M9 Break-in Completed

[SELFDEFENSE]

To test reliability I did not clean the gun after the day I bought it in March and just finished 520 rounds without cleaning. The only malf was a failure to extract on the last CCI Blazer 115 gr. FMJ in the mag in my last range session. Fired a little over 100 rounds after the FTE with no problems. I feel comfortable using it for CCW at this point. Although it has more competition now from my current CCW G17L and G19 BUG since I put stiffer recoil springs in them, which I did after feeling the springing in the M9 when I first bought it.
Conclusion: the Steyr is the best out-of-the box buy I have seen, especially for new shooters who might be leery of a Glock-type setup without an external safety. The triangular sights are at least as good as standard sights, the reliability of the later serial numbered guns appears to be quite good, and it has slick/solid construction.

[CyByte]

so are you saying the G19 has a stronger recoil? im a little confused what a recoil spring does

[Delta-9]

Originally posted by CyByte
so are you saying the G19 has a stronger recoil? im a little confused what a recoil spring does

I think he is saying that he realized his G19 spring was old and weak, so he replaced it. Now the G19 is working better than it had been prior to the spring replacement.

[CyByte]

oh alright. thanks for clarifying that :)

[SELFDEFENSE]

Sorry for the confusion.
When I got the Steyr it had less perceived flip than my 17L or 19. It also seemed harder to rack the slide on the M9 than on the Glocks. So, I wondered if recoil spring tension and weight were part of the perceived recoil difference. I replaced the stock 19 spring with a Wolff 20# and the 17L stock with a Wolff 19# and steel guide rods on both; and the difference in recoil character between the Glocks and the Steyr was noticeably reduced.

[CyByte]

i wondered the same thing coming from my glock 19 to the S9. However it was slightly more difficult to rack the slide back but the steyr also does not like to go into full battery after pulling it back so I am kindof torn on if it is stronger or if it's getting hung up somewhere.

[SELFDEFENSE]

I'm no armorer, but it should go into battery when hand-racked. If it is getting near out of battery when shooting you are getting close to a dangerous situation. It could be a weak\old recoil spring (sounds unlikely for a relatively new gun) or a source of drag exists somewhere in the firing cycle. Better have it checked out. My M9 snaps closed like a bear trap when I hand rack it. That's why I embarked on the experiment I mentioned above.

[pwharve]

SD,

I think your experiences show how much recoil is personal thing. It's generally accepted among the Glcok community that lighter springs reduce the amount of perceived muzzle flip--most Glock racers I know of run incredibly low springs rates--like 13 pounds. Goes to show that perception differs.

CyByte,
If your sure your releasing the slide at the rearmost of its travel when hand racking, I think SD is right in that you might have another source of friction or something.

--pwharve

[SELFDEFENSE]

pw:

Absolutely. When I have used light springs the perception of recoil increases for me because of the faster snap rather than the slower push.

[CyByte]

on saturday I will take it to the range hopefully. if it doesn't go into battery then I will let my armor look at it. Dunno if he's ever seen a steyr before :cool: