Glock 43 Failure to Feed

[Pappy35]

Greetings all. New guy first post.

I have had my G43 for a couple of years now. Great CCW piece for my needs. Recently, I've noticed that I'm getting multiple failure to feed events with hollow points. Specifically, as the slide strips the round off the magazine, it seems to nose-dive and get caught up on the bottom of the ramp rather than get deflected up and into battery.

So far, I've returned the mags to stock (they were running Pierce +1's) and tried 4 different name-brand JHP's to see if the bullet geometry has any effect (it didn't). It feeds FMJs perfectly. This is a new issue though I haven't fired the gun for a year and not put anywhere near as many of my carry loads through it as I should. The gun has at least a thousand rounds of FMJs though.

I'm planning to talk to Glock about this but I thought I'd post the question here to say hi and see if any of you have any ideas. I did search and didn't see anything directly relevant.

[psalms144.1]

Stock mags shouldn't behave that way, obviously. Anything +"X" I'd avoid like the plague on the G43. Might be time for some new mags or at least mag springs - Glock might hook you up with those gratis. Best of luck with them - let us know how it works out!

[JBP55]

See if the rounds are riding against the ejector at an angle. If so that is an easy fix with a file.

[L-2]

Diagnosing problems on the internet is sometimes impossible. Seeing a gun and its mags in person can more easily disclose the problem immediately.

-lubricate the gun as Glock specifies;
-replace the recoil spring assembly. It's unknown from the post how many rounds/cycles the RSA has from the original post and sometimes a new RSA is defective;
-try chambering a round from slide lock using the slide-stop to avoid any drag on the slide. Some folks ride the slide too much making the slide speed too slow;
-use new mags as the original mags have now been disassembled and reassembled a couple of times. Sometimes a mag spring is put in backwards, upside down, or the spring was previously stretched (and maybe inadvertently ruined) by the owner;
-with the Glock 43, I've noticed the top round in the 6 round mag has to be absolutely loaded to the rear of the mag or a failure to feed occurs;
-some folks are testing using their own handloaded ammo which becomes questionable on the internet as the ammo may not be close enough to factory-loaded ammo in even just one specification. It doesn't matter if the handloaded ammo works/has been working in other 9mm guns as the subject is a specific Glock 43.

If possible, obtain/borrow another G43 to substitute and narrow down the problem to the mag, gun, ammo, or the shooter.

[Jason M]

I’ll second the above recommendations for a new RSA and mag springs. If the gun used to work fine this is the first thing I would try.

[baddean]

Pappy,
Like L-2 said internet diagnoses is difficult, so I have a couple of questions.
Is this happening when you perform an administrative load, meaning when you first load the gun and chamber a round, or does it occur while actually shooting?
This is important because the malfunction could be caused by different things.
Does it occur with all of your magazines or certain ones?
Since they are nose-diving is it possible that the follower/s aren't rising correctly/straight in the mag?
L-2 mentioned the top round in a six round mag has to be all of the way against the back of the mag to chamber correctly. He (may I assume gender here?) also mentioned loading administratively using the slide lock instead of racking the slide. My Kahr PM9 requires these same techniques.
Just some thoughts

[willie]

If crud has altered extractor range of motion or affected its ease of movement, then this might cause the issue.

[steve]

It was either here or another forum where someone who puts a lot of rounds through a Glock 43 started changing the recoil spring every 500 rounds so they didn't have feeding issues.

[Pappy35]

Thanks for all the replies. Answers, in no particular order:


The gun probably has about 500-600 rounds total with all original parts except for the Pierce +1's.
The issue happens almost 90% of the time with the first round in the mag using either the slide release or slingshot. It also happens mid-mag while shooting but, say, only 10-20% of the time once loaded. No where near reliable enough for self-defence use as-is.
I don't reload or use reman ammo. Only Blazer/Winchester/Hornady/Federal ammo.
I can't say if this is new or pre-existing as most of the ammo I've run through it has been FMJ. My shooting went idle for a long time and the gun sat in its place, fully loaded, with 7 rounds in each mag for all that time so I could see that the mag springs may have relaxed. I put about 50 self defence rounds through it when new and don't recall having any trouble. So, good when new, several hundred through it, then sat idle for a year or more with fully loaded mags, now 50-60 more rounds with constant FTF. 100% reliable with FMJ's.
I only have the two original mags. The FTF happens with both of them with, or without, the Pierce base plates installed.
I've run out of JHP so I can't test anything at the moment until my new order comes in.
I have two new OEM mags coming in today.
Didn't think to tear the slide down to check for sludge in the extractor. I'll check that tonight when I get home.



