STI VIP 40S&W

[dvc4you]

Hi,

I want to shoot some IDPA matches with my STI VIP 40 S&W (3.9" slide)and the Recoil Master (heavy) will not cycle with minor loads (stovepipe), I want to install a simple stainless guiderod (aluminum would be even better). What are my options?

Can I buy a guiderod for a 5" and cut it to fit my 3.9" slide? Does the position of the takedown hole change with the length?

Thanks for your help,

[al503]

Call Bob at Brazos Custom. He can cut down a guide rod and drill it to reduce the weight. He might also have some reduced power recoil master springs that will work with minor loads.

[want2race]

Realize that with the short slide a standard round wire spring will bind unless cut very short. Once it's that short you loose spring tension when the slide is closed. When it gets dirty it might not close completely when feeding rounds. Spring bind will destroy the spring quickly and you may loose the ability to slingshot your slide closed.

I've built a few flat wire spring conversions that work great. The flat wire is the way to go in the VIP. I custom make the reverse plug to use a smaller guide rod (still full length).

The springs still have to be trimmed a bit, but they still retain enough length for linear spring action. You can use 11# up to 18# depending on what PF you are using. For major I use a 16# and for minor I use 13#.

[Joe4d]

Brownell's stocks a Springfield compact (same length as VIP) 2 piece guide rod and spring kit. Wolff also sells recoil springs for 4" guns to use on a standard officers sized guide rod, or you could just get a light recoil master, Does STI have one in the right size ? maybe meant for a 9mm VIP ?

[MoNsTeR]

Realize that with the short slide a standard round wire spring will bind unless cut very short. Once it's that short you loose spring tension when the slide is closed. When it gets dirty it might not close completely when feeding rounds. Spring bind will destroy the spring quickly and you may loose the ability to slingshot your slide closed.

I've built a few flat wire spring conversions that work great. The flat wire is the way to go in the VIP. I custom make the reverse plug to use a smaller guide rod (still full length).

The springs still have to be trimmed a bit, but they still retain enough length for linear spring action. You can use 11# up to 18# depending on what PF you are using. For major I use a 16# and for minor I use 13#.

EGW makes a flat-wire conversion for Springfield and Kimber 4" guns. I'm guessing the Kimber one might fit, though it might stick out a bit (4" vs. 3.9", how precise are these measurements anyway?).

That said, I have a Kimber Compact with a 4" barrel and it runs just fine on a simple guide rod with a single round-wire spring (Commander length, >= 18#).

[want2race]

Neither the Springfield nor the Kimber kits from EGW will work. The reverse plug doesn't work on the VIP. I make one from their blank. You may be able to use the stocker but the hole will be bigger than the guide rod. The EGW flat write rod just needs trimmed to use it.

[dvc4you]

Just to try a cheaper route here, what if I change the external recoil of the recoil master for a lower # spring (cuting its length of course)? I will give it a try and report back.

[RippSpeed]

go to SV Infinity web store... They have tungsten and regular stainless steel guide rods in officer to 6" lenghts...

[RippSpeed]

Realize that with the short slide a standard round wire spring will bind unless cut very short. Once it's that short you loose spring tension when the slide is closed. When it gets dirty it might not close completely when feeding rounds. Spring bind will destroy the spring quickly and you may loose the ability to slingshot your slide closed.

I've built a few flat wire spring conversions that work great. The flat wire is the way to go in the VIP. I custom make the reverse plug to use a smaller guide rod (still full length).

The springs still have to be trimmed a bit, but they still retain enough length for linear spring action. You can use 11# up to 18# depending on what PF you are using. For major I use a 16# and for minor I use 13#.

Very Interested in your custom flat wire springs for an STI Escort in 9mm can you pls pm me for info ... Thanx