What's the lifespan of a recoil spring?

[um83canes]

I currently own an M&P 40c that I would say has fired about 5000 rounds at this point. However, during the last several trips to the range I've had casings thrown back at my face / head etc. I tend to think it's a function of a worn out spring but could it be something else? And assuming it is the spring since it's "captured" I assume I need the guide rod too correct? Is the a convenient online shop that usually has parts in stock?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Rastoff]

The normal recommended replacement interval is 5,000 rounds. If you really have reached that level, it's not a bad thought to replace the recoil spring assembly.

Call S&W. They probably won't send you one for free, but they might be able to hook you up with the assembly.

Yes, it is captured. Usually you'd just buy the assembly, but I believe it can be taken apart. Speed Shooter Accessories sells springs: Springs : Welcome to Speed Shooter Specialties

 

[andrewcdub]

I went through about 7500 or so through my M&P 45fs before ordering a new RSA.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Generally speaking for a full-power weapon 5,000 is the rule of thumb. Weird ejection that was not previously there is one of the signs, though that could easily be caused by other problems. You should however go with the easy, obvious thing first. That is the recoil spring.

 

[rsrocket1]

Make sure your breech face is clean, the extractor hook is clean and if you feel like it, the extractor cavity is clean. You'll need to drift out a roll pin to remove it though. After about 15,000 rounds my extractor cavity was caked with soot. If the recoil spring is truly worn, S&W will send you a new one for free. I wanted to buy a couple as spares, but even though they are less than $10 each, they are nearly impossible to buy. A 3rd party guide rod and spring costs over $30.

 

[roadstar08]

9c spring

my 9c spring doesn't stay fully seated in the barrel--even when i'm taking it apart and putting it together/ dry firing it tonight.
first notice it last week when i was cleaning it--then checked again on the range this week after about 100 rounds. i don't recall the spring not fully staying seated in the barrel before--but maybe i just didn't pay close enough attention. i bought it new in december. maybe have 1500 rounds through it. any opinions on this? am i worried about nothing? seems like i should have a way to go before i need to replace the spring.
since i'm a new shooter, my shooting is inconsistent, so i can't blame anything on the gun. thanks.

 

[Bkreutz]

my 9c spring doesn't stay fully seated in the barrel--even when i'm taking it apart and putting it together/ dry firing it tonight.
first notice it last week when i was cleaning it--then checked again on the range this week after about 100 rounds. i don't recall the spring not fully staying seated in the barrel before--but maybe i just didn't pay close enough attention. i bought it new in december. maybe have 1500 rounds through it. any opinions on this? am i worried about nothing? seems like i should have a way to go before i need to replace the spring.
since i'm a new shooter, my shooting is inconsistent, so i can't blame anything on the gun. thanks.

You're worried about nothing. I was talking with S&W service one day and asked them about recoil springs, they said they test them to 50,000 cycles and then they stopped the test. They worked as well at the end of the test as the first part. I've used a recoil spring for over 50,000 rounds without a problem. The stock S&W flat springs are more durable than the round profile springs. I change springs more frequently now (around 15K rounds) but I'm using round wound springs and shooting major power factor loads so I'm beating up on the springs more than normal. The spring can't go anywhere when it's assembled and you're shooting. Quit worrying.

 

[WR Moore]

They may work for that period of time. BUT, the factory has service intervals on critical parts for duty pistols, and the recoil spring assembly is one of them. FWIW, it's 5 years/5000 rounds on recoil and trigger return springs, possibly/probably on striker assemblies also (can't remember-book not here). Heck, the RSA is cheap enough.

I'll note that my personal M&P9, bought new in 2006 is still on all stock parts, but I've got the spares in my range bag along with the required tools.

What exactly does "My spring doesn't stay fully seated in the barrel." mean? I assume you refer to the large end of the guide rod engaging the seat in the barrel. The whole flange isn't supposed to fit there. Just a portion of the flange to hold it in place until it mates with the frame section that supports it in use.

Brownells and Midway USA have lots of parts. You may wait awhile, but they show up eventually.

 

[rwsmith]

I've got a spare handy....

I probably won't replace it though until it gives trouble as long it's just a range gun.

 

[Muss Muggins]

My Glock 23, upon which I trust my life daily, has been going since 1999, with probably close to 40,000 rounds through it, with the only replacement parts being a broken slide stop lever spring and a pre-emptive slide lock spring upgrade when Glock changed the design and beefed it up. Still runs like a Swiss watch . . .