I called Glock today and it sounds like I might just return it and let them check it out if this keeps happening with the new mags. He did ask if I had the -02 mags but I don't have it here so I couldn't answer. I know internet diagnosis is difficult (or impossible in some cases). I posted this to query the hive-mind and document the fix once i have it.

I just bought a 43X and will be swapping slides when my new ammo gets here just to see if that makes any difference before I send it back.

PS - The 43X is sweet! I traded in my G19 for it.

[Joe Mac]

I have thousands of rounds through a pair of G43s. Here is what I have learned:

The only malfunctions I have had (two or three) have been nose-dive failures to feed with Gold Dot, as you describe. These have only occurred under the following conditions:
- The gun is very dirty (my trainer/spare that goes years between cleanings, never my carry gun)
- Using the factory pinky-extension flooplate.

I suspect the issue is simply a blunt jhp hitting a caked feedramp, with a dirty breech face likely contributing. The pinky-extension mag MIGHT be a contributor, levering the bullet nose down just enough for this to occur, or it may just be coincidence that the odd feeding hangup has occurred with these mags.

I think I've changed the RSA just once in each gun. The trainer is probably due for another new spring.. I agree that this could be an issue, too.

[Pappy35]

<snip>The gun is very dirty (my trainer/spare that goes years between cleanings, never my carry gun)
<snip>
I suspect the issue is simply a blunt jhp hitting a caked feed ramp, with a dirty breech face likely contributing.

In my case, it's definitely not related to dirt or caking. I meticulously clean my guns after every range session (it's part of the ritual). I can't post pics as I don't have it with me but the gun is like new clean (though as mentioned I haven't remove the slide's internal parts but I don't think they bear on stripping the first round off the mag). I tried four different JHPs selected specifically for their varying profile (Critical defence being the pointiest to another, I forget which, that was virtually like a FMJ) all with no apparent effect. I ruled out bullet profile for this reason.

[Pappy35]

I have the -01 magazines.

[Danjojo]

Thanks for all the replies. Answers, in no particular order:


The gun probably has about 500-600 rounds total with all original parts except for the Pierce +1's.
The issue happens almost 90% of the time with the first round in the mag using either the slide release or slingshot. It also happens mid-mag while shooting but, say, only 10-20% of the time once loaded. No where near reliable enough for self-defence use as-is.
I don't reload or use reman ammo. Only Blazer/Winchester/Hornady/Federal ammo.
I can't say if this is new or pre-existing as most of the ammo I've run through it has been FMJ. My shooting went idle for a long time and the gun sat in its place, fully loaded, with 7 rounds in each mag for all that time so I could see that the mag springs may have relaxed. I put about 50 self defence rounds through it when new and don't recall having any trouble. So, good when new, several hundred through it, then sat idle for a year or more with fully loaded mags, now 50-60 more rounds with constant FTF. 100% reliable with FMJ's.
I only have the two original mags. The FTF happens with both of them with, or without, the Pierce base plates installed.
I've run out of JHP so I can't test anything at the moment until my new order comes in.
I have two new OEM mags coming in today.
Didn't think to tear the slide down to check for sludge in the extractor. I'll check that tonight when I get home.



I called Glock today and it sounds like I might just return it and let them check it out if this keeps happening with the new mags. He did ask if I had the -02 mags but I don't have it here so I couldn't answer. I know internet diagnosis is difficult (or impossible in some cases). I posted this to query the hive-mind and document the fix once i have it.

I just bought a 43X and will be swapping slides when my new ammo gets here just to see if that makes any difference before I send it back.

PS - The 43X is sweet! I traded in my G19 for it.

Bet new mag springs will be the fix. Small, light pistols and their short mags are more finicky in regards to slide velocity and spring strength.

[Pappy35]

Bet new mag springs will be the fix. Small, light pistols and their short mags are more finicky in regards to slide velocity and spring strength.

First on my to-do list when I get home tomorrow. New mags (and a Vicker's +2 with spring just for gits and shiggles), and 150 rds of Hydra-Shok 124gr will be getting here. I'll try the ammo first in my current magazines just to make sure it's still happening, then the new OEM mags with the new ammo. If it hangs with any of those then I'm packing it up for trip back home to das vaterland (that's Austrian for Smyrna, Georgia ;) ). If not, then I'll go ahead and order a new RSA just for good measure.

I didn't ask when I called but do you guys know if Glock charges for visits like this? The gun is out of warranty.

