Presented here is a list of the most common modifications or "mods" made to Glock pistols. Most of the mods can be made to either Gen4 or earlier models, so the photos will show some of each. The boundaries we have set around this list of mods are:
· Reversible: none of these mods is permanent, with the exception of polishing parts. By swapping the original parts back into the gun, it can be made "stock" again.
. Functional: these mods all effect some change in the performance or usability of a Glock pistol. None are purely cosmetic in nature.
· Easy: any of these mods can be installed or performed by a person with average manual dexterity and common tools.
I often refer to instructions at other locations or sources rather than supplying detailed instructions within this post, since I saw no need to repeat the good writing work of others. Regarding suppliers, I have only mentioned a few that I regularly use: there are a number of companies in the business of making and selling Glock aftermarket parts. To find them simply perform a web search using the word "Glock" plus the name of the mod as the search argument.
Here is a link to a Glock factory parts order form:http://us.glock.com/documents/GLOCK_Parts_Order_Form_Non_Certified.pdf. Expect delivery to take several weeks.
Name: 25-Cent Trigger Job
Advantages: reduces friction in trigger pull resulting in smoother pull
Disadvantages: none known
Supplier: this is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mod, unless you have it done by an Armorer or Gunsmith
Cost: about $.25 for polishing agent
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool (Glock part number GT 03774, often called the Glock Armorer's Tool, this is a 3/32" (2.5mm) pin punch with a chamfered end and a Glock handle), Dremel or other hand held rotary tool with a felt polishing bob, and some metal polishing compound such as Simichrome or Flitz.
Procedure: Here is a link to a general set of instructions, provided by Glocktriggers, for disassembly of the Glock: Trigger Installation - GlockTriggers.com. The general procedure is to completely disassemble the pistol and then polish the connector, trigger bar, and firing pin safety to a mirror shine where these parts touch each other. All this does is to accelerate the normal break-in wear that is usually done by firing the pistol. If you want to dig deeper into the topic of Glock trigger tuning, here is a link to an excellent video by boomer, one of our Members: http://glock.pro/glock-tech-warranty/1699-advanced-glock-trigger-tuning-2.html#post19636
Polished Connector:
Polished Trigger Bar (polish the sides and tops of the indicated areas):
Polished Firing Pin Safety:
Name: Extended Slide Stop Lever
Advantages: Facilitates finding and activating the slide stop with your thumb (right-handed shooters) or your left index finger (left-handed shooters).
Disadvantages: Because inadvertently tripping this extended lever causes a malfunction (unexpected slide stop to the rear if pushed up, or failure to stop to the rear on an empty magazine if pushed down), it is not commonly found on Glocks used in competition. Approach this mod with some caution.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, others.
Cost: $10-$22
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, dismantle the lower receiver and replace the part.
In the photo below, the standard slide stop lever is on the left/top, the extended version is on the bottom/right.
Name: Extended Slide Lock
Advantages: Facilitates field-stripping the pistol by making it easier to grasp the sides of the lock. The standard lock is about 27.8mm wide, the extended version is about 29.5mm wide.
Disadvantages: On carry guns, the extended lock can snag clothing.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, others
Cost: $10
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, field-strip the lower receiver, press down on the aluminum spring holding the slide lock in place, remove the old slide lock, install the new one. Make certain that you have oriented the lock correctly, with the notch to the upper rear.
Name: Heavy Trigger Spring
Advantages: There are claims that installing a heavier trigger spring reduces trigger pull weight. It does make the end of the trigger pull feel more "crisp".
Disadvantages: None known
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Wolff
Cost: $2 to $3
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, field-strip the lower receiver and replace the OEM trigger spring with a new one.
Name: Replacement Sights
Advantages: Glock's original sights are usually polymer, unless the pistol is delivered with Glock night sights. The polymer sights can be damaged, the threads on the front can be stripped, and the rear sight can easily be moved off to one side or the other, causing sighting problems. Replacing the polymer sights with steel sights improves durability and stability of the sights. Many people just want night sights, and there are several varieties available.
Disadvantages: Cost and effort to install.
Supplier: Lots of them. I have good experience getting Glock sights from Dawson Precision, CPWSA, and Glockmeister.
Cost: $50 to $150.
Tools: Glock sight pusher, or the deft and careful use of a light hammer and a brass punch, as well as a special nut-driver to remove the Glock front sight.
Procedure: Where to begin…well, here's one excellent source: www.dawsonprecision.com SIGHT INSTALLATION Category.
Installation can often be performed by the parts supplier at a cost of around $50 plus shipping.
Dawson Competition Sights:
Warren/Sevigny Sights:
Name: Magazine Extension
Advantages: Some people want to extend the capacity of Glock magazines by one or two rounds. Others, shooting the compact and subcompact-framed Glocks, want to improve their grip on the pistol. Either goal can be achieved with a well-chosen magazine floor-plate extension.
Disadvantages: If used on a compact or subcompact gun, the gun will become slightly less concealed because you are adding a physical external extension to the magazine. Also, these extensions can be somewhat difficult to install, and may require changing magazine springs.
