Which Semi Auto with the Longest RSA Replacement Interval?

[Cowboybebop]

In thinking about which handguns are the most durable without preventative maintenance I thought it might be interesting to compile a list of recoil spring assembly (RSA) replacement intervals from various manufacturers.

Which pistol can go the longest without replacement?

Initial list: (please correct if you find an error)

Colt 1911: every 2,500 rounds
Browning Highpower: every 2,500 rounds
Glock 17: every 3,000 rounds
Sig P226: every 5,000 rounds
Beretta 92FS: every 5,000 rounds
S&W M&P: every 10,000 rounds
H&K USP: every 20,000 rounds



Are there any pistols out there that exceed the USP's 20K replacement interval?

 

[Rubber_Duck]

Probably the HK MK23.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Where exactly would we find this info?

Supposedly the HK45 went 92,000 rounds without cleaning in trials. Or was it the P30?

 

[MTMilitiaman]

I'd like to know if that is for the current dual-recoil assembly on the Gen IV Glocks or the older single captured recoil assembly used in the previous generation Glocks.

 

[hemiram]

Since a recoil spring is a cheap thing to replace and it takes less than a minute, I don't see why this is a concern.

 

[rskent]

Where did you get your numbers? Some of them seem quite low.

 

[Cump]

I'd like to know if that is for the current dual-recoil assembly on the Gen IV Glocks or the older single captured recoil assembly used in the previous generation Glocks.

I second that question ...

 

[Cowboybebop]

You won't usually find parts replacement intervals in owners manuals. The information posted is from calling the manufacturer, the armorer's manual, or asking gun smiths who have attended official armorer's courses for that particular manufacturer. If any of the numbers seem off and you have a good source please correct the list.

And I was able to find out today that the RSA replacement for GEN 4 Glocks was moved up to 5,000 rounds from 3,000 (Gen 3). Good question MT.

Hemi - it's not a concern, just academic. Some might find it interesting to have all the numbers in one thread.

 

[Rio Laxas]

The Swiss Sig P210 can apparently upwards of 250,000 rounds without a recoil spring replacement. The Swiss P49 armorer's kit did not contain a replacement. This information comes from Michael Zeleny, an expert on the P210.

I am personally acquainted with a competitive shooter who changed it only twice in 400,000 rounds and then only as a precaution.

 

[Cump]

We may be talking about two measures: what a gun model can do, and the suggested maintenance interval. Plenty of reports of glocks going more than 5000 and 1911s going over 2500...

But they are easy and inexpensive to replace early and often ...

 

[Tirod]

The question is rather moot - any gun dedicated to reliable and flawless home security is not shot to a high round count on a range. That is part of the preventive maintenance program.

It's like asking which knife would be best for it's edge - and then using it constantly for chores or kitchen prep. Nope, leave that knife sharpened and use something else. When you want a knife you absolutely know is sharp, it will be.

With enough rounds thru the gun to trust it's reliability, there is no gain when you then shoot it to failure and it requires new parts which can't be accurately predicted for their lifespan.

Keep the bedside gun on the bedside, so to speak, and the range gun dumping empty cases on the range. If someone can't afford two guns, then expect wearing out the one and malfunctions, because they will eventually happen. It's a matter of sooner rather than later, not never.

 

[Fiv3r]

The new FN509 is touted as potentially not needing most any part replaced in the lifetime of an "average shooter".

Of course, if we average everyone from a profession competitor to a single mom who buys a gun, shoots a mag, and tosses it in a drawer for a decade, then that may be a very fair statement.

I'm not sure there are hard and fast rules. Some guns may make it to 2500 and mangle the recoil spring. The same gun may go for 3450. Who knows.

I generally replace my recoil spring assembly when I think of it. I use a high mileage synthetic in my pick up truck's engine. It is advertised to go 5000 miles between changes (and has been tested to go over 20,000).

I take my truck in every 3000. Ounce of prevention and all that.

 

[Varminterror]

The question is rather moot - any gun dedicated to reliable and flawless home security is not shot to a high round count on a range. That is part of the preventive maintenance program.

It's like asking which knife would be best for it's edge - and then using it constantly for chores or kitchen prep. Nope, leave that knife sharpened and use something else. When you want a knife you absolutely know is sharp, it will be.

With enough rounds thru the gun to trust it's reliability, there is no gain when you then shoot it to failure and it requires new parts which can't be accurately predicted for their lifespan.

Keep the bedside gun on the bedside, so to speak, and the range gun dumping empty cases on the range. If someone can't afford two guns, then expect wearing out the one and malfunctions, because they will eventually happen. It's a matter of sooner rather than later, not never.

I don't agree with the sentiment expressed here at all. If you're going to depend upon your familiarity with a specific firearm to save your life, you damned well better be familiar with it. Note - I chose my words intentionally here - in a defensive shooting situation, you are NOT depending upon a firearm to save your life, because it's not capable of such. You are intrinsically depending upon your personal ability - your practiced familiarity - with said firearm to save your own life.

 

[NMPOPS]

I use a SS guide rod and non captured spring kit from Brownell's that I get at least 6000 rounds out of.

 

[Hokkmike]

In thinking about which handguns are the most durable without preventative maintenance I thought it might be interesting to compile a list of recoil spring assembly (RSA) replacement intervals from various manufacturers.

Which pistol can go the longest without replacement?

Initial list: (please correct if you find an error)

Colt 1911: every 2,500 rounds
Browning Highpower: every 2,500 rounds
Glock 17: every 3,000 rounds
Sig P226: every 5,000 rounds
Beretta 92FS: every 5,000 rounds
S&W M&P: every 10,000 rounds
H&K USP: every 20,000 rounds

What about FN?

Are there any pistols out there that exceed the USP's 20K replacement interval?

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Probably the HK MK23.

It's recommended at 30,000 rounds but it's not known how long it can go until it fails.