Glocks are known for being indestructible, or at least very rugged. But rust can attack and make unuseable many made items, and one used for self-defense could produce a fatal outcome.
So, can a Glock rust? Yes, but they are very resistant to the rusting process, and almost impervious if they are maintained well. Several interior parts such as springs and bars can rust if untreated and uncared for, and everything can rust if severely abused. Google ‘Glock rust’ and you will find plenty that have rusted because they were not cared for.
If you maintain your Glock just like any other firearm, it will likely never rust anywhere. The Glock finish makes it more resistant to rust than many other firearms. Glocks are perhaps the most rust resistant pistols on the planet. A little preventive maintenance will ensure you will have no problems.
Basically, the Glock is a mechanical device, and while a great one, it is not magic. Like everything mechanical it can fail, and like everything metal it can rust. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
The Rusting Process
Guns are made of steel, an iron alloy. It is the union of moisture and oxygen on a metal surface which produces oxidation that causes rust on firearms. In an oxygen atmosphere they’re going to rust. Oxygen is always around it, and will always be working to oxidize and cause surface rust.
If you lived in a damp enough environment, it could have orange powder on the barrel literally overnight.
Countries in western North America, Australia, central and southern Africa that have 99% of dry and sub-humid weather rust will be at its minimum. On the other hand, humid places on earth such as tropical seashores, Southeast Asia , the Congo river, and coastal cities worldwide metal will very easily rust.
A Gun’s barrel may be stainless steel but that doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t rust. Stainless steel can contain other elements such as nickel and manganese, but chromium is the key element which makes it rust resistant. …
As long as there is sufficient chromium present, the chromium oxide layer will continue to protect the stainless steel and prevent it from rusting
The Glock’s frame, magazine body, and several other components are made from a high-strength nylon-based polymer invented by Gaston Glock, called Polymer 2.
This plastic was specially formulated to provide increased durability and is more resilient than carbon steel and most steel alloys.
Plastic does not rust.
What Are Glocks Made Of
The Polymer 2 plastic was specially formulated to provide increased durability and is more resilient than carbon steel and most steel alloys.
Glock barrels and slides are made from quality steel which has been treated with a special “Tenifer” process. This colorless carbo-nitrate formula enriches the steel with oxygen, sealing its pores.
The Glock is literally made in a plastic mold as opposed to being assembled from steel. It’s what makes it so light; and what allows the gun to have the large capacity, as the plastic is very thin.
Glock Standard Models
Glock produces five models of single-stack “Slimline” subcompact pistols, the Glock 36 in . 45 ACP, the Glock 42 in . 380 ACP, and the Glock 43, 43x, and 48 in 9×19mm. The 43x and the 48 have longer grips that allow for a full three-finger hold and a 10-round capacity
Standard models include the G17 (9mm), G22 (. 40cal), G20 (10mm), G37 (. 45 GAP), G21 (. 45 ACP), and the G31
Several interior parts such as springs and bars can rust if not cared for.
Glocks use carbon steel in their barrels, which is more susceptible to rust. They then subject the barrels and slides to the Tennifer surface treatment, which should protect the steel, but it’s thickness is measured in microns. So the likely hood of the barrel ever rusting is very slim.
Will A Glock Rust
If you maintain your Glock just like any other firearm, it will likely never rust anywhere. The Glock finish makes it more resistant to rust than many other firearms
To make sure your Glock pistol keeps working reliably, you should clean and lubricate it on a regular schedule. Refer to your owner’s manual for the proper lubrication points, as well as the proper amounts of lubrication required.
Can A Glock Barrel Rust
Glock barrels and slides are made from quality steel which has been treated with a special “Tenifer” process. This colorless carbo-nitrate formula enriches the steel with oxygen, sealing its pores.
If you remove the black to reveal the surface, and then polish the surface too much, you risk removing the tennifer as well, and that reveals the untreated steel and it could rust.
Will A Glock Slide Rust
Assuming it’s not an aftermarket replacement, a while back Glock switched from the tenifer process of hardening the steel and coating that steel, to a gas process.
Many people subsequently found that small rust spots developed, but possibly that was early on in the switching process.
Well maintained Glocks will resist rusting as they are coated to prevent oxidation of the metal layer.
The more knocks, scratches, and ‘working use’ scrapes a Glock has, the more chance you have of exposing metal that will make it susceptible to rust.
Keeping the slide lightly oiled will always prevent the rust process taking hold, especially in the correct atmospheric conditions.
Tips On Rust Prevention For Glocks
Your Glock pistol should be cleaned and lubricated:
- When it’s brand new, and before it’s fired for the first time
- After each time it’s fired
- At least once a month, if it hasn’t been used in that time
- If it’s been exposed to rain, snow, perspiration, salt water, dirt, dust, etc.
If you are using your Glock pistol very heavily, we recommend that you have it inspected periodically. A Glock certified armorer can do this, or you can send it to Glock, Inc. to be inspected.
If your Glock needs another part replaced, that should be done by a certified Glock armorer.
Conclusion
Glocks can and will rust just like any other firearm but they are very rust resistant. Having a polymer frame Glocks are less prone to rust than most firearms.
Some of the internals, like the springs will be made of metal, so will be prone to rust, but most owners report that the gun itself is pretty rust proof.
If you treat your carry firearms with the respect that a life-saving device is due and apply a few common-sense guidelines, then all will be well.
