Glock 20 modifications for backcountry carry

[Rob5589]

I am certainly no expert but, it would be interesting to see how a 200 grain bullet, non HC, would function. If they work fine it would have to be something to do with feeding the HC bullet design. In that case I'd be on the phone with KKM and see what they say. There are some older threads on ar15.com and glocktalk where KKM stated their barrels could not handle the HC bullet length. That and the round would get jammed cockeyed. They are from 2014 & 2015 so not sure how valid the issues are currently. Good luck man, you have to be frustrated.

 

[Fatcamp]

Have you completely disassembled the pistol and reassembled it per manual?

This is why I recommended to shoot the gun factory. Others disagree and I get that. Scrubbing the bore occasionally is not a problem, and issues with lead buildup are overblown. I say this for others who may read this thread in years to come, not for you, OP. Sucks you are dealing with this.

My competition pistol was a Gen 3 17 that was made with the first run of MIM parts. Local shop gave me a screaming deal on it barely used, even though I wondered why it had so much oil in it. Long story short it sucked, I had to convince Glock to take it back and replace the parts, and the whole episode pissed me off. It was the extractor they replaced I think. Gun hasn't malfunctioned in thousands of rounds.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I think I’d be moving on from that particular Glock, all of this is simply mind blowing. I have 3 Glock 20s I have not had any issues like you are describing, as I’ve said before, the only issues I ever had were with a crappy lone wolf “alpha wolf” barrel and also a batch of sellier&bellot Ammo that had ridiculously hard primers.

My glock 20s eat everything I feed them with no hiccups, no heavy recon springs, no magazine springs, nothing. Just a KKM barrel and night sights.

 

[mcseal2]

I took it apart like the manual said and reassembled it. I havent over oiled it im pretty sure. I just followed the instructions.

I will call KKM and see what they say.

I have not tried non HC hardcast. I could just to see but thats more money. Ill see what KKM says first.

 

[PredatorX]

True^ ...but the point is...there is a good reason why striker fire pistols are so popular.

..

Yes, but it isn't necessarily because Glocks are safer...Because they are not. It is mainly because they are lighter and capacity is greater...and they are cheaper to manufacture.

 

[mcseal2]

Well I called KKM today.

I told them of my issues and they asked if I had tried Double Tap ammo. They said that is the ammo they use to test their barrels with HC bullets. I said I had not but I had some on order, just waiting for it to arrive. They said they bet that works. If it does not they said to return the barrel and they will polish the feed ramp some more. They said that should fix the problem.

I said the problem was only with the Lead bullets, not with the JHP or EP ammo I have shot and he said that he bets polishing the feed ramp works if the Double Tap doesn't. He said occasionally they see this issue because lead bullets are "stickier" than the copper jacketed or copper bullets. He uses Double Tap 230gr cast in his personal gun, so I would assume the length isn't a problem now. I didn't read that post until after talking with him or I'd have asked.

Anyway I guess that's the next step after trying the other ammo. I really don't know what to think about that. I had issues with the factory barrel also, so I'm not sure that will be the cure. Guess it doesn't hurt to try.

 

[cubdriver84d]

Well I called KKM today.

I told them of my issues and they asked if I had tried Double Tap ammo. They said that is the ammo they use to test their barrels with HC bullets. I said I had not but I had some on order, just waiting for it to arrive. They said they bet that works. If it does not they said to return the barrel and they will polish the feed ramp some more. They said that should fix the problem.

I said the problem was only with the Lead bullets, not with the JHP or EP ammo I have shot and he said that he bets polishing the feed ramp works if the Double Tap doesn't. He said occasionally they see this issue because lead bullets are "stickier" than the copper jacketed or copper bullets. He uses Double Tap 230gr cast in his personal gun, so I would assume the length isn't a problem now. I didn't read that post until after talking with him or I'd have asked.

Anyway I guess that's the next step after trying the other ammo. I really don't know what to think about that. I had issues with the factory barrel also, so I'm not sure that will be the cure. Guess it doesn't hurt to try.

