1500 Round Life for guide rod in MK9's

[triehl27]

I mentioned this in a recent post but thought that it might deserve it's own post.

Dottie told me that the full life of the MK9's guide rod and springs was 1500 rnds.

That just blew me away.

I have two Stock Glocks 23, 27 that have 2200 rnds (23) and ~5500-5800 rnds (27) through them and are on the origanal springs. Since they are not carry guns I don't replace springs til I have a problem. The only Glock spring I have replaced is on my 17 it was a police trade-in then had 3000 - 5000 shot through it before I got it and I put another ton 4-5K and then started to see spring weakening

My E.G. Makarov has 8K on the spring and my Russian Mak has at least 9K rounds through it.

My Ruger P89 has had at least 5K - 7K through it.

1500 rnds?!>!>!>!>!

You break it in, Function, and carry test it, practice a little and have to get new springs.

WOW that's all I can say.

[seed]

While 1500K does sound pretty extreme as the interval to change springs, I have always heard that the rule of thumb is to change it every 3000 rounds (and no, I am not confusing it with changing the oil in my car, although the number 3000 may have actually arbitrarily come from this). With Wolff springs, it may be more. In fact, Wolff writes in their catalog and on their website:

Wolff Gunsprings are made with the highest grade materials and workmanship. Most Wolff [recoil] springs will remain stable for many thousands of rounds. The performance of your gun is the best indicator of when a spring needs to be replaced. Factors such as increasing ejection distance, improper ejection and/or breaching, lighter hammer indents on primers, misfires, poor cartridge feeding from magazines, frequent jams, stove pipes and other malfunctions are all possible indications of fatigued springs or improper springs. Springs that are subject to higher stress applications such as magazine springs, striker springs and recoil springs will require more frequent replacement than other less stressed springs. Most Wolff recoil springs should be capable of 3000-5000 rounds minimum before changing is required. Some recoil springs in compact pistols, especially where dual springs are replaced by a single spring may require changing after 750 - 1500 rounds. Changes in your firearm's performance are one of the best indicators that a change is needed.

[Michigun]

Good post seed! ^c

Originally posted by triehl27
Dottie told me that the full life of the MK9's guide rod and springs was 1500 rnds.

That’s a general answer to a general question for the general public… it’s easier to just say that then it is to explain what seed’s reply gets into. (Most prefer the “easy answer”/”easy way” anyways. ;))

When I was running with a PM9 for pocket carry CCW I had a spare PM9 to beat up on at the range… never replaced that one’s guide rod assembly & she was still going strong at the 6,000+ round mark. ^c

[seed]

Originally posted by Michigun
Good post seed! ^c

Thank you.

[denfoote]

That's all very well and good, IF it can be shown that the Kahr uses Wolff springs!!!

The MK9 was originally designed to shoot +P and +P+ ammo, which will greatly accelerate the degradation of the springs.

Justin Moon originally designed the gun to feed hot +P and +P+115 gr. ammo.

1500 rounds may seem a bit light, but, in this day of product liability lawsuits, that figure may be "legally prudent" from Kahr's point of view!!! ;)

[seed]

denfoote, I am sold on Wolff springs. They are quite high in quality. And if one is to change out their springs every 1500 rounds, it wouldn't hurt to give Wolff a try. I am, and I have faith that they will last more than 1500 rounds. If I am correct in my belief, over time they would be the economic way to go.

One more thing to consider: if you get stronger springs, they should last longer than stock-power springs.

[denfoote]

Seed,
I have read that, in the past, Kahr DID use Wolff springs!!
Now whether that is still the case, I know not.
That's why I left the question open.

Also, the stock springs on the MK are fairly stout as it is!!! ;b

[seed]

Originally posted by denfoote
Seed,
I have read that, in the past, Kahr DID use Wolff springs!!
Now whether that is still the case, I know not.
That's why I left the question open.

Also, the stock springs on the MK are fairly stout as it is!!! ;b

I doubt mine were. When I replaced the rod and springs with Wolff parts, I instantly could tell the difference. Maybe my old one was just worn...I don't know (it was a refurbished MK40 elite98). But the rod set alone would make it worth it. My only regret is that I didn't get heavier springs. I will soon though.