Replacing recoil springs?

[bestseller92]

As a rule, how often should recoil springs be replaced in semi autos? At what round count, with a given caliber? Or should they be replaced at all if the gun is still functioning perfectly? Just curious as to opinions on this. Thanks.

 

[AZGlock13]

I usually perform the standard Glock recoil spring assembly test on all my different pistols from time to time. You first remove the mag from the pistol and then pull the slide all the way back and make sure the chamber is empty (make sure the pistol is fully unloaded). Return the slide back into full battery (slide all the way forward) and then pull the trigger (muzzle in a safe direction) all the way rearward (completing a dryfire) and hold the trigger to the far rear position inside the trigger guard (don't allow the trigger to return forward). While still holding the trigger to the rear, point the pistol up (muzzle pointing upward) and then pull the slide all the way rearward. Still holding the trigger rearward, slowly ride the slide forward (up) until it reaches about three quarters of an inch or so before fully into battery (hold for about a second). Once at this point, let go of the slide completely (still holding the trigger to the rear this whole time and the muzzle still pointing straight up). If the recoil spring is still good, the slide should travel the rest of the way up into full battery on its own. If the slide does not fully seat into full battery on its own after you let go of the slide, then you have a weak recoil spring, which should be replaced. This test works good for Glock pistols, but might not be an accurate method for other types of pistols, so don't yell at me if it doesn't. Hope this helps.

 

[usp9]

The range of recommended replacement is too great to generalize. Depending on the gun it might be 100 rounds or up to 20,000 rounds.

 

[wally]

IF it ain't broke, don't fix it!

I generally replace my recoil spring when the brass starts flying too far and I'm losing too much of it. Other than that, if the gun is working fine why mess with it?

--wally.

 

[cdrt]

You asked a general question about all autoloaders, but my answer only pertains to the 1911 Govt Models that I have.
I have a Clark .38 Special conversion on the 1911 frame, that I have shot thousands of rounds through. I just changed out the original recoil spring this year, when I started trying some different loads in it. I had it converted in 1984.
Because of the light loads, it never seemed to need to be changed out and if I hadn't starting experimenting, I would probably still have the same spring in it.
Ditto for my .45 ACP Clark Heavy Slide which I had done in 2004. It has exactly 8,593 rounds through it. I changed the spring out at 7,630 since I was trying some new, slightly heavier loads; otherwise, the original spring would probably still be in it.

Now, if I were shooting heavy loads out of a 1911, I might change springs on a more frequent basis. But who knows. Unless something weird happened, they would probably have the original springs in them.

 

[shamus]

I generally replace my recoil spring when the brass starts flying too far and I'm losing too much of it. Other than that, if the gun is working fine why mess with it?

agreed.

When ejected brass start flying to the moon, it's time for a change. Each individual firearm will eject brass at a certain distance with a fresh spring. Write that number down. When that particular firearm starts ejecting farther than that, then change the spring.

Round counts don't work because every spring is different.

 

[bluetopper]

One rule of thumb I've heard that I agree with is:

The spring was once a long straight piece of wire. With enough use it will try to revert back to that shape.
Take the spring out and if it will not roll well across across a table it's time to replace it.

 

[triguy]

Spring replacement

I adhere to what Glock recommends with all of my auto's. 5,000rds. and replace the recoil spring. Cheap insurance if you are carrying to protect yourself and america.