Magazine spring replacement

[Captain Quack]

I just replaced the mag springs on my 10 rd stock magazines for my Ruger PC95 DC. The old ones worked ok but I was concerned because they had been kept loaded 24/7 for 7 years. My P95 has now turned into a jam o matic. About every 3rd or 4th rd would FTF unless I racked the slide. Is there a specific way to put new springs in magazines? Do they have a top and a bottom? Do they have a "this way forward"? Confused minds would like to know.

Captain Quack.

 

[George P]

Springs weaken by work, not by staying compressed. But if it makes you more confident, make the change

 

[Bazoo]

Yes the springs have a front to back, and often a top/bottom. Been a while since I owned a Ruger and I can't recall now the spring specifics. The p95 is an excellent weapon though.

 

[Captain Quack]

I love my P95. I'll google and see if there is a video or article in how to install them properly. Thanks guys!

Captain Quack.

 

[1KPerDay]

Yes there's a proper orientation. GENERALLY the top loop of the spring will be angled forward and pressing up on the forward part of the follower. But particular guns have particular ways of orienting/connecting their springs. Some are looped through a hole in the follower, some are press-fit around a tab on the follower, etc.

when you take mags apart, try to pay close attention to which way the spring is oriented so you can get it back in the same way.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

If you have the spring in correctly, let the mag sit loaded for a while. May help with the feed issues. However, I think you likely have the spring in wrong.

 

[CapnMac]

Yes, there are correct orientations for magazine springs. Taking photos while you disassemble can be very helpful.

However, FTF jams are often more related to the recoil spring than the magazine spring. If the slide is not being driven forward at the precise design speed, then, it less likely to pick the next round out the magazine correctly.

 

[sparkyv]

This:

when you take mags apart, try to pay close attention to which way the spring is oriented so you can get it back in the same way

Yes, there are correct orientations for magazine springs. Taking photos while you disassemble can be very helpful.

 

[Captain Quack]

The springs appear to be identical at each end and from back to front but I took them out and reversed them. I'll take a little punch with me next time I go to the range so I can pull them out again if need be.

Captain Quack.

 

[JTQ]

While there is an orientation, springs also often need to take a "set" when new before they function their best.

Once you've figured out the proper spring orientation, load up your mags and let them sit for a few days before you go shooting.

This is from the Wilson Combat magazine instruction page

https://s3.amazonaws.com/wilsoncombat/files/47Series.pdf

Like other mechanical devices, your Wilson Combat® magazine may be a little stiff when first used. This is normal and should not effect its feeding capabilities, however you will notice that as you use your magazine it will become easier to load and seat in your pistol and it will function even more smoothly over time. If you wish to expedite the break in process simply leave your new magazine loaded to capacity for a day or two, this will pre-set the spring to normal operating tension.

 

[Captain Quack]

Now that I think I can figure out how to do lol. I'll grab a box and load them up now. Thanks again JTQ.

Captain Quack.

 

[1KPerDay]

The springs appear to be identical at each end and from back to front

Hmmm... coil springs, at the top, will have one loop/end that points either forward toward the muzzle or back toward the grip. Generally you want the "end" to point toward the muzzle.

 

[mjsdwash]

Yes there's a proper orientation. GENERALLY the top loop of the spring will be angled forward and pressing up on the forward part of the follower. But particular guns have particular ways of orienting/connecting their springs. Some are looped through a hole in the follower, some are press-fit around a tab on the follower, etc.

when you take mags apart, try to pay close attention to which way the spring is oriented so you can get it back in the same way.

Everything this guy said. I would replace the recoil spring as well.

 

[greyling22]

I haven't watched it as I'm at work, but this video might be helpful. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...wqsBegQIBBAG&usg=AOvVaw3V-zsbTRPpsJ8CgOn2Dkj-

Note that he cleverly uses the slide release lever as a punch to take down the magazine.

 

[Captain Quack]

It was actually feeding fine before I replaced them so I doubt it's the recoil spring. This only started after I replaced the springs. I swapped things around and will see what happens next range day. Update: One mag fed fine with no problems. The other mag had at least 2 FTF's. Pictures of one of the original springs.

Captain Quack.