Many handgun owners wonder if it’s better to lubricate their Glock pistol “wet” with a lot of oil or just a small amount. There are arguments on both sides of this debate, with some claiming a well-oiled Glock functions better and others insisting too much lube can cause problems. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence and recommendations to determine if Glocks like to run wet or dry.
The Case for a Well-Oiled Glock
Those who advocate lubricating Glocks liberally point to the gun’s design and components. Here are some of their key arguments:
- Glocks have a lot of moving parts that need lubrication including the trigger mechanism, slide rails, barrel lug, and more. Oil helps these components glide smoothly.
- The metals used in Glocks can be susceptible to wear without sufficient oil. This includes the steel slide rails wearing against the polymer frame.
- Many Glock models are designed for harsh conditions like law enforcement use. More lube protects them from dust, debris and heavy shooting sessions.
- While Glocks are known for reliability, lubrication can reduce the number of malfunctions caused by friction-related issues.
According to proponents of a liberally oiled Glock, only using a small amount of lube increases wear on parts and the risk of malfunctions. They prefer to apply oil generously to all moving components and friction surfaces.
The Case for a Lightly Lubed Glock
On the other side, some Glock owners firmly believe too much lubrication can cause problems. Here are their main arguments:
- Excess oil attracts unburned powder residues, dirt, lint, and other contaminants during shooting. This can gum up the pistol over time.
- Oil applied to the striker channel and breech face can cause ignition issues with certain ammo.
- Too much lubrication prevents some parts from “mating” properly such as the slide and barrel.
- Glocks already have excellent corrosion resistance due to the Tenifer finish. Lots of oil isn’t needed for protection.
According to this view, a small amount of lube is sufficient for Glocks. Flooding the gun with oil only attracts dirt and debris leading to fouling issues.
Glock’s Official Stance
With conflicting positions on both sides, what does Glock itself recommend? Here are the key lubrication points from the manufacturer:
- A small amount of oil should be applied to the slide rails and barrel hood every 500-1000 rounds fired or after exposing the pistol to moisture.
- A very light coating of oil can also be applied to the connector, trigger mechanism, and slide lock.
- No lubrication is needed on the striker, loaded chamber indicator, or magazine follower.
- Excess oil should always be wiped away to prevent attracting contaminants.
Based on this guidance, Glock leans towards lighter lubrication focused on high-friction areas. They specifically warn against over-oiling the pistol.
Experts’ Lubrication Recommendations
In addition to Glock’s specifications, firearm experts offer the following general lubrication advice for Glocks:
- Use only high-quality gun oils designed specifically for firearms.
- Lubricate the pistol after cleanings, before longer storage, and every 250-500 rounds.
- Focus oil application on the rails, barrel hood, and locking block/lugs.
- Use just 2-3 small drops of oil per lubrication point.
- Spread the oil evenly and wipe away any excess.
- Do not oil the chamber or magazine.
Many experts warn over-lubrication is a far bigger issue than under-lubrication with Glocks. Applying too much oil attracts debris while very little is needed for proper functioning.
Input from Glock Owners
With theoretical guidance covered, what do real-world Glock owners say about lubrication amount? Here are some perspectives from shooting forums and videos:
- “I just put a couple drops of oil on the rails every 500 rounds or so. Glocks really don’t need much lube at all.”
- “I tried lubricating heavily once and it caused all kinds of failures. I switched to very light oil and have had zero issues.”
- “I oil the bejesus out of my Glock and have for 15K rounds now without problems. To each their own.”
- “I follow the manufacturer recommendations and have never had any lubrication-related malfunctions.”
- “If the gun is clean, a tiny bit of quality oil is all that’s needed. Glocks are workhorses not racehorses.”
While perspectives vary somewhat, most Glock owners seem to favor very light lubrication focused on wear surfaces. Flooding the gun with oil is generally considered a bad idea.
Potential Issues With Over-Oiling
What specific problems might arise from lubricating a Glock too liberally? Here are some potential malfunctions and issues:
- Failure to Extract – Oil dripping down the breech face can impede spent case extraction.
- Failure to Eject – Excess oil on the extractor can interfere with empty case ejection.
- Stovepipes – Too much lubrication can gum up the slide’s movement, leading to extraction issues.
- Light Primer Strikes – Oil seeping into the firing pin channel slows the striker spring.
- Misfires – Lubricant on the breech face and chamber can cause ignition problems.
- Short Cycling – Slide rails flooded with oil impede full range of motion for slide cycling.
While an oiled Glock is generally very reliable, over-lubrication can certainly create issues. Paying close attention to where oil is applied minimizes these risks.
Tips for Lubricating a Glock
Based on all the evidence and input, follow these best practices for lubricating a Glock pistol:
- Use a premium gun oil designed specifically for firearms.
- Apply just 1-2 small drops per lubrication point.
- Oil friction surfaces like slide rails, barrel hood, and lugs.
- Avoid putting oil into the chamber, striker channel, or magazine.
- Spread oil thinly and wipe away any excess.
- Re-lube every 250-500 rounds or when exposed to moisture.
- Clean and oil the pistol after range sessions to prevent fouling issues.
- Err on the side of less lubrication rather than more.
Sticking to these tips will provide just enough lubrication for optimal functioning while minimizing potential issues.
Conclusion
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the “wet vs dry” Glock lubrication debate. However, the weight of evidence indicates a lightly-oiled Glock is optimal for most civilian uses. Flooding the gun with oil attracts contaminants, creates malfunctions, and provides no real benefit over judicious lubrication on wear surfaces. Following the manufacturer guidance and experts’ tips allows a Glock to run reliably for thousands of rounds without issues. Ultimately, a quality gun oil applied sparingly to key points strikes the ideal balance for peak performance.