when to replace recoil springs?

[bthoefer]

How can you tell when a recoil spring needs to be replaced? I've been feeling like my gun feels more bouncy recently and the front sight is dropping low as the gun returns to target (could just be me) and the recoil spring is about a year old.

I'll change it out and order a new spare but it got me thinking (dangerous sometimes).

[bthoefer]

P.S. this is in a 5 inch M&P pro 9mm

Edited May 20, 2013 by bthoefer

[blaster113]

every 3-5k rounds or when you start having function problems. to me springs are consumable parts with a finite life such as tires on a car. I change recoil springs in my Limited gun a minimum of 1x a year or before every major match. cheap insurance.

[EkuJustice]

I think it depends on the gun and the spring your using. If your running lighter springs change them more often than heavy ones as the heavier ones while lightening up some still have enough to work the gun. This isn't always the case with light ones

[DirtDiver]

Springs are a consumable item......

[Morgan Patrick]

My backups backup M&P has 50,000 rounds on the recoil spring and I haven't noticed any ill effect... I don't shoot it very often but I haven't noticed any effect on dry fire!!

[Morgan Patrick]

Haven't had any extraction/ejection problems either but now I have to go knock on wood and order some spare parts!!

[RangeHooligan]

Bthoefer,

A simple measure that I've heard and read about is to change out your recoil spring when its length has become 3 coils less than the length of an unused recoil spring. It's always worked for me and others that I know of that use this as a criteria for replacement.

RH

[Fkimble]

I always thought a dropping front site on return was a sign of a too heavy spring, not a worn spring?

[NinerRider]

Twice a year for me but I shoot at least one match week if not two.