Author Topic: Recoil spring replacement  (Read 1196 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Keith L

  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3781
Recoil spring replacement
« on: August 13, 2006, 06:25:23 PM »
I was told today that the recoil spring on an automatic pistol needs to be replaced every 1000 rounds.  If this is the case my poor Glock 19 has several times this number through it.  Is this the recommended interval?  If so where is the best place to get replacement springs.  Is there a preferred aftermarket spring?

Sorry if this has been covered before.  I don't think the search is working, or at least it didn't work for me.

Thanks!
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."  Benjamin Franklin

Offline Savage

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4397
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2006, 03:13:11 PM »
I usually buy parts for Glocks from Lone Wolff, recoil springs are available there as well. Order a new one and compare the length to the original. If the old spring is a half inch or so shorter than the new spring, it's time to replace it. You can also tell a lot about the spring by the distance the spent cases fall from the gun. A weak recoil spring will allow cases to be thrown 20' or more from the gun. The spring should last a lot longer than 1000 rds!
Savage
An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last,

Offline Keith L

  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3781
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2006, 04:32:46 PM »
Thanks.  Good advice.  I will get a spare and compare.  I expect (hope) to shoot it enough to need one sooner or later.
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."  Benjamin Franklin

Offline jro45

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1923
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2006, 01:14:28 PM »
I used to shoot in matches so my Glock got plenty of use. I changed both my fireing pin spring
and my recoil spring just to be on the safe side.

Offline z_biker

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2006, 02:44:09 AM »
I have read much about captive recoil spring/guide rod failures, but I have maybe 5000 round thru my G26. So far so good!

Are the polymer ones prone to fail?

z

Offline jro45

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1923
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2006, 08:35:46 AM »
z_biker

I changed my recoil spring to a guide rod and 17# spring. It works just fine.

Offline Savage

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4397
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2006, 11:11:40 PM »
z_biker,
I have never seen a guide rod failure in a Glock first hand. I have heard stories and seen pictures of a half dozen or so failures. A polymer guide rod failure could render the pistol useless. SS guide rods are cheap insurance, and have not compromised reliability in my Glocks. I see no good reason not to change them out.
Savage
An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last,

Offline Arc Angel

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 48
Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2006, 02:07:28 AM »
Lone Wolf Distributors is a good place to buy replacement Glock parts.  Another place is Wolff Gunsprings; but, at Wolff you'll, also, need to pick up one of their non-captured steel guide rods. 

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/products.asp?prod=61 

http://www.gunsprings.com/SemiAuto/GlockNF.html 

Whenever you replace the recoil spring it is, also, a good idea to replace the firing pin spring as well. 

A good INDICATOR of whether or not you need to replace the recoil spring on a Glock pistol is to perform this simple test: 

First, remove the magazine and make sure the chamber is empty.  After you've verified that the pistol is unloaded, elevate the muzzle at a 45 degree angle.  Gently pull the slide back, and hold the trigger to the rear while you do this.  Now, with your support hand placed firmly across the top rear of the slide slowly, 'ride' the slide forward.  (Remember to hold the trigger back!)  If the slide goes fully into battery, then, you've got a strong spring.  If the slide stops just short of going into battery, but snaps shut at the slightest downward movement of the muzzle, it is still a fully functional spring - just, 'worn in'. 

If the slide doesn't go into full battery at between 45-25 degrees, it is showing signs of weakness.  Experience is your best guide.  Depending on the degree of angle between 45 degrees of elevation and true horizontal, your Glock's recoil spring may need to be replaced.  My recommendation would be to change any spring that doesn't snap into battery until after it's below 15 degrees or at true horizontal. 

There is a caveat:  Many brand new Glocks have failed this test; it used to be taught at the armorer's school and no longer is.  You may take this opinion for what it's worth:  High quality springs are NOT one of Glock's strong suites.  The first thing I do with a new Glock pistol is call Wolff Gunsprings and replace every spring on board (except the depressor rod spring) with new high tensile strength Wolff springs. 

A classic sign of a weak recoil spring is ejected brass that is thrown no more than a foot or two from the gun - Especially if the ejection line is, 'flat' with no arc to it.  Another good indicator of a weak recoil spring is repeated FTF's with the last few rounds in the magazine failing to feed.  I always make a mental note of where my ejected brass is landing.  Anything over 3 feet is, generally, fine with me. 

Hope this does it for ya!  ;)   
Illegitimati Non Carborundum!

Offline Keith L

  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (4)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3781
Re: Recoil spring replacement
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2006, 02:44:31 AM »
Thanks!
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."  Benjamin Franklin