How Should I Insert a Non-Captive Recoil Assembly?

[Ben86]

I have recently bought a steel non-captive guide rod and new spring of stock weight for my Glock 17. This is my first. I bought it because I like steel guide rods more, and all the captive steel ones I've tried had crappy, ugly screws at the end that came out easily.

Inserting the non-captive recoil assembly has been a real chore. So I want to know, from those who frequently do this, what is your technique for inserting one?

Lately I've been trying to grasp the slide and recoil assembly with my left hand and push the rod through the slide and back into the barrel lug. That method is not too effective. My other method is to hold the spring tight with my left, push up on the bottom of the rod with my right so that the rod is exposed and put it into place holding the spring back. That is painful. Is there a better way, please tell me there is a better way!

 

[Dirtpile]

Thats pretty much it. Unless you find something to hold the slide for you so you can use both hands.
Now you know WHY they make captured rods!

 

[Ben86]

No that can't be it! There must be some masterful technique that I just have not thought of or been shown.

Darn it.

The new spring and recoil rod does seem to improve accuracy and reduce recoil though. Maybe its worth the hassle.

I think the spring ismi spring is made of a better metal than the stock glock spring. The glock spring tends to "deteriorate" or something, leaving behind a grey powder. Is that normal?

 

[Seven For Sure]

Put the front of the spring in the front of the slide. Hold the spring in place as close to the front as possible with your other thumb and index finger. Push the recoil rod in with your thumb. When the recoil rod extends past the front of the slide, push the head of it down into the seating place on the barrel lug. It's very easy once you do it a few times, your new spring will break in a bit also.

 

[Ben86]

Thanks Seven I'll have to practice that.