Any advantages to a heavier non-captioned recoil spring in a Gen3 G19?

[Magic_Salad0892]

Thinking of throwing it on a G19 to see if it'd help with follow up shots, or spring life.

I've heard Grant say he uses ISMI recoil assemblies, because of failures of the polymer unit (which I've never seen, btw).

I know this is a bucket of worms, but hopefully I can wade through the bullshit, and get some great info.

Will a steel rod beat up the plastic frame?...

If I did it I'd go with a stainless recoil rod, and a Sprinco spring.

Recommended spring weights?...

[spr1]

Glock did change the recoil spring guide rod material to a tougher composition a few years back. The part number is the same with the addition of a -1, IIRC. The older rods were more brittle and did fail on occasion.
Spring weights get more critical on lighter slides and your window of uber-reliable function may narrow.

[Crow Hunter]

I have seen tests where Glocks were fired until the guide rod melted and squirted out of frame. I have never heard of a guide rod failing and locking up a gun.

I don't see how a failed guide rod would prevent the gun from operating unless it shattered and little pieces got between the coils of the spring to the point that it prevented the spring from compressing during recoil.

I don't know that is a failure that I would worry about versus the increase weight and annoyance of dealing with a non captured guide rod.

Somone else my chime in and have some examples of why I am wrong.

As to beating up the gun, I don't see how it would. Assembled correctly it nestles in the notch on the barrel and slide, I don't think it would touch the frame.

[EzGoingKev]

Glock has their magazine they put out.

A few years ago they had a write up on of their factory competition shooters pistols and he was running a Tungsten guide rod to help keep muzzle flip down.

I do not know if it works or not but that is what they said.

I myself like the captured spring units as they would make things quicker and easier to re-assemble if you had to do it in a stressful situation. They do make heavier guide rods that are captured.

[mkmckinley]

I tried a stainless guide rod on a Glock 23 I had with no issues in about 600 rounds. I also didn't notice much of an effect on muzzle flip but I wasn't a very experienced shooter. I sold that gun years ago along with the guide rod. I know that's not a ton of testing, but I don't see how something like the ISMI guide rod and spring could cause any permanent problems assuming the spring rate is correct and the materials are good quality. I've used ISMI springs in a number of different pistols and magazines and never had a problem with their quality. The Glock recoil spring is flat just like the factory one. The guide rod shouldn't be able to damage the frame regardless of material. Correct me if I'm wrong but the rearward movement of the slide is stopped but the slide stop, which itself is steel. The forces should be basically the same regardless of what the guide rod is made of. I've never seen a guide rod fail but apparently it happens. It's only $20, try one out and tell us how you like it.

[uwe1]

I only have firsthand experience with the Glockmeister units. I have the SS captured units with 15# ISMI springs. According to Glockmeister, the stock springs are 17# for a G17. I haven't had any issues with either one. One gun has around 5K rounds through it, including 2 multi-day classes without any issues. I've probably had 2-3 stovepipes with it running steel cased ammo during rapid fire so I think it could have been a shooter induced malfuction. The other gun has 1K rounds and no malfunctions.

Back in 2009, when I first began shooting, and researching Glock mods, I came across an article where a guy tried multiple spring weights to determine which was allowing for faster followup shots.

IIRC, the lower weights cause the recoil to be more snappy (faster slide speed), but less muzzle flip. The higher weights reduced the snappiness, but caused the muzzle to lift more.

I don't notice a difference with the 15# ISMI versus the stock RSA.

[fixit69]

Tried my stock 22 and my friends with guide rod and steel spring. No noticeable difference. But try it. There are lots of things I try, notice difference, but everyone else says waste of time and money. Also works the other way around.

[Magic_Salad0892]

IIRC, the lower weights cause the recoil to be more snappy (faster slide speed), but less muzzle flip. The higher weights reduced the snappiness, but caused the muzzle to lift more.

I don't notice a difference with the 15# ISMI versus the stock RSA.

Why is that?... I thought it would be the other way around.

My Gen4 G19 recoils less than my Gen3 gun, and it has a higher spring weight, I'm 99% sure.

[brushy bill]

Will a steel rod beat up the plastic frame?...

I've wondered about this too. I can't see how this would be the case as an M&Ps come with the steel guide rod, but you know what they say about assumptions...waiting to see if anyone has extensive rounds down range experience with one in a Glock.

[Magic_Salad0892]

I've wondered about this too. I can't see how this would be the case as an M&Ps come with the steel guide rod, but you know what they say about assumptions...waiting to see if anyone has extensive rounds down range experience with one in a Glock.

I can conclude that it does not, because the recoil assembly doesn't touch the frame.

I'm stupid, and should have remembered that. However, it could be debatable as to weather or not the rod itself will have a longer service life than the polymer unit.