Supplier: Pearce, Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockstore
Cost: $10-$20 typically
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool and self-restraint. Removing the floorplate on Glock magazines is challenging by any standard. A magazine tool called a "G-Tul" can be a big help.
Procedure: Following instructions provided by the supplier, replace the floor-plates. It does get easier after you have done the first one and have calmed down.
Name: Replacement Connector
Advantages: Reduces Trigger Pull. There is a good deal of discussion on record about the effectiveness of replacement connectors, here is a good place to start: http://glock.pro/glock-tech-warranty/5756-connector-comparison-test-3.html#post64480
Disadvantages: Reduces Trigger Pull: this mod may not be a good idea for a carry or service pistol.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockstore, Ghost, others.
Cost: $10 to $50
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, field-strip the lower receiver and replace the OEM Connector with a new one.
Name: Grip Tape
Advantages: Improves your ability to grip the pistol, especially helpful where extreme heat, humidity, or mud are factors. Grip tape is usually easily removable, so you can replace it if it gets worn or damaged.
Disadvantages: This tape can be very abrasive, it could chafe your hands.
Supplier: Tac-Grip, Talon Grips, others (you could fashion your own from skateboard tape)
Cost: $15-$20
Tools: None
Procedure: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Name: Extended Magazine Catch
Advantages: The standard Glock magazine catch can be difficult for some shooters to reach, or difficult to activate in a hurry. This part simply extends the reach of the magazine catch outward so that it is easier to find, and some versions have improved surface texture.
Disadvantages: Like anything that sticks out from a gun further than the original part, an extended catch can inadvertently snag on clothing at an inopportune time.
Supplier: Glock, Vickers Tactical (they call it a Magazine Release), Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockmeister, Glockstore
Cost: $5-$15
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool, small screwdriver
Procedure: Field-strip the pistol, detail strip the lower receiver just to get extraneous parts out of the way. Using the screwdriver, carefully push the magazine catch spring out of position to allow you to remove the magazine catch and replace it with the new one. Do NOT push down on the magazine catch spring: doing so could damage the frame. Be patient.
Name: Grip Plug
Advantages: may keep foreign matter out of the Glock frame.
Disadvantages: may keep foreign matter, such as water, in the Glock frame.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Gentra, Taylor
Cost: $5-$15
Tools: usually none
Procedure: Follow suppliers instructions.
As comments from the Forum members appear, it's likely that I will update this post with fresh information.
Chris
· Reversible: none of these mods is permanent, with the exception of polishing parts. By swapping the original parts back into the gun, it can be made "stock" again.
. Functional: these mods all effect some change in the performance or usability of a Glock pistol. None are purely cosmetic in nature.
· Easy: any of these mods can be installed or performed by a person with average manual dexterity and common tools.
I often refer to instructions at other locations or sources rather than supplying detailed instructions within this post, since I saw no need to repeat the good writing work of others. Regarding suppliers, I have only mentioned a few that I regularly use: there are a number of companies in the business of making and selling Glock aftermarket parts. To find them simply perform a web search using the word "Glock" plus the name of the mod as the search argument.
Here is a link to a Glock factory parts order form:http://us.glock.com/documents/GLOCK_Parts_Order_Form_Non_Certified.pdf. Expect delivery to take several weeks.
Name: 25-Cent Trigger Job
Advantages: reduces friction in trigger pull resulting in smoother pull
Disadvantages: none known
Supplier: this is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mod, unless you have it done by an Armorer or Gunsmith
Cost: about $.25 for polishing agent
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool (Glock part number GT 03774, often called the Glock Armorer's Tool, this is a 3/32" (2.5mm) pin punch with a chamfered end and a Glock handle), Dremel or other hand held rotary tool with a felt polishing bob, and some metal polishing compound such as Simichrome or Flitz.
Procedure: Here is a link to a general set of instructions, provided by Glocktriggers, for disassembly of the Glock: Trigger Installation - GlockTriggers.com. The general procedure is to completely disassemble the pistol and then polish the connector, trigger bar, and firing pin safety to a mirror shine where these parts touch each other. All this does is to accelerate the normal break-in wear that is usually done by firing the pistol. If you want to dig deeper into the topic of Glock trigger tuning, here is a link to an excellent video by boomer, one of our Members: http://glock.pro/glock-tech-warranty/1699-advanced-glock-trigger-tuning-2.html#post19636
Polished Connector:
Polished Trigger Bar (polish the sides and tops of the indicated areas):
Polished Firing Pin Safety:
Name: Extended Slide Stop Lever
Advantages: Facilitates finding and activating the slide stop with your thumb (right-handed shooters) or your left index finger (left-handed shooters).
Disadvantages: Because inadvertently tripping this extended lever causes a malfunction (unexpected slide stop to the rear if pushed up, or failure to stop to the rear on an empty magazine if pushed down), it is not commonly found on Glocks used in competition. Approach this mod with some caution.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, others.
