correct one at a LGS. Maybe that's how these stories get started...

 

Just a note, Glock has a reason why there is no plug from the factory.
Hint, striker spring plastic cup split holder, Glock makes one for ? water....... how does the gun drain........ Plug is only for looks, That is fine. Glock is a drop in the mud, flush it in river or canteen water and drain it out the plug hole....... Back to work and get your job done.

 

I do not understand what practical function these plugs serve, except to their vendors. I once considered buying one purely for superficial cosmetic reasons, but the non-availability of one that fit a Gen4 pistol with a back-strap installed put me off until I had time to better reason things out.

 

I have never seen or heard of a problem with grip plugs damaging the gun. I like them because they can help with reloads.

 

I do not understand what practical function these plugs serve, except to their vendors. I once considered buying one purely for superficial cosmetic reasons, but the non-availability of one that fit a Gen4 pistol with a back-strap installed put me off until I had time to better reason things out.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062CB360/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1"]Amazon.com: GEN 4 Slug Plug Glock 17 19 22 23 31 34 35 *Fits only Generation 4*: Sports & Outdoors@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XvJchoWcL.@@AMEPARAM@@41XvJchoWcL[/ame]

Fits Gen 4 with back-strap. I have plugs in all my Glocks and no problems. They are not force/friction fit and don't see how they could cause frame cracking.

 

My son once ordered a plug for his G27. When it came he brought it to show me that it didn't look right. Had he forced it, it might very well have split the backstrap. He tossed it and got the correct one at a LGS. Maybe that's how these stories get started...

Bingo!!

 

Just a note, Glock has a reason why there is no plug from the factory.
Hint, striker spring plastic cup split holder, Glock makes one for ? water....... how does the gun drain........ Plug is only for looks, That is fine. Glock is a drop in the mud, flush it in river or canteen water and drain it out the plug hole....... Back to work and get your job done.

My understanding is that the grip cavity is there for a reason. Never heard the drainage idea, but as I understand it, it's there so one can gain a better grip on the magazine should it get jammed due to a failure up top that might cause downward pressure on the magazine (thereby making it difficult to pull out). This makes the most sense to me. That's why there's a scalloped, crescent shaped cutout at the bottom of the mag well so your thumb can get a grip on the magazine.

 

If the flimsy little plug I put in my Gen4 can crack the frame it deserves to be cracked. It fit well with little to no interference fit and the thickness of the plastic that the plug is made out of is a good bit thinner than the frame material. I think some Glock purist that hates plugs has created a myth.

 

Purely cosmetic purposes only. I like it however and have them in each of my Glocks. jw38

 

Amazon.com: GEN 4 Slug Plug Glock 17 19 22 23 31 34 35 *Fits only Generation 4*: Sports & Outdoors

Fits Gen 4 with back-strap. I have plugs in all my Glocks and no problems. They are not force/friction fit and don't see how they could cause frame cracking.

Some are like for the 36 glock

 

Purely cosmetic purposes only. I like it however and have them in each of my Glocks. jw38

They keep lint out of the hole
I Like them

 

I like the more "finished" look of a plug.
It's pretty unlikely I'll have to "drain" my Glock.

 

Some are like for the 36 glock

Hello, Hunter, what are you refering to as far as the G-36 ?
and the plugs ?
ghr1142

 

It's best to leave the Glocks alone and spend your money on ammo.
They are pretty much perfect as is, no need to add, shave, reduce, file, carve or change anything.

 

Hello, Hunter, what are you refering to as far as the G-36 ?
and the plugs ?
ghr1142

The grip plug for my 36 is a friction only fit

 

It's best to leave the Glocks alone and spend your money on ammo.
They are pretty much perfect as is, no need to add, shave, reduce, file, carve or change anything.

Fanboy talk
Many many ways to tweek them better

 

It's best to leave the Glocks alone and spend your money on ammo.
They are pretty much perfect as is, no need to add, shave, reduce, file, carve or change anything.

Tell Glock to ship them with night sights then.

 

I've never seen nor had a grip plug that's ever fit tight enough that would lead me to believe they are causing cracks. Maybe if you had one that was out of spec and had to drive it in with a hammer but otherwise, I don't see how they are causing any problems.

I have them in all my Glocks except my Glock 27. I couldn't get it to stay in. I've been running the plugs for some time in many guns and haven't had one issues with the grips cracking.

 

It's best to leave the Glocks alone and spend your money on ammo.
They are pretty much perfect as is, no need to add, shave, reduce, file, carve or change anything.

I'd argue the sights need changing, but let's not argue ceramics.

 

Amazon.com: GEN 4 Slug Plug Glock 17 19 22 23 31 34 35 *Fits only Generation 4*: Sports & Outdoors

Fits Gen 4 with back-strap. I have plugs in all my Glocks and no problems. They are not force/friction fit and don't see how they could cause frame cracking.

I have the plug like the one above in my Gen3 Glocks and never had an issue. The reason I like them is because they actually stop a lot of crud from getting up there. My duty pistol sees a ton of crap and the grip plug really helps out.
No issues with them and I don't expect any either.