Glock 21 guide rod/spring falls out during field strip

71Chevelle427 · Sep 8, 2015

I only have 2 Glocks. A G19 and a G21.
Both shoot great. Neither ever has any malfunctions.

When field stripping the G21 for cleaning, upon removing the slide, the guide rod & spring assembly literally falls out. Like it doesn't have enough tension? There's barely any tension when placing the guide rod back into the semi circle cutout on the barrel. Never a problem chambering a round by racking or slide release.

The G19, I have to compress the spring with my finger, then pull up on the guide rod to remove. It seems much tighter in position than the 21.

Both still have the factory plastic/nylon/whatever material guide rods.

I found stainless steel guide rod and spring assembly, in both 18# and 21# versions, with a quick Google.

Will this "fix" the issue, or is it not an issue and should be left alone?

BTW, barrels, slides, frames, everything, is factory Glock number matching parts

Kevp · Sep 8, 2015

How many rounds were on that recoil spring assembly? Have you had the pistol since new? Gen 3 or 4? Recoil spring assemblies should be replaced at 2,500 to 3,000 rounds.

There was a poster in another thread that claimed one of his pins was sheared. He didn't know nomenclature, and the descriptions of the problem were all over the map. That said, a recoil spring that is worn can contribute to a cracking a locking block and/or the locking block pin due to excessive slide force when returning to battery.

RSAs are $5 parts for Gen 3 guns and $12 for Gen 4s. Buy a couple and replace them regularly. Don't waste your money on aftermarket guide rods.

j_h_smith · Sep 8, 2015

Just got out my 21 and looked at it. You have to be careful, there is a ledge that guiderod/spring assembly can sit on, just above the cutout for the guiderod. Once mine is in the proper seat, it is in there snug, but if it isn't, it sits on that ledge loosely.

Like Kevp says, it could be a weak spring, but just check it to see if it is sitting properly.

Good Luck!

BigT5g · Sep 8, 2015

This is completely normal especially for Gen 3 and older and not a problem as long as you are fitting it back in the correct position on reassembly.

71Chevelle427 · Sep 8, 2015

Sorry guys. It is a Gen3.

I make sure that it isn't on the "looser" ledge, or groove.when reassembling but it sure seems to not be there when disassembled.

This gun has 1250 rounds through it, that's it.

It doesn't seem to affect anything but just doesn't seem right that it falls out when field stripping it.

I guess the factory replacement guide rod/spring assembly is fine to use, rather than any aftermarket stainless steel one?

swinokur · Sep 8, 2015

It is normal in a Glock for the guide rod to "jump up" onto the higher ledge after reassembly.

Completely normal.

protegeV · Sep 8, 2015

Meh, glock junk.

:lol2:

71Chevelle427 · Sep 8, 2015

protegeV said:
Meh, glock junk.

STFU ya minivan driver

71Chevelle427 · Sep 8, 2015

swinokur said:
It is normal in a Glock for the guide rod to "jump up" onto the higher ledge after reassembly.

Completely normal.

No worries then.

swinokur · Sep 8, 2015

protegeV · Sep 8, 2015

71Chevelle427 said:
STFU ya minivan driver

A suburban is not a minivan :smack:

Blaster229 · Sep 8, 2015

What guide rod spring problem? Said no Sig owner ever.

redeemed.man · Sep 8, 2015

71Chevelle427 said:
I only have 2 Glocks. A G19 and a G21.
Both shoot great. Neither ever has any malfunctions.

When field stripping the G21 for cleaning, upon removing the slide, the guide rod & spring assembly literally falls out. Like it doesn't have enough tension? There's barely any tension when placing the guide rod back into the semi circle cutout on the barrel. Never a problem chambering a round by racking or slide release.

The G19, I have to compress the spring with my finger, then pull up on the guide rod to remove. It seems much tighter in position than the 21.

Both still have the factory plastic/nylon/whatever material guide rods.

I found stainless steel guide rod and spring assembly, in both 18# and 21# versions, with a quick Google.

Will this "fix" the issue, or is it not an issue and should be left alone?

BTW, barrels, slides, frames, everything, is factory Glock number matching parts

Is this a Gen 3 or 4? Never had any issue with any of mine including my Gen 4 G21.

71Chevelle427 · Sep 8, 2015

boundlessdyad said:
Is this a Gen 3 or 4? Never had any issue with any of mine including my Gen 4 G21.

Gen 3, and someone tell protegeV to keep quiet when grownups are talking...lol

71Chevelle427 · Sep 8, 2015

protegeV said:
A suburban is not a minivan

Soccer Mom

redeemed.man · Sep 8, 2015

71Chevelle427 said:
Gen 3, and someone tell protegeV to keep quiet when grownups are talking...lol

Yeah he doesn't own any Glock's because he is not manly enough. LMAO

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cotman68 · Sep 9, 2015

I only own 2 glocks myself CHEVELLE .My 21 is a gen 2 with about 6,000rds and my 19 is a gen4 bout 300 rds. The RSA is definitely lighter in the 21 bout didn't need to change it till 3,500 rds. They are cheap couldn't hurt to get one and compare you'll need it soon enough

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71Chevelle427 · Sep 9, 2015

Yeah, I think I saw one earlier online for like $9? Does that sound right?

cotman68 · Sep 9, 2015

Yup. Think I got mine from midway

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platoonDaddy · Sep 9, 2015

I have a few glocks: G17,G19,G21,G26 and G34 from gen1 through gen 4 and have never had the RSA pop out when field stripping.

Glock 21 guide rod/spring falls out during field strip

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