How to Tune Your Recoil Spring - On a Glock (or any pistol)

Published on October 19, 2018
Duration: 5:25

Tuning a Glock's recoil spring can significantly improve shooting performance by reducing slide dip and optimizing ejection. Testing various spring weights (11lb, 12lb, 14lb, 16lb) with a non-captured guide rod is crucial. While lighter springs like 11lb and 14lb showed better grouping, the 14lb is recommended for Glocks to maintain reliability with the striker spring.

Quick Summary

Tuning a Glock's recoil spring optimizes performance by reducing slide dip and improving ejection. Use a non-captured guide rod to test various weights like 11lb, 12lb, 14lb, and 16lb. The 14lb spring is generally recommended for Glocks to ensure striker reliability and prevent out-of-battery issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Recoil Spring Tuning
  2. 00:40Why Tune Recoil Springs?
  3. 01:04Testing Methodology Explained
  4. 01:36Required Equipment for Tuning
  5. 02:26Live Fire Results Analysis
  6. 03:18Slow Motion Analysis & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I tune my Glock's recoil spring?

Tuning your Glock's recoil spring helps optimize performance for competition or specific ammunition. It can reduce 'slide dip' when the slide returns to battery, leading to more consistent follow-up shots and potentially improving ejection patterns for better reliability.

What equipment do I need to tune a recoil spring?

You'll need a non-captured guide rod assembly, which allows for easy swapping of recoil springs. Various spring weights (e.g., 11lb, 12lb, 14lb, 16lb) are also necessary for testing different performance characteristics.

How do I test different recoil spring weights?

Set up a target at 10 yards. Fire two rapid shots at multiple aim points, comparing which spring weight keeps the second shot closest to the first. Look for consistent groups and minimal vertical stringing.

What is the recommended recoil spring weight for a Glock?

While lighter springs like 11lb and 14lb can show improved grouping, the 14lb recoil spring is often recommended for Glocks. This weight helps maintain reliability with the firearm's striker spring mechanism and prevents potential out-of-battery issues.

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