Barrel Modification

Question
Hi. I have a question about fitting a Storm Lake drop in barrel for a Glock 29.

When I first dropped the barrel in, I noticed that the gun was VERY slightly out of battery. You had to really look at it to notice.

The first three shots didn't return the slide to battery. I had to slap the back of the slide to return it to battery for another shot. After the first three shots, it began to fire fine.

The only odd thing was that, after each shot, the slide stops maybe 1/8 inch out of battery. Then, a split second later, it slides forward into battery for another shot. Kind of like "BANG"-click-click "BANG" click-click...

About 120 shots went this way. I used both a standard Glock recoil spring as well as my 21 lb. Wolff spring. I also used CCI Blazer ammo as well as full-bore DT and Winchester rounds.

Any idea on how to modify it so it will fit properly--short of taking it to a gunsmith?  Thanks!!  

Answer
Matt,

Until you get this problem solved, you should stop shooting the gun with that barrel in it.  Firing any gun, but especially a Glock, out of battery is a recipe for disaster, especially a 10mm.

My first thought would be the Blazer ammo.  The aluminum case is "sticky" and tends to stick under the extractor.  I  once had a G17 that absolutely HATED Blazer. Although it went into battery upon releasing the trigger (reset), I would not use Blazer in that gun.

There are two places that might cause a barrel to not go fully into battery.  Having a set of dial calipers to compare it to the original barrel will help you determine which.

The first place I would look would be the width of the barrel extension (hood).  Does it fit into the breech face cut-out, or does it have to be "wedged" to go in?  This is best determined by taking the slide off the gun and trying it.

If this is not the problem, then the bottom locking lug may be a bit too long and "wedge" the lug against the locking block in lock up.

Either of these can be fixed with a medium, safe-sided file IF you have a good eye and a steady hand. Work slowly.  If it will go into battery with force, it will probably not take more than one file pass, followed by a few passes of 400 wet-dry paper wrapped around the file to polish out tool marks (don't go crazy doing that - tool marks will not hurt anything).

If neither of these is it, your chamber is probably short-cut, and needs to be reamed to the proper depth.  Unless you have a reamer and experience, this would best be left to a gunsmith (meaning a "professional" or someone who's done it before with excellent results).  Again, because it will go into batter with a little coaxing, nothing that is relieved will need more than a few thousandths.

Good luck.