[willie]

Last week a man bought a new 365 XL from my lgs. Today he brought it back with this complaint. With factory mags and an array of factory ammo this malfunction occurred. Slide would stop or hang up a full .75 inch before complete forward travel point was reached. The event was frequent--at least 4 times in every magazine--and happened throughout 300 rounds fired. Bumping slide made it go forward as it should. Owner will call Sig tomorrow. My opinion is that a defective recoil spring is the culprit.

[M2CattleCo]

Nosedives are almost always a weak mag spring.

Glock didn't consult with any 1911 guys when they decided to do a single stack, and it shows...

[CTX44]

I wrote a long ass post about this somewhere. What I figured out was that 43's are very sensitive to mag spring tension, if you use any +1 baseplate you need to use extra power springs (I think I have ZEV but have to look) and the safest thing is to just stick with the factory 6 rounders. They are also, once they get some wear on the recoil spring, sensitive to bullet length, profile, and also slide speed. Talking with JHPs--ball just feeds no matter what.

115 gold dots seem to feed even with weak-ish mag springs and any recoil spring, 147 HST (everyone's preferred bullet, including mine), are way more finicky. I stopped using anything but 115 gold dots for carry in my G43. For ball I'll run whatever is at hand, from 115 to 147--it all works fine.

[Pappy35]

Well, I got my 2 new mags in and they aren't any better. So, brand new, 6-round Glock mags (-01 part number) still nosedive the first couple of rounds. That's 4 OEM mags, with or without the Pierce +1's, even the Vickers +2 I bought does it also. I've tried 5 different brands of JHP now counting the (Hail)Hydra-Shoks I got yesterday. I'm packing it up to send back to Glock. I'll follow up here with whatever they find.

[psalms144.1]

Sorry to hear that. Let us know how it turns out!

[steve]

Well, I got my 2 new mags in and they aren't any better. So, brand new, 6-round Glock mags (-01 part number) still nosedive the first couple of rounds. That's 4 OEM mags, with or without the Pierce +1's, even the Vickers +2 I bought does it also. I've tried 5 different brands of JHP now counting the (Hail)Hydra-Shoks I got yesterday. I'm packing it up to send back to Glock. I'll follow up here with whatever they find.

Did you change the recoil spring?

[Pappy35]

Did you change the recoil spring?

I considered it but since I had already placed the order for the magazines getting a new one would be cost + shipping. I get a huge discount with an overnight carrier so I thought I'd send it to Glock and let them tinker with it for about the same out of pocket cost. Besides, I'm good with tools but smithing is not something I'm comfortable with (I know the RSA is just a drop in thing) so every now and then I like an expert to take a look and see what's what. If that doesn't work then I'll get one the next time I order something.

Where do you folks like to go to get parts? Midway?

PS - I'm not so much into this sport that I have all the suppliers figured out - though this forum (or "hive minds" as I like to call whatever forum I'm on) is a big help!

[steve]

I use Brownells with the Edge program. They ship small parts for free without a minimum. The cost is $49 a year and it pays for itself quickly.

[ViniVidivici]

Yeah Brownells is great. Also the Glock store itself, go to Glocks website, look to "buy", it'll link you there.

[spj]

This was my G43. I sent it to Glock. They replaced the mag release I believe and it did improve. It is still not reliable with plus 1 mags with extra power springs. It seems to like my handholds the best form my 650.

[Pappy35]

Got it back from Glock today. They replaced the slide lock but the nose diving recurred almost immediately. Exactly the same symptoms as before. So now I don't trust the gun and thus to me it's less useful than a paperweight. What to do now? Trade it in on something else? Melt it down and make paperclips out of it?

I'm bad like this, I need to have 100% faith in the thing and now, given its similarity to my new 43X, I don't trust either one.

[ST911]

Got it back from Glock today. They replaced the slide lock but the nose diving recurred almost immediately. Exactly the same symptoms as before. So now I don't trust the gun and thus to me it's less useful than a paperweight. What to do now? Trade it in on something else? Melt it down and make paperclips out of it?

I'm bad like this, I need to have 100% faith in the thing and now, given its similarity to my new 43X, I don't trust either one.

If you mentioned this already, disregard.

Have you had other shooters shoot the gun with the same ammo? Results?
Do you have access to a highly proficient and experienced Glock shooter for such a test?

[Pappy35]

No. The issue happens when releasing the slide stop to chamber the first round not when firing. Well, occasionally it'll happen when firing but 99% of the time it happens with the first round. I'm just disappointed that Glock couldn't correct it, or didn't test it enough to reproduce the problem.

