How Often do You Change Your Handgun Springs / Barrels?

[G]

Happy New Year to all of you!

A few weeks ago, one of my organisations Glocks had a slide lock spring snap (I happened to be the one using the gun at the time).

I put in a call to Glock and was told that I should be changing spring sets (recoil spring assembly, extractor spring & slide lock spring) every 5000 rds. Of course, I did so immediately on all of our glocks as they are all at or approaching 5000rds (and found that slide lock springs in three of them broke upon removal).

So, besides that Glock have introduced a thicker spring which will presumably not break as soon (no they did not issue a recall for the older, thinner spring, nor did they contact customers to tell them about the new part), I'd like to know how often you QP's change your spring sets / barrels.

Take Care...

G

[G]

Ok.....by the lack of response I see that have not provided the right context for my question:

Glock does not put out any literature on when to change springs. My springs were breaking at the 5000 round mark. Obviously, we would want to change before they break - but there is no point in coming up with an arbitrary figure to change the springs if there is an existing body of knowledge.

Of course, our glocks are serviced annually, cleaned after every shoot (monthly).

Any advice?

G

[mike-munich]

Originally Posted by G

Ok.....by the lack of response I see that have not provided the right context for my question:

Glock does not put out any literature on when to change springs. My springs were breaking at the 5000 round mark. Obviously, we would want to change before they break - but there is no point in coming up with an arbitrary figure to change the springs if there is an existing body of knowledge.

Of course, our glocks are serviced annually, cleaned after every shoot (monthly).

Any advice?

G

I´m not too far from the Glock factory in Austria and speak the same language. If you want me I can give their tech. dept. a call and find out what they suggest. Which model Glock to you carry ?

Stay safe,
Mike

[Team Sergeant]

Originally Posted by G

Any advice?

G

G,

The US Military does not utilize glocks.

The Army Special Forces does not utilize glocks.

Many police forces use glocks. You might ask in some LEO forums.

Advice, yes, obtain a better handgun.

TS

[G]

Nice one TS!

You've gotta be good with what you're issued right? I'm not the biggest fan of the Glock - but so be it. That said, parts wear in all guns eventually and it's not smart to wait until things break to change them (could cost a life).

Mike, we're using Glock 19's. A call to their tech dpt would be great if you could!

Much appreciated.

G

[mike-munich]

Advice, yes, obtain a better handgun

TS, I second that.

Mike, we're using Glock 19's. A call to their tech dpt would be great if you could!

Not a problem G. I will call them today or tomorrow and shoot you a PM with their answer.

Stay safe,

Mike

[HOLLiS]

Originally Posted by G

Ok.....by the lack of response I see that have not provided the right context for my question:

Glock does not put out any literature on when to change springs. My springs were breaking at the 5000 round mark. Obviously, we would want to change before they break - but there is no point in coming up with an arbitrary figure to change the springs if there is an existing body of knowledge.

Of course, our glocks are serviced annually, cleaned after every shoot (monthly).

Any advice?

G

My thoughts, why not practice with the same model of/set up as the pistol that you carry. Once the carry pistol starts showing age, move it to the practice pistol and purchase a new version for carry. I am way out of the loop now and I don't know what the negatives would be in doing this.

[rubberneck]

The springs are cheap enough and easy enough to replace every 3,000 to 5,000 rounds. I suppose for some guys that is a good month at the range for others it will take a career to pass before they hit that mark.

The Glock barrels are marginal to start with (both in terms of case support and accuracy) but it still should outlast whatever your average LEO can throw at it. I know two guys that have more than 50,000 rounds through their stock barrels and they are still going strong. I am sure those two barrels are the exception and not the rulb ,but even if their true service life is only 15,000 rounds how many guys in your department will hit that mark?

[mike-munich]

Just in case anybody else wants to know:

Just talked to the Glock factory in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria.

The guy was really helpful, he´s a engineer in the R&D dept., does warranty issues and also development of new Glock products.

He said that Glock suggests a complete check-up after 40.000 (!!) rounds. Up to that number the pistols are guaranteed.

[G]

Thanks Mike

Much appreciated!

G

[mike-munich]

You are welcome G. Stay safe !