Glock Armorer’s Class

4/8/2025: Adding to my list of credentials, I am now a Certified Glock Armorer!

Thanks to my buddy Jeff Harrolle for encouraging me to sign up for this training class many months ago.

Outside of the obvious benefits of knowledge, hands-on experience and ability to perform detailed slide and frame disassembly under warranty, it allows me to buy OEM parts directly from Glock.

We learned about Gen5 and prior generation Glock pistols, various models/calibers, safeties, operation, internal parts, safety checks, functional checks and more.

There were many reps spent completely disassembling and reassembling the slide and frame of the Gen5 and prior generation models. In the practical and written examinations, Jeff and I passed easily with 100% scores on the written exam.

It is shocking how fast and easily you can completely tear down a Glock (especially Gen5) and reassemble it. It is also impressive how few parts there are relative to other manufacturers pistol designs. “Glock Perfection” has long been made fun of, but it’s difficult to argue with the fact that simplicity and reliability are good things.

Glock provided us with an extensive manual and swag like a neoprene mat, parts tray, armorer’s tool, and half slide backplates useful for observing trigger-bar to firing pin engagement.

The instructor brought a collection of his personal Glock firearms equipped with a wide range of of the latest Pistol Mounted Optics. The ability to handle these firearms and compare optics side-by-side was interesting and useful.

My favorite model was the Gen5 G45, which is a full-size G17 frame that actually fits my hand with a compact size G19 slide that is a little easier to carry. Combined with Glock’s $100 “Performance Trigger”, it will be a serious challenger for my current concealed carry pistol (a Sig P365 Fuse). I love the idea of having a quality OEM trigger, as opposed to always having to do trigger jobs to address the marginal triggers found on almost out of the box guns.

One more point on the Performance Trigger. Glock manages to achieve the result without having to lighten the firing pin spring. This means that you aren’t running the risk of light strikes when using ammo with hard primers.