Will stretching the recoil spring and then trimming it back to original size make the slide easier to rack or more difficult?

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"Gimmee back my Bullets..."

I would guess it would lighten the slide racking process.

Thing is, manufacturers use the weight they use for a reason. Changing that weight and number of spring coils may result in timing / feeding issues, and battering of the frame and slide. I wouldn't do it. If you feel you must, I would look at a well known aftermarket spring manufacturer like Wolfe, and see if they offer a reduced spring weight kit for your gun.

Larry

Post 2 pretty much gets it on the technical side of factory spring specs. Typically, the impact on the frame is greater going into battery (slide forward) than it is when the slide reaches full travel in recoil. This is because the slide must pick up and feed the next cartridge. Lighter recoil springs are generally used for target ammo that isn't loaded as hot as full power ammo.

I'm an old fart, I'd suggest some appropriate exercises to make racking the slide easier. You could also find a rear sight with a ledge/flat surface on the front side. You could then hook that on a flat surface and use both hands to press the frame forward to rack the slide.

If we're talking about arthritis or some other physical ailment, you have my sympathies. I'm still recovering form a bout with tendonitis. Perhaps you need to go back to the LGS and find some other firearm.

Primary reason I have the Shield 9 mm EZ

Right. I have loaded, tested & decided on a load that I think will work with the reduced spring.

__________________
"Gimmee back my Bullets..."

I thought I'd go that route if I ruined the spring.

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"Gimmee back my Bullets..."

It’ll certainly make shooting it more adventurous (adventuresome?)

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Come to think of it, Rolex28 brought up something to consider. If you bought a compact, subcompact or something still smaller, the recoil springs will be stouter/heavier than that of the full size version of whatever you have. The smaller you go, the heavier the spring.

Springs are a combination of wire gauge thickness used, number of coils, length. Changing 1 or more will alter the strength, pounds of pull weight and while that might make the slide easier to pull, it will also cause the slide to slam back harder - possibly causing damage to your firearm. It will also increase felt recoil and possibly cause malfunctions.

Manufacturers spend lots of money to determine what strength springs to use and while it might be safe to every so slightly alter that up or down, large alterations should be avoided IMHO.

I see you didn't list the specific pistol in question. Some pistols (compact models) might be more sensitive than others as far as spring alteration is concerned.

Hello,
I put Guide Rods from SSguiderods.com in my Shield 1.0 and 9C and it did make it a little easier to rack the slide with no function problems. Just a thought.
WK

You can purchase lighter springs for your pistol. If you install a lighter spring you should also reduce your loads That is if you reload. I use lighter springs in all my range pistols along with reduce loads. I determine what load I want and select a spring that will return the slide to battery and hold the slide open after the last round.
I am older now and I see no reason to beat myself up when just out for a day at the range.

Something that has not been mentioned, is that the hammer spring contributes to the resistance to rearward movement of the slide . At least the main purpose of the recoil spring on a 1911 type pistol is to return and feed a cartridge into the barrel ,secondary to help in slowing the slide es rearward movement So cocking the hammer will reduce force when racking the slide or going to a lighter hammer spring If using e lighter hammer spring make sure that you have reliable primer ignition

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age is just a number

If hammer fired, cock the hammer before racking the slide.

You can also Google "handgun slide assist" and find all kinds of options that don't alter your handgun and void the warranty.

From devices that fit on the slide as mentioned above to hand held items that require no modifications.