The gist of your question is that maybe it's me doing something wrong. I am not dismissing this outright however I've tried holding it limply, using the "slingshot" method of loading the first round, four different magazines and 5 different brands of hollow points. All this probably 300 hundred times now (loading the mag, inserting it, releasing the slide, repeat - concentrate on NOT pulling the trigger!). Another 50-60 times tonight. I'm an engineer and am familiar with statistics. While I haven't kept a written log, I'm pretty confident stating that it does not appear to be any better now than it was before I sent it in. I bought two brand new Glock OEM magazines. Same problem. I could try replacing the RSA but I hate the idea of randomly throwing money at it replacing parts. I'm already out $140 in ammo and mags.

Anyone know of any competent Glock smiths in the Memphis area that could take a crack at it? The only reason I got these was their supposed infallibility. All one ever reads about Glocks is that they'll eat any bullet you throw in it. These are self-defense tools, not range toys. I mean come on, the Continental's Sommelier recommended them for heaven's sake (John Wick reference in case you didn't get it ;)). Now that that bubble is burst I'm kind of lost...

PS - I got the 43 long before John Wick 2 came out so I really am joking about that just so y'all know. ;)

[JBP55]

No. The issue happens when releasing the slide stop to chamber the first round not when firing. Well, occasionally it'll happen when firing but 99% of the time it happens with the first round. I'm just disappointed that Glock couldn't correct it, or didn't test it enough to reproduce the problem.

The gist of your question is that maybe it's me doing something wrong. I am not dismissing this outright however I've tried holding it limply, using the "slingshot" method of loading the first round, four different magazines and 5 different brands of hollow points. All this probably 300 hundred times now (loading the mag, inserting it, releasing the slide, repeat - concentrate on NOT pulling the trigger!). Another 50-60 times tonight. I'm an engineer and am familiar with statistics. While I haven't kept a written log, I'm pretty confident stating that it does not appear to be any better now than it was before I sent it in. I bought two brand new Glock OEM magazines. Same problem. I could try replacing the RSA but I hate the idea of randomly throwing money at it replacing parts. I'm already out $140 in ammo and mags.

Anyone know of any competent Glock smiths in the Memphis area that could take a crack at it? The only reason I got these was their supposed infallibility. All one ever reads about Glocks is that they'll eat any bullet you throw in it. These are self-defense tools, not range toys. I mean come on, the Continental's Sommelier recommended them for heaven's sake (John Wick reference in case you didn't get it ;)). Now that that bubble is burst I'm kind of lost...

PS - I got the 43 long before John Wick 2 came out so I really am joking about that just so y'all know. ;)

Look up Tom Givens in the Memphis Area.
For over four decades, Tom has provided firearms training to security staff, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and every day citizens with a focus on personal defense. After a 25-year career in law enforcement and specialized security work, Tom opened his own pistol range in Memphis, TN in 1996. For 18 years, it was the primary source of handgun carry permit certification for the greater Memphis area.
Soon joined by his wife Lynn, the training duo formed Rangemaster Firearms Training Services to share their expertise with a much broader audience. They now travel across the country and around the world to arm responsible citizens with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively protect themselves and their families.
Tom is certified as a law enforcement firearms instructor by the NRA, the FBI, and the state of Tennessee, and he serves as an expert witness all over the US in cases involving firearms and firearms training. He holds a Master rating in three IDPA Divisions (CDP, ESP and SSP) and has won several state and regional championships. Tom has written well over 100 published magazine articles in SWAT Magazine, Combat Handguns, The American Handgunner and other publications.

[Pappy35]

Look up Tom Givens in the Memphis Area.

Rangemaster's site says the business is closed and they've moved to Florida. Thanks though.

[M2CattleCo]

You need stiffer mag springs.

Glock doesn't really do single stacks.

[Shawn Dodson]

The issue happens when releasing the slide stop to chamber the first round not when firing.

It ONLY happens when you release the side lock?

[L-2]

It ONLY happens when you release the side lock?

Note, with a Glock, the slide LOCK is a different part from a slide STOP.

[Pappy35]

You need stiffer mag springs.

Glock doesn't really do single stacks.

I'm open to that. What would you recommend? Springs from +1 or +2 aftermarket mags?

[ViniVidivici]

Maybe see if Wolf Gunsprings has some extra power springs for them?

Heck, maybe an aftermarket barrel would help (ever-so-slightly different feed ramp)?

You are not wrong to be expecting and requiring total reliability in a defensive firearm.

So to be clear, this only happens when you hit the slide release to load? Does it happen when you instead grab the slide, overhand, and let it go to load?

[Pappy35]

Maybe see if Wolf Gunsprings has some extra power springs for them?

Heck, maybe an aftermarket barrel would help (ever-so-slightly different feed ramp)?

You are not wrong to be expecting and requiring total reliability in a defensive firearm.

