Advice on G36 malfunctions

[Porter Rockwell]

Hello All,

Porter here. I have had some recent problems with my G36 and wanted to ask you allsome questions.

The first 200-400 rounds went through my 36 just fine without a hitch. However, I began having stovepipes and even managed a squib thereafter. I wondered if ammo was the issue so I changed from winchester white box, to american eagle/federal. It seemed a bit better but still had 1-2 jams per 50 rounds. I have not had any with speer 230 gr. (shot about 40 rounds) and 1-2 with corbon 230 gr. (shot about 40 rounds) has 1-2 with Remington 230.

In addition, I noticed the slide would not come back completely when the magazine was empty. Seemed like it might be a mag/spring problem, but I dont know.

Third issue was the clean crisp 3.5 triggger pull seemed more like a 4-5# and was not as smooth. It felt hard and scratchy

Fourth, the ejected brass was crimped. Makes me wonder about feed/ejection probs. Has anyone expereinced any problems like these?
I'm a little beside myself because my 36 is my carry gun. I have switched to my 26 because of the reliability issues. Furthermore, I have never had any problems with my G19 or my 26 like I have with my 36. I'm torn, I'm a much better shot with the 36 than any other handgun I own. How much can these be corrected or is it time to look for a Kimber 1911?

Thanks in advance.

Porter.

[commander]

Sounds like you have made some mods to your pistol. Is one of the mods magazine extensions? If so and you feel you need extensions, get some stronger springs. Otherwise, go back to the stock bases and see if that solves the problem.

Most autoloader problems are magazine related.

If your trigger feels like it's getting heavy it could mean improper lubrication.
http://glockmeister.com/glubric.shtml
"The most important drop of oil is placed where the trigger bar and connector meet. Failure to properly lubricate the junction of the trigger bar and connector can lead to premature wear and a very heavy trigger pull."

[Porter Rockwell]

Long time no hear. I hope all is well with you.

You are correct. I did tried the Pierce +1 and it worked ok for awhile. I did switch back to my regular factory 6 rnd mag, but still had the same problems. Do you think some Wolff springs would help?

I do a pretty good job cleaning and lubing after every shoot. I'll try your proposal though and see if it makes a difference.

By the way, what happened to your cool avatar with the blackhawk? You had a nice one with an eagle and a flag for awhile didn't you? I think I remember the dropping cross as well.

Regards,

Porter

[Kodiak PA]

I have a couple of comments:

The scratchy trigger pull sounds like a dirty connector. Can you detail strip and clean this?

The slide not coming back completely. Does this mean it is not locking? In other words the slide is still in battery when it should have locked opened? This sounds like a worn follower to me.

Stovepipes. I had 'em with my 36. I switched to Wolff springs and the problem went away. Also, do you have an after market recoil spring or is it factory? I use the factory rated spring poundage for my non-captive guide rod. It seems to lessen jams.

If the problems continue try shooting 185 grain bullets just to see if that helps a bit. Some folks report that it does. Others don't. I would think it wouldn't help.

[Porter Rockwell]

Thanks for the advice. Let me respond to your questions. (By the way, know any Guth's? The father of a friend of mine owns a guide service up there..can't remember the town, but he seems to have a pretty big operation. His specialties are fishing and bear.)

Anyways, to your comments and questions:

"The scratchy trigger pull sounds like a dirty connector. Can you detail strip and clean this?"

I have thought of pulling the thing apart and polishing it. I have cleaned the connectors in the past, but I am wondering if it needs more detailed attention.

"The slide not coming back completely. Does this mean it is not locking? In other words the slide is still in battery when it should have locked opened?"

Yes, oftentimes the slide is still in the battery when it should have locked open. It may be a worn follower, but I would be suprized. The gun s has only had some 2,000 rounds through it. I'll take a look at it though.


"Stovepipes. I had 'em with my 36. I switched to Wolff springs and the problem went away."

I have thought this should be the first thing I do. Any recommendations on what # of wolff springs?

"Also, do you have an after market recoil spring or is it factory?" I have been using factory springs and mags. Although i did put the Pierce +1 on one on my mags. However, the problems still occurs with the factory mags.

"If the problems continue try shooting 185 grain bullets just to see if that helps a bit. Some folks report that it does. Others don't. I would think it wouldn't help."

I really prefer 230, but if I was to drop to 200 , 185 or even 165 (I think Corbon may be the only one who produces this round) what make/manufacturer would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Porter.

[Kodiak PA]

Hi Porter:
I don't know any Guth's Guide Service, they must be on the mainland. I live on an island off the mainland.

Your problem with your slide sounds more like a worn slide stop lever to me than a follower from the way you describe it. I would try replacing it. If you use your slide stop to put your gun in battery rather than sling shoting it, it can wear down the softer metal of the lever. Reserve slide releasing by the lever for emergencies only.

Yes, clean and polish your connector. It sounds dirty is all. Even if the connector is scratched you just need to clean it off, put a small amount of metal polish on it with a Q-tip and buff it out a bit.

Wolff offers just one type of extra power mag springs for the 36 so they're standard. As far as a guide rod spring, I would go with the factory rated 17lbs. It is listed on their site; www.gunsprings.com. If you get a guide rod spring from Wolff you have to purchase one of their non-captive rods. I am not sure this is necessary. Your problem sounds like a worn slide release lever

As far as bullets go, stick with your 230 grainers and just replace the lever and the mag springs and see if the problem disappears. I like the Winchester SXT 185 gr slugs. They seem to feed well but like I said your problem sounds very fixable.