KB

[Rogelk]

I've been researching Glocks and the phenomenon known as KB's looking for a definitive answer. Is it an internet myth? If it exists, is it no more frequent than any other pistol with questionable ammo? If it did (does) exist, did Glock fix the problem? The individual that posted this pic in another forum declares it proof positive that Glock took care of the problem. Does this pic satisfy any questions in your mind ?

the left 2nd generation on the right 3rd generation (both Glock 23's)

[DeanC]

Would need to see the measurements on the cases after they are fired.

[Rogelk]

Would need to see the measurements on the cases after they are fired.

Yes, that would be useful. Here's a Glock 19 (9mm) KB. http://www.thegunzone.com/glock/g19-kb.html

[sochr000]

I've been researching Glocks and the phenomenon known as KB's looking for a definitive answer. Is it an internet myth? If it exists, is it no more frequent than any other pistol with questionable ammo? If it did (does) exist, did Glock fix the problem? The individual that posted this pic in another forum declares it proof positive that Glock took care of the problem. Does this pic satisfy any questions in your mind ?

the left 2nd generation on the right 3rd generation (both Glock 23's)

Not sure what I'm seeing here, is it that the 3rd gen seems to seat the casing slightly deeper?

[EAJuggalo]

The recent third gen has more chamber support than the second gen pictured.
KB's are not an internet myth, they do happen, slightly more often in Glock .40's than other makes or calibers. But it does happen in other makes and calibers.
All current manufacture Glocks have the third pin which strengthens the frame and more chamber support. In my mind the problem has been fixed if one is using high quality ammo, most of the KB's have been linked to reloads or poor quality ammo. I've put about 3k rounds through a stock .40 barrel and wouldn't have any concerns putting another 12k through.

[Rogelk]

Not sure what I'm seeing here, is it that the 3rd gen seems to seat the casing slightly deeper?

EAJuggalo explained it accurately. There is a small difference in the two pics but, it's so slight it could be lighting or camera angle IMO. Does anyone know if Glock officially ever addressed this. If so, what did they say? EAJuggalo how do you know about the fix? Is it something you've seen?

[EAJuggalo]

To my knowledge Glock has never officially addressed it but in newer barrels you can see a difference. The person to ask is ButchG17, send him a pm and ask him to show you the difference in pictures.

[onebohemian]

I've always believed that there is slightly less support on the glock 40's, as may be seen from the pic and with decent measurements being taken on various manufacturers' guns. Never done the measurements myself, but I've read lots about the issue and this is my conclusion. But as to how many actual kabooms -- if any -- with factory ammo have ever happened, that remains a huge mystery. There are tens of thousands of these caliber guns in service, and have been for years. It is probably best characterized as a weakness in design, but not so serious or prevalent of a one as to rise to the constant glock-bashing that has resulted from unverified stories of kabooms caused solely from it. Pick virtually any gun in service today, and you could probably identify some flaw. Add the internet to the equation and all of the sudden everyone is talking about a sister's boyfriend's cousin's nephew's mom's grandfather that had a glock 40 blow up in his hand because of the unsupported chamber, or the guy-I-knew-from-highschool-whose-coworker's-husband's-brother-in-law dropped his pre-recall LCP causing it to discharge, etc., etc.

[rtk]

I've always believed that there is slightly less support on the glock 40's, as may be seen from the pic and with decent measurements being taken on various manufacturers' guns. Never done the measurements myself, but I've read lots about the issue and this is my conclusion. But as to how many actual kabooms -- if any -- with factory ammo have ever happened, that remains a huge mystery. There are tens of thousands of these caliber guns in service, and have been for years. It is probably best characterized as a weakness in design, but not so serious or prevalent of a one as to rise to the constant glock-bashing that has resulted from unverified stories of kabooms caused solely from it. Pick virtually any gun in service today, and you could probably identify some flaw. Add the internet to the equation and all of the sudden everyone is talking about a sister's boyfriend's cousin's nephew's mom's grandfather that had a glock 40 blow up in his hand because of the unsupported chamber, or the guy-I-knew-from-highschool-whose-coworker's-husband's-brother-in-law dropped his pre-recall LCP causing it to discharge, etc., etc.

I think that Onebohemian hit the nail on the head with this post. I have a couple of 3rd gen. Glocks in .40 caliber and have fired thousands of factory rounds with them and have never had an issue.

RTK

[Pinnacle]

I've always believed that there is slightly less support on the glock 40's, as may be seen from the pic and with decent measurements being taken on various manufacturers' guns. Never done the measurements myself, but I've read lots about the issue and this is my conclusion. But as to how many actual kabooms -- if any -- with factory ammo have ever happened, that remains a huge mystery. There are tens of thousands of these caliber guns in service, and have been for years. It is probably best characterized as a weakness in design, but not so serious or prevalent of a one as to rise to the constant glock-bashing that has resulted from unverified stories of kabooms caused solely from it. Pick virtually any gun in service today, and you could probably identify some flaw. Add the internet to the equation and all of the sudden everyone is talking about a sister's boyfriend's cousin's nephew's mom's grandfather that had a glock 40 blow up in his hand because of the unsupported chamber, or the guy-I-knew-from-highschool-whose-coworker's-husband's-brother-in-law dropped his pre-recall LCP causing it to discharge, etc., etc.

I think that Onebohemian hit the nail on the head with this post. I have a couple of 3rd gen. Glocks in .40 caliber and have fired thousands of factory rounds with them and have never had an issue.

RTK

And then again there are a TON of very old Glock 40's that have never had problems either. This is one of those - Who knows what the real problem is.

[mrokern]

Remember that there are also a disproportionate number of Glocks in service compared to other brands, hence you will logically hear of more failures.

[Rogelk]

Remember that there are also a disproportionate number of Glocks in service compared to other brands, hence you will logically hear of more failures.

No argument there, but plenty of SIG's, Beretta's and Colts over the years as well.

[DeanC]

Left, Barsto replacement barrel, right, Glock factory barrel

[mrokern]

Remember that there are also a disproportionate number of Glocks in service compared to other brands, hence you will logically hear of more failures.

No argument there, but plenty of SIG's, Beretta's and Colts over the years as well.

True, but I doubt you'd find any one single brand of those having as much professional (i.e. LEO) use as does the Glock. Many departments went directly from revolver to Glock and have stayed there.

1911 variants certainly have the numbers, but it's a far lower-pressure round than the .40 or even the 9mm.

Now, that said...I can notice some bulging in brass from my Glock 22 (current gen), and as a beginning reloader, I'm quite leery of moving into .40S&W territory because of it.

-Mark

[Pinnacle]

Hence the differences in a COMBAT CHAMBER AND A MATCH CHAMBER

Lets see what happens to that Bar-Sto when it gets a little dirty..... The Glock Chamber is well within SAAMI Spec... but it aint a match chamber either.