benny_bahama
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is it feasible for a relative noob to install all new springs on a 915 or is this strictly a gunsmith job.
new springs
- Thread starter benny_bahama
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Only spring I've needed to replace on any of my S&W semi's is the recoil spring.
You can swap that one out with just a field strip.
You can swap that one out with just a field strip.
JohnHL
Member
If you can confidently detail strip and reassemble your 915 then you can replace all the springs.
I was a motorcycle mechanic for 40 years and complete strangers would ask me about a repair: "Can I do this at home?"
My answer was: "Yes, if you are a motorcycle mechanic and have a shop at home, but then, if you were one, you wouldn't have asked."
John
Like John said, if your not comfortable or even familiar with how to completely strip your gun down to the bare bones, you may want to take this to someone who can. I've learned how to strip my 3rd Gens down to that point (except for the extractor, I don't mess with that), but it wasn't overnight, and not without a few mishaps along the way. If you are interested in learning, this is an informative video on taking the whole thing down (1st of 4 vids). I don't personally do it exactly like he does, but it works. (*edit- now with correct 1st vid)
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17v7fo6oe_c[/ame]
Personally, I own a re-imported 915 that probably hasn't had anything but the recoil spring changed out in over 20 years, and it runs without issue. I know you are having extraction issues with this gun w/o a magazine in and you want to change the springs out. Have you called S&W about this gun yet? They may well help you out, even if your not the original owner. 1-800-331-0852.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17v7fo6oe_c[/ame]
Personally, I own a re-imported 915 that probably hasn't had anything but the recoil spring changed out in over 20 years, and it runs without issue. I know you are having extraction issues with this gun w/o a magazine in and you want to change the springs out. Have you called S&W about this gun yet? They may well help you out, even if your not the original owner. 1-800-331-0852.
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I'll join the chorus and opine that absent a specific problem the only springs that need change on a regular basis are recoil and magazine.
Sounds like the same 915 from this thread (http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/492235-ejecting-round-chamber-915-a.html), that won't eject a shell/round without the magazine in. To me, that's a weird one, since I eject all my live rounds without a magazine in, no issues. I was thinking a weak spring or damaged ejector lever, and that's a step beyond field stripping for someone not familiar (though do-able).
jbrentd
Member
If you're talking about something other than the recoil spring, I'd say it depends on how mechanically inclined you are. Within a few hours owning my first 3rd gen, I had it fully disassembled (minus the extractor, front sight and barrel bushing) for a deep cleaning. Those videos on YouTube were all I really needed.
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benny_bahama
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well, I called s&w customer service and the guy said that's how the gun is supposed to function. without a magazine, it won't function. I now have a complete set of backup springs if need be.
That's pretty amazing, your 915 is obviously not functioning correctly if it won't eject a round without the magazine in. There is something wrong with it. I've never heard of any handgun that won't eject a round if the mag is out, by design.
Sounds like you got an ignorant S&W rep on the phone, or maybe he was confused with what you were telling him? There have been reports of 'unhelpful' reps working for S&W, maybe try calling again and don't let some lazy person tell you there's nothing wrong with your gun.
That, or contact the seller, who may be able to replace it for you. IIRC you bought that from a seller who stocks lots of 'bargain' S&W 3rd Gens and may work with you.
He's wrong. My cleaning routine with all of my 3rd Gens is, remove the magazine, cycle the slide a few times, look in the chamber, then disassemble and clean.
Never have I had a 3rd Gen fail to eject a shell with the magazine removed.
It's not a Glock, you know!
Never have I had a 3rd Gen fail to eject a shell with the magazine removed.
It's not a Glock, you know!
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benny_bahama
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just talked to cdi sales and they want me to mail it back to check it out. kind of blows since I have no carry now. maybe i'll try s&w again or get a gunsmith to diagnose it.
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benny_bahama
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also called s&w back and new technician said that no, it shouldn't be doing that. so i'm going to head over to a local gunsmith and hopefully get reimbursed by cdi. I've read nothing but good about them but this seems bogus
You'd be without a gun at a gunsmith or S&W as well, though maybe you would have to re-transfer a new gun from CDI. For me, gunsmith would be at the bottom of the list, unless I really knew they were familiar with S&W 3rd Gens. Maybe try S&W again or a few times, and if no luck, take the seller up on the return.
Best of luck!
adrianolsen
Member
been working on smith autos a long time. depending on how old the gun is, replace recoil spring, firing pin spring, ejector springs. if its not ejecting, replace ejector or might be extractor.