So to be clear, this only happens when you hit the slide release to load? Does it happen when you instead grab the slide, overhand, and let it go to load?

Yes. It happens regardless of the slide-release method though I've tested the mechanical release more than the "slingshot" method. I called Glock and they said they test-fired it about 25 times with no FTF and tried several different types of JHPs. I capture a video of it happening after I got it back but he didn't suggest that I should send it to them for them to view. They did replace the slide release. I explained that it will sometimes go 10-15 repetitions (full mag, load, remove mag, eject the loaded round, reload mag, repeat) before recurring. They sent me a pre-paid return label so I'm going to give them another crack at it. If they can't fix it I'm giving up and getting a different brand (a 1911, H&K or maybe even S&W).

Wolff doesn't give the G43 any love. There's nothing there but thanks for the suggestion. There's a tungsten rod from Glockparts (?) but that's $80 (throwing good money after bad). If it's still NG after its 2nd visit to the mothership, I'll get a recoil spring but that's it after that.

If I need to change brands then I don't know what to do. I bought into Glock for their legendary reliability. If a GLOCK has this many problems what other brand would be better? Grrrr....

[willie]

My lgs recently sent back to Glock a gen 5 26 for frequent malfunction. The owner had a sensible no b.s. conversation with a Glock person before it went. The pistol malfunctioned with more than one shooter. Glock replaced the pistol. Glock said that although we can't get it to malfunction, we are replacing the pistol. I was told that Glock techs place pistols in a jig to test them. They do not hold the guns as would a shooter.

[HeavyDuty]

Yes. It happens regardless of the slide-release method though I've tested the mechanical release more than the "slingshot" method. I called Glock and they said they test-fired it about 25 times with no FTF and tried several different types of JHPs. I capture a video of it happening after I got it back but he didn't suggest that I should send it to them for them to view. They did replace the slide release. I explained that it will sometimes go 10-15 repetitions (full mag, load, remove mag, eject the loaded round, reload mag, repeat) before recurring. They sent me a pre-paid return label so I'm going to give them another crack at it. If they can't fix it I'm giving up and getting a different brand (a 1911, H&K or maybe even S&W).

Wolff doesn't give the G43 any love. There's nothing there but thanks for the suggestion. There's a tungsten rod from Glockparts (?) but that's $80 (throwing good money after bad). If it's still NG after its 2nd visit to the mothership, I'll get a recoil spring but that's it after that.

If I need to change brands then I don't know what to do. I bought into Glock for their legendary reliability. If a GLOCK has this many problems what other brand would be better? Grrrr....

I wouldn’t bother with a tungsten rod or any other major changes like that. GS has extra power mag springs that may be worth a try: https://www.glockstore.com/Extended-Magazine-Spring-For-G43

I don’t know if you mentioned upthread or not, but which version magazines do you have? There was at least one change during production, but it was a few years ago. Edit - NM, saw you addressed this above.

[Pappy35]

I wouldn’t bother with a tungsten rod or any other major changes like that. GS has extra power mag springs that may be worth a try: https://www.glockstore.com/Extended-Magazine-Spring-For-G43

I don’t know if you mentioned upthread or not, but which version magazines do you have? There was at least one change during production, but it was a few years ago. Edit - NM, saw you addressed this above.

Thanks for the hint. I saw those springs at the Glockstore but I counted them out earlier because I have stock mags but if Glock can't do anything then I might just go ahead and get one, and a RSA. Then I'm done.

[L-2]

If the gun isn't working reliably, I'd move on.

There are other good options out there.

It's just frustrating to have an undiagnosed problem. The "not-knowing-why" is annoying.

I look forward to how this thread works out and if a different gun is later chosen, what handgun it turns out to be.

Pappy35, do you yet have a list of what alternatives might be considered?

[Redhat]

Thanks for the hint. I saw those springs at the Glockstore but I counted them out earlier because I have stock mags but if Glock can't do anything then I might just go ahead and get one, and a RSA. Then I'm done.

Sorry to hear about your problems. I don't follow the G43 as I don't own one, but I haven't heard many negative reports about reliability. Maybe this time when you talk to Glock, ask them what they might be doing when they shoot it that you aren't. If they still don't come through, you might have a look at the Walther PPS M2 or the S&W Shield...which I can vouch for as mine has never failed to run...sample of one and all.

[Pappy35]

<snip>
...do you yet have a list of what alternatives might be considered?

I need one for home defense so that can be a range toy by which I mean a 5" barreled 1911 of good but not not ridiculously expensive quality. I need another that is easily concealable in summer clothing. Currently, those roles were filled by a G19 (my first Glock that I just traded in for G43X) and the G43. I was picky about ammo commonality so 9mm would be a plus.

I'll look into this in more detail depending on how things go with Glock. If they can't fix the 43, then that also puts the 43X into question given the similarity. It is having an ejection issue similar to others I've read about though that problem doesn't seem to be one that impedes it's shooting. It doesn't eject rounds when clearing the gun after firing making it without a vigorous pull. This is more of a nuisance rather than a reliability issue so we'll see.

Clearing G43/48X (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6y7QP1BIV7w): skip to 6:20

[L-2]

The G43X, and the similar G48 supposedly have Glock's "breech face cut", which apparently makes clearing a loaded round a bit more difficult (the regular G43 doesn't have this "breech face cut"). The G43X and G48 also use a different magazine design from the regular G43. As we don't know why your specific G43 is having a feeding problem, I hope your G43X won't have any problems.

While I've got a good amount of experience with 1911s, I'll seldom recommend one nowadays. Of the total of nine I've owned, I'm down to three. It's unlikely I'll be getting another 1911 at this point in my older lifetime. I shoot a lot and the cost in time and parts replacement just seems to high for me nowadays.

If you do insist on getting a 1911, however, PM me and I'll give you some suggestions.

[Trooper224]

I need one for home defense so that can be a range toy by which I mean a 5" barreled 1911 of good but not not ridiculously expensive quality.

It depends upon your definition of "ridiculously expensive", but affordable and quality really don't go together in the 1911 world.

[Pappy35]

It depends upon your definition of "ridiculously expensive", but affordable and quality really don't go together in the 1911 world.

Yeah. I know. I'm thinking around a grand for 1911. My first-ever gun was a Para-Ordnance P12-45 from the mid 90's-ish. Not a great gun but I've always loved the 1911 platform and so I'd probably get a mid-range Colt 45. That and stick with some kind of 9mm compact/sub compact.

All this talk about other guns though...I need to figure out what's what with the one I'm having trouble with. ;)

[10mmfanboy]

I live about 2 hours north of you, I can take a look at it if you'd like. I'm not a gunsmith though, but I have a lot of experience dicking around with glocks. Most of the problems I've encountered with glocks is the slide lock ( the spring by locking block on older gens) slide stop wires bent or not installed correctly under pin. Worn out recoil springs (usually corrects most problems majority of the time)
Worn out magazine springs. Cracked locking block pin.

If it were me, I'd replace recoil spring assembly and or polish feed ramp. If you polish the feed ramp it will probably void your warranty though.

[Pappy35]

Update:

Heard from Glock today. After almost 75 rounds they did actually have the failure and that once it started it happened regularly. That great news because lacking a failure in their hands they wouldn't have had anything to go by.

He said they replaced the locking block and a couple of other parts that I can't recall at the moment and are shipping it back tonight. I'll have it Friday and will go shooting with it Saturday to test it out. I'm pretty much convinced though that I'm going to trade it in for a P365 and I'd feel better about that knowing it's fixed.

This issue got me looking at other guns which was bad for Glock because it seems like the 365 cleans their Glock :p <groan...rimshot>

[ViniVidivici]

Nice! That is progress, in more ways than one.

We like our Glocks, but they ain't the only game in town.

[StraitR]

Update:

Heard from Glock today. After almost 75 rounds they did actually have the failure and that once it started it happened regularly. That great news because lacking a failure in their hands they wouldn't have had anything to go by.

He said they replaced the locking block and a couple of other parts that I can't recall at the moment and are shipping it back tonight. I'll have it Friday and will go shooting with it Saturday to test it out. I'm pretty much convinced though that I'm going to trade it in for a P365 and I'd feel better about that knowing it's fixed.

This issue got me looking at other guns which was bad for Glock because it seems like the 365 cleans their Glock :p <groan...rimshot>


I completely understand your frustration with this gun, but have you looked at the multitude of issues encountered by 365 owners? Not picking on it, just pointing out that Sig isn't perfect either, and I've lost count of how many revisions the 365 has underwent (four?). Point is, there are no infallible manufacturers or pistol designs, and even high dollar gun makers crank out turds from time to time.

[psalms144.1]

I was thinking about this the other day, and chatting with a buddy about it. I'm not sure how we got where we are today, with expectations that every manufacturer should be able to turn out a full power pistol the size of a match book that's 100% reliable. I grew up on 1911s, and the understanding was, clearly, that anything shorter than a Commander slide was going to be a reliability disaster waiting to happen.