I hope the DT work for you. I run the 230s in mine through a lone wolf barrel with no problems. I had a stainless gen 4 style spring/guide rod in there but just went to a titanium gen 3 style guide rod and 22 lb spring. Still runs great.

 

[mcseal2]

I did some shooting just now to burn some frustration both on this project and a long day. Tried to move 150 cow/calf pairs this morning and it didn't work. Spent half the morning moving them and had about 15 calves crawl through a fence and run back to their original pasture. Spent the other half of the morning driving the rest back to them. My horse was wore out, I was wore out, and I've pulled 4 ticks off so far. I'm apparently not on a lucky streak lately!

Anyway I tried the 220gr Underwood again with stock everything after talking to KKM about the barrel. I rested the gun on a pallet my wife has in her garden and really locked down on it. I saw that on a YouTube video where a guy had trouble with jams limp wristing and the ammo fed fine that way. I had a jam the first opportunity. I put in the 22lb spring, stock everything else and had a jam on the second. I just don't know that the KKM barrel is the issue when the factory barrel has the same problems. I ran a mag of 180 JHP's through the G20 and they did fine again. Then I got out my 1911 45 and ran 40 through it shooting both my rolling ball targets and steel, that helped relieve some stress. G20 is parked until the Double Tap shows up, nothing else left to try.

 

[Rob5589]

Out of curiousity, how many different mags have you tried? Few years ago Glock had issues with followers in their 9mm mags so they replaced them or owners bought the newer ones.

 

[KChunter71]

McSeal, I have a Smith 500 I can bring out to the farm! I promise she will put a smile on your face. Sorry about the Glock luck.


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[mcseal2]

Tried all 3 mags it came with.

Thanks teamkabob. I have the 5 shot 44 on the way if the Glock doesnt straighten out. I can always use the extreme penetrators if i dont get a hardcast load too. I have options.

 

[Brendan]

Long ranging thread, but anyone interested in a LW barrel, stainless guide rod, spring, and adapter cup for the G4 - shoot me a message.

 

[Wrench]

If it makes you feel better I had 1 stove pipe today. Hit me in the hat.

The other 299 went off as planned.

 

[mcseal2]

I could handle that level of failure!

The 180gr JHP have done better than that, it's just the bear loads that fail.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

And you're not at all interested in simply running either the 180 or 200 XTP? Both are soooo accurate in both my Kimber 1911 and this new XDm. You seem to have a good assortment of serviceable backcountry protection. The G20 is a solid choice. Per the this thread and the other one.....I'd shit can the idea of Hard Cast. Been down that road. They aren't "Magical". Lehigh staggered with XTP of your flavor and Rock On!

 

[mcseal2]

I understand what you are saying. I just didn't buy a 10mm to shoot a 140gr bullet or a JHP design that doesn't penetrate great. I really bought this gun for a specific purpose of shooting HC bullets of 200+ grains for a situation I hope never occurs. Doesn't sound real reasonable when I put it that way, but it's why I got a new gun instead of just putting 180gr HC in my 357.

I still might just end up using EP ammo in grizzly country and a 180gr JHP everywhere else. Your idea isn't wrong.

 

[Rob5589]

Not sure if these interest you but...

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

Not nitpicking you. I just personally don't think they are the Be All, End All for 10mm ammo. Think the G20 IS a very solid choice for what most of us, and you, want.

 

[redbullitt]

I like the ameriglo sights on mine. Orange front sight, plain steel rear sight.

Grip reduction may be in the cards depending on your hands.

Hard cast loads do fine in my pistol IF they fit the bore well.

Tucker gun leather makes some good stuff for belt carry, my favorite.

A Kenai chest rig will do the trick too!

 

[PredatorX]

McSeal, I have a Smith 500 I can bring out to the farm! I promise she will put a smile on your face. Sorry about the Glock luck.


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It sure does even if you can't hit anything with it! It has some fun recoil. Shoot this pistol well and you could shoot any.

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