Hi Power firing pin spring - is it important to change it?

[IMtheNRA]

I have a beautiful matte-chromed circa-1994 Hi Power that has now had 3 recoil springs - I replace them after about 3,000 rounds. Every one of these Wolff recoil springs came with an "extra-power" firing pin spring in the package.

I never replaced the firing pin spring because I can't think of any reason to put in an extra-power one. Besides, when I take out the firing pin for a deep cleaning, the fp spring feels like it still has lots of springiness in it

Is there any reason that I should replace the fp spring with this Wolff extra-power spring and am I asking for trouble by not doing it?

 

[Onmilo]

When it come to spriongs and firearms the old adage, "When in doubt, change it out." is Never bad advice.

99% of function issues I see with firearms is due to poor cleaning habits and faulty springs. HTH

 

[ku4hx]

Best advice is to replace it. The springs are dirt cheap and very easy to change. That being said, my "T" model purchased circa 1969 still has the original spring and it works fine. I did buy replacement spring sets, but since this gun is not in my SD rotation (no fault of the gun) I haven't replaced any.

I load the vast majority of my own fodder and what I load for the BHP duplicates the internal ballistics of its "native" round. That may have contributed to spring longevity. But if it ever were to become a "duty" piece, the various springs would all get replaced.

 

[ku4hx]

When it come to spriongs and firearms the old adage, "When in doubt, change it out." is Never bad advice.

99% of function issues I see with firearms is due to poor cleaning habits and faulty springs. HTH

+1 This is perhaps the truest statement I've read on any gun forum in a long time.

 

[Drail]

If you don't know how old any spring is it is or who made it replace all of the springs with quality Wolff or ISMI springs. The gun depends on full strength springs for reliability and safe functioning. If you don't do this then someday you'll find out that you have a weak spring. For recoil springs buy spares.

 

[IMtheNRA]

What is the reason to have an "extra power" firing pin spring?

 

[WVsig]

IIRC the extra power firing pin spring helps to prevent accidental discharges from the heavier 18.5 recoil spring.

 

[IMtheNRA]

Oh... That makes sence. The heavier recoil spring would return the slide assembly faster. Thank you!