Proper cleaning and maintenance of your Glock 17 Gen 5 ensure reliability, accuracy, and longevity. Follow this step-by-step guide based on Glock’s official owner’s manual to safely clean and lubricate your firearm.

What You’ll Need (hover over “Cleaning Gear” in navigation menu):

✔️ Cleaning mat or soft cloth (to protect your work surface)
✔️ Glock disassembly tool or punch (optional)
✔️ Nylon cleaning brush (Glock-supplied or aftermarket)
✔️ Cotton patches or lint-free cloth
✔️ Cleaning solvent (Glock recommends non-abrasive gun cleaners)
✔️ Gun oil/lubricant (use a small amount, as per Glock’s recommendations)
✔️ Bore brush (nylon or bronze) and cleaning rod

Step 1: Ensure Firearm is Unloaded

1. Remove the magazine and set it aside.

2. Lock the slide back and visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty.

3. Physically check with your finger to confirm there is no round in the chamber.

4. Release the slide and point the firearm in a safe direction.

5. Press the trigger to release the firing pin (required for disassembly).

Step 2: Field Strip the Glock 17 Gen 5

1. With the trigger pressed, pull the slide slightly back (~⅛ inch).

2. Pull down the slide lock on both sides simultaneously.

3. Push the slide forward and remove it from the frame.

4. Remove the recoil spring assembly by gently pulling it out.

5. Remove the barrel from the slide.

(No further disassembly is recommended per Glock’s manual.)

Step 3: Cleaning the Barrel

1. Attach a cleaning patch soaked in solvent to the cleaning rod and pass it through the bore.

2. Let the solvent sit for a few minutes to break down fouling.

3. Use a bore brush to scrub inside the barrel.

4. Pass dry patches through the barrel until they come out clean.

5. Run a lightly oiled patch through the bore for protection.

Step 4: Cleaning the Slide

1. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the slide with a cloth or cleaning patches.

2. Use a nylon brush and solvent to remove carbon buildup around the breech face, extractor, and firing pin channel.

3. Wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.

4. Do NOT over-oil—Glock firearms require minimal lubrication.

Step 5: Cleaning the Frame

1. Use a dry cloth or brush to remove dirt from the frame.

2. Pay attention to the rails, trigger mechanism, and magazine well.

3. Wipe down the frame with a lightly oiled patch, ensuring no excess oil remains.

Step 6: Lubricating Your Glock 17 Gen 5

Glock requires minimal lubrication—too much oil can attract dirt and cause malfunctions. Apply one drop of oil to the following areas:

✅ Barrel exterior – Lightly coat the barrel and locking lugs.
✅ Slide rails – Apply a small drop along each slide rail.
✅ Recoil spring assembly – Apply a tiny amount on the metal guide rod.
✅ Barrel hood – A small drop where the barrel meets the slide.

(Do NOT lubricate the firing pin channel or magazine well!)

Step 7: Reassembly & Function Check

1. Insert the barrel back into the slide.

2. Reinstall the recoil spring assembly (ensure it seats properly).

3. Align the slide with the frame rails and push it back into place.

4. Pull the slide back and release it forward to ensure proper function.

5. Perform a dry fire test in a safe direction.

Step 8: Final Wipe Down

Use a clean cloth to wipe down the exterior of the firearm. Ensure no excess oil or residue is left behind.

How Often Should You Clean Your Glock 17 Gen 5?

🔹 After every shooting session
🔹 If the firearm is exposed to dust, dirt, sweat, or moisture
🔹 At least once a month for storage maintenance

Following this Glock factory-recommended cleaning process will help ensure your Glock 17 Gen 5 remains reliable, accurate, and in peak condition for years to come.