Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

Hey guys, quick question, my GLOCK 22 I carry has started to make certain spots on the right side of the slide that look somewhat discolored. It didn't start untell I left my GLOCK 22 on the carpet of my truck during the day which I did for awhile until I discovered this issue. (My option for storage was terrible and a lousy one at that I know.) My first opinion was maybe it was rust, however, the slide still feels very smooth and the spots aren't seeable unless under certain low light conditions and angled just right or looked at just right in the sun. I took it too another gentlemen who delt with metals and claimed it could have oxidated from humidity. I just wanted too know if anyone might have had a similar situation or know if theirs anyway to resolve the discoloration or know if it may be something different other then the two opinions I got. These spots don't bother me all that much as again they really aren't that seeable but interested too know if it may affect something in the future or if there's a fix for it.

P.S. I took a loop (magnifier for metals) because I feared it was rust and viewed the area yet saw nothing on the slide.... it's all weird as angled just right you can still see these small spots.

Thanks again guys.

I may be wrong but I thought oxidation was just a fancy name for rust.

It's a possibility according to the definition online or so it seems worded that way, is there any safe way to remove it?

Have you tried rubbing them out with a good protective oil like Birchwood Casey Barricade? Pictures?

Isn't the Glock 22 slide coated instead of blued?. Too much rubbing might damage the coating.

OakRidgeStars wrote:Isn't the Glock 22 slide coated instead of blued?. Too much rubbing might damage the coating.

The Glocks are coated, but good luck getting it to come off. Wipe is probably the more appropriate word. The coating can get funny spots on it if the oil is removed from the steel. The carpet could have sucked up the oil. Interestingly, the coating and steel actually hold oil in them even when you think you have wiped all of it off. I have yet to see a Glock slide rust. Even when people were testing them by putting them in buckets of salt water (from the ocean) for months.

Vahunter wrote:I may be wrong but I thought oxidation was just a fancy name for rust.

Yup...you got it right. In the context of rust its the reaction of the outer layer of metal molecules with oxygen...though oxidation can also occur with non-metallics but that doesnt result in rust.

It would be difficult to determine through pictures, I've tried but it doesn't show the area. Like I said only when in direct sunlight or low light settings in the right angle, same thing with the sunlight it has to be angled right. I know this might sound weird but if in standard light or just shooting it, the spots aren't seen, that's why this problem isn't much of a concern to me but I was curious to know what it was.

Could it be sun bleaching? Are the discolorations on the side that was exposed to light?

WRW wrote:Could it be sun bleaching? Are the discolorations on the side that was exposed to light?

Perhaps of the coating.

Without being able to see it, I think we are going to have a very hard time diagnosing your spots. You could try a dedicated Glock forum as their expertise on specific and potentially rare issues will be much greater. Alternatively you could bring it a range and meet someone to take a look at it.

How long have you had the gun? First Glock?

I understand, I apologize if I wasted anyone's time. I've only had it for 2 months but of course I carry it alot and have had about 800 rounds through it. It's not my first GLOCK but it is the first GLOCK I've exposed too carry concealed and weathering. I make sure I apply REM Oil every night before I go to bed because sometimes I'm required to leave the firearm inside of the vehicle and because of the humidity we see in our area. I do appreciate the attempt everyone has made too answer my question and I'll follow through with your advice gunderwood, I do appreciate it.

MastaCAK47 wrote:I understand, I apologize if I wasted anyone's time. I've only had it for 2 months but of course I carry it alot and have had about 800 rounds through it. It's not my first GLOCK but it is the first GLOCK I've exposed too carry concealed and weathering. I make sure I apply REM Oil every night before I go to bed because sometimes I'm required to leave the firearm inside of the vehicle and because of the humidity we see in our area. I do appreciate the attempt everyone has made too answer my question and I'll follow through with your advice gunderwood, I do appreciate it.

No problem. We waste lots of time on here.

I wasn't complaining, I was just pointing out the obvious. I wish we could help more, but I've never heard of it before and it seems no one else has either. Knowing Glocks, if it is an issue, it must be rare.

Hey guys,

Sorry for updating an old post but I'd figured I would put this information out for those that may be interested, I also updated this post as it still refers too the topic of this post so I didn't feel a need to make a new one.

I purchased another GLOCK, a GLOCK RTF2 9MM too be exact with the same bluing as the mentioned above GLOCK 22 and noticed that the GLOCK RTF is covered with spots if aimed right at the sun light. I asked a firearms instructor who seems pretty knowledgable with GLOCKs and says the new method of their bluing is the reason why the spots are on the GLOCK. Supposidly, their new method of bluing is suppose to be more durable. I feel this matter is normal and that he is correct mostly due to the fact that GLOCK rarely makes defuncts, I also suppose the more the GLOCK has been shot, the more the spots start to disappear, as my GLOCK 22's spots are almost gone. I don't feel this matter is rust as I've rubbed an area with the recommended steel wool GLOCK had suggested and not a single spot was even changed nor was anything given off after cleaning it each time.

I thought this information was quite interesting myself, perhaps in the future I'll look up this new method their using. I still love both of my GLOCKs regardless though.