Cost: $10-$22
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, dismantle the lower receiver and replace the part.
In the photo below, the standard slide stop lever is on the left/top, the extended version is on the bottom/right.
Name: Extended Slide Lock
Advantages: Facilitates field-stripping the pistol by making it easier to grasp the sides of the lock. The standard lock is about 27.8mm wide, the extended version is about 29.5mm wide.
Disadvantages: On carry guns, the extended lock can snag clothing.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, others
Cost: $10
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, field-strip the lower receiver, press down on the aluminum spring holding the slide lock in place, remove the old slide lock, install the new one. Make certain that you have oriented the lock correctly, with the notch to the upper rear.
Name: Heavy Trigger Spring
Advantages: There are claims that installing a heavier trigger spring reduces trigger pull weight. It does make the end of the trigger pull feel more "crisp".
Disadvantages: None known
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Wolff
Cost: $2 to $3
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, field-strip the lower receiver and replace the OEM trigger spring with a new one.
Name: Replacement Sights
Advantages: Glock's original sights are usually polymer, unless the pistol is delivered with Glock night sights. The polymer sights can be damaged, the threads on the front can be stripped, and the rear sight can easily be moved off to one side or the other, causing sighting problems. Replacing the polymer sights with steel sights improves durability and stability of the sights. Many people just want night sights, and there are several varieties available.
Disadvantages: Cost and effort to install.
Supplier: Lots of them. I have good experience getting Glock sights from Dawson Precision, CPWSA, and Glockmeister.
Cost: $50 to $150.
Tools: Glock sight pusher, or the deft and careful use of a light hammer and a brass punch, as well as a special nut-driver to remove the Glock front sight.
Procedure: Where to begin…well, here's one excellent source: www.dawsonprecision.com SIGHT INSTALLATION Category.
Installation can often be performed by the parts supplier at a cost of around $50 plus shipping.
Dawson Competition Sights:
Warren/Sevigny Sights:
Name: Magazine Extension
Advantages: Some people want to extend the capacity of Glock magazines by one or two rounds. Others, shooting the compact and subcompact-framed Glocks, want to improve their grip on the pistol. Either goal can be achieved with a well-chosen magazine floor-plate extension.
Disadvantages: If used on a compact or subcompact gun, the gun will become slightly less concealed because you are adding a physical external extension to the magazine. Also, these extensions can be somewhat difficult to install, and may require changing magazine springs.
Supplier: Pearce, Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockstore
Cost: $10-$20 typically
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool and self-restraint. Removing the floorplate on Glock magazines is challenging by any standard. A magazine tool called a "G-Tul" can be a big help.
Procedure: Following instructions provided by the supplier, replace the floor-plates. It does get easier after you have done the first one and have calmed down.
Name: Replacement Connector
Advantages: Reduces Trigger Pull. There is a good deal of discussion on record about the effectiveness of replacement connectors, here is a good place to start: http://glock.pro/glock-tech-warranty/5756-connector-comparison-test-3.html#post64480
Disadvantages: Reduces Trigger Pull: this mod may not be a good idea for a carry or service pistol.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockstore, Ghost, others.
Cost: $10 to $50
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool
Procedure: Using the Glocktriggers link above, field-strip the lower receiver and replace the OEM Connector with a new one.
Name: Grip Tape
Advantages: Improves your ability to grip the pistol, especially helpful where extreme heat, humidity, or mud are factors. Grip tape is usually easily removable, so you can replace it if it gets worn or damaged.
Disadvantages: This tape can be very abrasive, it could chafe your hands.
Supplier: Tac-Grip, Talon Grips, others (you could fashion your own from skateboard tape)
Cost: $15-$20
Tools: None
Procedure: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Name: Extended Magazine Catch
Advantages: The standard Glock magazine catch can be difficult for some shooters to reach, or difficult to activate in a hurry. This part simply extends the reach of the magazine catch outward so that it is easier to find, and some versions have improved surface texture.
Disadvantages: Like anything that sticks out from a gun further than the original part, an extended catch can inadvertently snag on clothing at an inopportune time.
Supplier: Glock, Vickers Tactical (they call it a Magazine Release), Lone Wolf Distributors, Glockmeister, Glockstore
Cost: $5-$15
Tools: Glock Disassembly Tool, small screwdriver
Procedure: Field-strip the pistol, detail strip the lower receiver just to get extraneous parts out of the way. Using the screwdriver, carefully push the magazine catch spring out of position to allow you to remove the magazine catch and replace it with the new one. Do NOT push down on the magazine catch spring: doing so could damage the frame. Be patient.
Name: Grip Plug
Advantages: may keep foreign matter out of the Glock frame.
Disadvantages: may keep foreign matter, such as water, in the Glock frame.
Supplier: Glockmeister, Lone Wolf Distributors, Gentra, Taylor
Cost: $5-$15
Tools: usually none
Procedure: Follow suppliers instructions.
As comments from the Forum members appear, it's likely that I will update this post with fresh information.
Chris