As an FYI for owners of the PM9 - Kahr tech support told me today that they recommend changing the recoil spring every 1200-1500 rounds.
The old PM9 I had a few years ago had a different recoil spring design, and it started to fail to go fully into battery at 1400 rounds. Back then, the tech I spoke to said they needed to be replaced every 1000 rounds.
Personally, I would replace mine every 1000 rounds, just to be sure.
Good tip...though those of us who normally shoot indoors will probably not notice, as the brass usually bounces off the stall wall and down your shirt, inducing the "hot brass dance.":smile:
As an FYI for owners of the PM9 - Kahr tech support told me today that they recommend changing the recoil spring every 1200-1500 rounds.
The old PM9 I had a few years ago had a different recoil spring design, and it started to fail to go fully into battery at 1400 rounds. Back then, the tech I spoke to said they needed to be replaced every 1000 rounds.
Personally, I would replace mine every 1000 rounds, just to be sure.
Ha ha! Unfortunately, the laws of physics dictate that a high pressure round like the 9mm + a light weight slide = less inertia to absorb recoil = beat up recoil springs.:redface:
I've previously suggested getting a spare recoil spring for the PM9, and using it for carry purposes only. Use a different spring for practice and range work. Mark them so you know which is which. This will ensure you have a "fresh" recoil spring for defensive purposes. You can always replace the "practice" spring when needed.
Not seeing just the spring, do you have to get the whole assembly? Never heard of any other guns requiring spring replacement so quickly, is there a better after-market spring like Wolff?
The Rohrbaugh R9 requires new recoil springs at a faster interval than the PM9. IIRC, they originally only lasted 200 rounds - the pistol actually comes with a spare spring assembly. I think they now last 500 rounds.
Personally, I would stick with factory parts and replace the whole assembly. YMMV.
I'm surprised that Kahr recommends letting them go that long. I would expect that 1000 rounds would be a maximum. The little autos chambered for 9mm, .40, .357 Sig and .45 ACP all eat up recoil springs quickly. Kimber Ultra Carry size pistols usually need new recoil springs at 750-1000 rounds, though I've seen some go 1500 without too many malfs. Baby Glocks seem to go longer, apparently in part because they are oversprung a bit when new.
To answer questions above, Wolff springs may or may not outlast factory springs, and factory springs might be made by Wolff, anyway. If ISMI makes recoil springs for whatever gun you have (not many besides 1911-types) they will last somewhat longer, but certainly not indefinitely.
You do not have to get the whole assembly for the little Kahrs, but you will have to unscrew the two-piece guide rod and screw it back together. It is not hard, but one must be careful to avoid damaging the plate at the rear of the guide rod.
The baby glock has a longer barrel thus longer spring. this helps with spring life. It is my guess that the new Kimber Solo will suffer the same spring life as the other Micro 9's. Ruger LC9 should be right in with the Baby glock and Taurus 709.
I too am suprised at the short replacement interval for the PM9, but still want to get one in the near future :image035: . I have a Taurus PT709 and over 3300+ rounds through it still using the stock recoil spring that came with the gun. Some of the loads I have used are the +P and the Winchester NATO loads and it is still working fine. God Bless :smile:
Replace springs when needed. Shooting soft target ammo allows the interval to stretch out vs SD ammo. Also, Kahr uses Wolf springs and there you can get a heavier spring than stock (they are also cheaper there). Quite a few use the 22lb spring vs 18lb. It's suggested to buy 2 recoil springs at a time to save on postage.
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