This isn't a poke at anyone in particular, but I think the makers are responding to market pressures to make smaller/lighter pistols, and we've past the tipping point on where that can be accomplished reliably. For me, I've reached the point that if I need something smaller than a G26 or G43X, I'm going all the way down to an LCP in the pocket. I want to love the P365, but I couldn't work mine - it was accurate enough, but I had repeated failure to return to battery, or slide lock on a partially full magazine (the latter almost certainly due to the way my hand interfaced with the slide release lever). And, again, so this isn't all me bashing on Sig, I've sold off all my tiny Glocks as well...

[Pappy35]

<snip> ...but have you looked at the multitude of issues encountered by 365 owners?

You are very right. I would hate to get one only to buy into different trouble. The 365 seems to have stabilized as Sig has introduced revised parts. The XL however seems to be having a lot of issues (of course, this is the internet so it's hard to really gage the actual failure rate based on a few, compared to the total population of guns sold, reports on the forums). I'll wait until my 43 gets here later today and the range testing tomorrow to decide. If the 43 knows what's good for it it'll behave itself. :D

The 365 appeals to me mostly for round count, its overall fit to my hand, and concealability (which is really the same as the G43). If I had never had this issue I never would have even known that Sig had produced the 365.


<snip>...I'm not sure how we got where we are today, with expectations that every manufacturer should be able to turn out a full power pistol the size of a match book that's 100% reliable.

We certainly do expect better and better reliability these days. My 19 and 43x and the Para P12-45 I had years ago have tripped up every now and then. Auto loaders by their very nature have a higher probability of FTF so I agree that it would unreasonable to expect 100% reliability. The problem I was having though happened often enough that I couldn't consider the gun sufficiently reliable to carry.

[gato naranja]

This isn't a poke at anyone in particular, but I think the makers are responding to market pressures to make smaller/lighter pistols, and we've past the tipping point on where that can be accomplished reliably.

I agree. I have owned, rented and tried out almost all of the really small semiauto nines now, but I have only kept one. IMO, many of them are running on the ragged edge of reliable functioning.

Whenever possible, I try to dress so that I can carry a Beretta PX4 Subcompact,which I consider a misnomer because it is really a full-sized semiauto that has been "bobbed;" I absolutely trust the ones I have along with the ammunition I use in them. They are relatively "thick" guns (though with stealth or carry levers not a great deal thicker than some of the more popular choices if one gets out vernier calipers and does some due diligence), so sometimes I have to use something else. For that "something else," I am more and more a fan of J-frames than true subcompact semiautos.

Not that many years ago, I'd have ridiculed the thought of that.

gn

[JAH 3rd]

The above H&K, for me, is ideal. It has the 3.6" barrel with a 13+1 capacity. The grip is long enough to get all fingers around. I guess it would be classified as a compact. I know there is a 2000sk model which is slightly smaller. I keep going back to the Sig P245 which was a compact version of the P220. The grip was not long enough to get all my fingers around. I had to reposition my hand on the grip each time I fired the pistol. I shot it during my first and last outing. Got rid of it. Just didn't work for me. Concealability is one thing, concealability and function is another. Just my experience.

[RevolverRob]

Sub-Compact single-stacks to consider:

Walther PPS
Kahr PM9/CM9
Sig P938
Springfield Armory 911 9mm

Any of those are potential replacements for a G43.

Double-Stack

HK VP9SK
Hk P30SK
Walther P99 Compact
Smith M&P 2.0 Compact

This thread just goes to show you these Austrian-made guns just aren’t reliable - go German or American.

[JodyH]

This thread just goes to show you these Austrian-made guns just aren’t reliable - go German or American.
Austrians tend to have German engineering but Italian manufacturing...
:p

I've gone away from the 42/43 and back into my Kahr PM9/P380.
My Kahrs have proven themselves reliable and they are significantly smaller than the equivalent Glock.
For pocket carry I much prefer the revolver like DAO Kahr triggers as well.
As soon as I go on the belt I skip straight to a Glock 26.

btw: Gen5 USA Glocks are best Glocks.

[RevolverRob]

Austrians tend to have German engineering but Italian manufacturing...
:p

So...they’re basically French?

When was the last time anyone saw a running Peugeot in the US? I’ll wait.

[Le Français]

So...they’re basically French?

When was the last time anyone saw a running Peugeot in the US? I’ll wait.

A few weeks ago, in West Texas.

[Clusterfrack]

This thread has jumped the shark. [emoji3]

There’s so much data out there on solid reliability in Glocks, including the 43. Mine has been flawless, as have 3 more of my friends’.

I’ve seen two PPS that had multiple modes of failure.

Kahr? Also notoriously spotty reliability. When people say “I have a good one”, that’s a clue.

938? Too big for what it is, shoots well, and relatively untested. I like the way they shoot but don’t like the Mustang design.

Springfield vs Glock? Really?

HK: ok now we’re talking.
P99: also.
M&P: meh, but agree.

But these are all double stack guns, so I’d just use a G19 and call it good.


Sub-Compact single-stacks to consider:

Walther PPS
Kahr PM9/CM9
Sig P938
Springfield Armory 911 9mm

Any of those are potential replacements for a G43.

Double-Stack

HK VP9SK
Hk P30SK
Walther P99 Compact
Smith M&P 2.0 Compact

This thread just goes to show you these Austrian-made guns just aren’t reliable - go German or American.

[RevolverRob]

This thread has jumped the shark. [emoji3]

There’s so much data out there on solid reliability in Glocks, including the 43. Mine has been flawless, as have 3 more of my friends’.

I’ve seen two PPS that had multiple modes of failure.

Kahr? Also notoriously spotty reliability. When people say “I have a good one”, that’s a clue.

938? Too big for what it is, shoots well, and relatively untested. I like the way they shoot but don’t like the Mustang design.

Springfield vs Glock? Really?

HK: ok now we’re talking.
P99: also.
M&P: meh, but agree.

But these are all double stack guns, so I’d just use a G19 and call it good.

The 938 too big? https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.luckygunner.com/lounge/glock-43-vs-sig-sauer-p938/amp/ - It’s essentially the same size as the G43...

Agree re: Springfield. The P938 is a 50-50 option in my opinion. The reason to go with either of those is a desire for a thumb safety/same manual of arms as a 1911. No other reason.

Kahrs - I have to be honest all of the ones I’ve seen and shot, functioned fine. There was definitely a time when it wasn’t as reliable a gun, but that really seems to have passed. I’ve not yet encountered this “notoriously unreliable” Kahr. But it could simply be low sample size.

To be honest - I think the G43 is a pretty good choice. Though I find myself wincing a bit at pocket carrying one, because I’m not a fan of pocket carry for a light trigger gun without a manual safety. That’s me. Everyone is free to do as they please and as long as you are comfortable, get on with your bad self.

But if someone has lost faith in their G43 - I agree that swapping it may be appropriate. Unfortunately, the list of good alternatives is fairly short. With the Kahr and Sig P938 being the top two, in my opinion.

[Clusterfrack]

The 938 too big? https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.luckygunner.com/lounge/glock-43-vs-sig-sauer-p938/amp/ - It’s essentially the same size as the G43...
.

Somehow I remember the 938 feeling bulky, but the photos make it look very similar to the 43 in size.

[RevolverRob]

Somehow I remember the 938 feeling bulky, but the photos make it look very similar to the 43 in size.

With the rubber grips the 938 is bulky AF. With proper panels in place, it's about the same thickness as the G43. The snout is a little blockier than the G43, length they're about the same, height wise the 938 is a wee-bit shorter with a flat baseplate it is maybe half of the thickness of the flat G43 baseplate shorter. Not enough it makes a difference really.

[Pappy35]

Well, got it back and ran about 20 mags worth of rounds through it (just cycling, not firing) and it worked every time. That's certainly encouraging. Off to the range tomorrow for live-fire testing.

Regarding the 938, I do want to get a 1911-style gun but not for CCW. When I do it'll be a 5" barrel for range use.

[Chuck Haggard]

How many rounds through the gun? How old is the recoil spring assembly? What ammo, specifically?

[Pappy35]

How many rounds through the gun? How old is the recoil spring assembly? What ammo, specifically?

Other than the mags and such I reported initially, the gun is completely stock. I don't keep records per se so I initially said it had around a thousand but really it's closer to 500-600 total plus however many I popped off troubleshooting this problem. Of these 90% were FMJs as the range I used to go to doesn't allow HPs. New range, different rules thus I discovered the problem. In no particular order, I tried:

Federal Premium 124gr Hyra-Shoks
Sig 115gr V-Crown
Hornady 115gr Critical Defense
Hornady 135gr Critical Duty Flex Lock
Speer Gold Dot (I forget the specifics)

I'm going to the range tomorrow to see but it looks promising. They replaced the locking block and the magazine catch release & spring. These would seem to make sense to address their comment about tolerance stack up. If the lock block and barrel stacked up one way and the mag catch the other way I could see how that could cause the bullet to catch the load ramp. Still though, one would think that it wouldn't be quite so fiddly about that.

Anyway, as this post was meant to 1) ask the hive mind to share its wisdom, and 2) to help others in the future who may, as I did, search Google to troubleshoot a problem, I'd say that all the productive responses made it a smash hit.

Thanks a lot fellas!