New flat recoil spring for SIG P238

[LightningMan]

I just got a couple from SIG, and going to give one a try this weekend, if I can get time to make it to the range. I've had problems with the original recoil springs lasting any more than 300 to 400 rounds, sometimes less. So I'm asking if anyone else has tried the new flat recoil spring, and hows it holding up? LM

 

[sidheshooter]

Can't say that I have, but I'll for sure await your report with interest.

 

[357 Terms]

Any idea why they are offering a different type of spring? Is this supposed to help longevity? reliability?

 

[LiveLife]

Oops, duplicate post.

 

[LiveLife]

Glock switched from twisted open coiled spring to captured flat recoil spring set with Gen2 to Gen3 models.

M&P now also come with captured flat recoil spring set.

I think they offer more consistent softer recoil and more durability of spring life.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=296957

 

[LightningMan]

357 Terms Quote; Any idea why they are offering a different type of spring? Is this supposed to help longevity? reliability?
I believe so, as I'm not the only one who's had a problem with springs giving up the ghost, long before their time. FWIW I don't shoot much of the hotter ammo in mine, just my RNL reloads. A 95 gr. RN with 3.5 grs. of AA#2. BTW I just got back from the range after shooting a box of reloads through my P238 and checking the spring lenght against the other un-used new one, it doesn't appear to have shortened in lenght, at least very little. Compared with a new original spring, as it would be 1/4 shorter sometimes after shooting a box of ammo. I will keep checking it after every range session, and hope this will give my P238 longer usage before needing a new spring. I know springs don't last forever but I should get more than 300 rounds out of one. Heck the manual says change them every 1500 rounds, and I would be happy with something close to that. LM

 

[wally]

I just got a new SIG P238 at last weekends gun show ($503 out the door with factory night sights) and had a short opportunity to try it this morning. Feed, extraction, and ejection was 100% but I had way too many failures to go fully into battery -- enough to let the hammer fall when pulling the trigger but not in battery enough to fire. Most were close enough that they fired the second time after thumb cocking the hammer but several didn't and had to be cleared and re-inserted into the mag. Since these then all seemed to feed the next time through, I doubt its the ammo. Did it with all three brands of ammo I had to try.

Mine appears to have the "new" flat coil recoil spring. Nothing seems rough on the breech face or extractor.

This is the only one of my little .380s (I also have P3AT, LCP and S&W Bodyguard 380) that is actually enjoyable to shoot, although I can't ever see myself carrying as it is the biggest of them all and close enough to my Kahr PM40 I don't see being able to hide it but not being able to hide the Kahr.

I'm hoping its just a break-in issue but ....

Would a Wolfe "extra power" spring for a Colt Mustang be a possible solution?

 

[harmon rabb]

I had failure to return to battery issues, and they were fixed with the wolfe extra power colt mustang spring. Give it a try.

 

[Jolly Rogers]

Although my P238 runs great I have read that there are some extractor tension issues causing failure to return to battery also.
Joe

 

[wally]

Thanks!

I'll check the extractor and try the Mustang extra power recoil spring if the the extractor tension is OK and a bit more shooting doesn't cure it.

 

[LightningMan]

Update; So far so good, as I have at least shot more rounds with this new spring than any of the others have lasted, and it appears its still going strong. I thing my problems solved with this new spring. LM

 

[kokapelli]

Probably getting broken in too. The problem you have is not uncommon with a new and still tight pistol.

 

[cfullgraf]

In my P238, purchased in late 2009, there seems to be marginal space for the original round wire recoil spring. Hence it is crunched when the slide recoils.

Mine had jammed with a Wolf Mustang spring and an original Mustang double spring. I have gone through two of the Sig round wire springs.

The gun has on the order of 600-700 rounds through it.

I just recently got the new flat recoil spring and with only about 50 rounds through the gun, it seems to perform more reliably.

I also had to adjust the extractor tension. As the gun came from the factory, the extractor would not hold the round at all. When I get a chance, I plan to order a new extractor from Sig.

With better springs and proper extractor tension, fewer cases are crunched on ejection.

The P238's barrel cams down farther than on the Mustang which in my opinion causes some function issues with parts designed for the Mustang.

It sounds like current production P238s are better than the 2009 versions. I am not sure what Sig has done to improve the pistol besides the various springs and magazines they have improved. I like my P238 and I have no desire to sell it, but I won't buy another one.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Be careful when you put the flat spring in the gun. I noted that the open ends can stick out and make it impossible to assemble. No big deal, just surprising.