When is a Good Time to Replace Recoil Spring?

**Ricochet** · February 14th, 2010, 09:58 PM

I have had my Sig-229R for about 3 years now, bought it new.

I have probably put a couple of thousand rounds through it and of course has been a 100% flawless pistol even in extreme conditions.

But out of curiosity, I was wondering what the life of a recoil rod and spring would be for this pistol.

I know the Navy Seals use the 9mm 226 model, so it has to be at least 10k+ rounds....

**buster2209** · February 15th, 2010, 12:55 AM

Check the manual;

http://www.sigsauer.com/upFiles/CmsC...ICPISTOLOM.pdf

I'd be highly surprised if the springs didn't last the lifetime of the gun, springs only usually need replacing if you have a small gun that is high caliber.

**Ricochet** · February 15th, 2010, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by buster2209

Check the manual;

http://www.sigsauer.com/upFiles/CmsC...ICPISTOLOM.pdf

I'd be highly surprised if the springs didn't last the lifetime of the gun, springs only usually need replacing if you have a small gun that is high caliber.

Sounds good,
Thanks!

**Nic** · February 15th, 2010, 02:36 AM

I replace the recoil spring in any range pistol if I start to have chambering problems, ejection problems, won't stay in battery, etc. It would be the first place I would start to correct one of these problems in a pistol that, until now, has always been reliable.

However, I usually replace the recoil spring in my carry pistols every 3,000 to 5,000 rounds, in an attempt to avoid these problems.

**DBZ220** · February 15th, 2010, 04:45 PM

Normal recoil spring changes should be every 3k-5k pending caliber. The P229 in .40/.357 should be changed out every 3k or sooner, pending the type of ammo you're running through the weapon. 9mm would be 5k or so. I normally change out the trigger spring at that time as well, just as a precaution. On older models, they recommend changing the slide's roll pins (FPPP) every 5k-10k as well. The solid pin in the P229 should be good to at least 10k unless you do alot of dry firing. Replacing the recoil spring at regular intervals will greatly reduce the battering on the frame/slide, especially in calibers larger than 9mm when it comes to SIGs. Most SIGs will last upwards of 100k, but the springs and some other small parts will definatly need replaced at times.