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82 Posts
I have read about recoil springs escaping out the front of some Mil Pros. I post this here (instead of Smithing), as it seems to be a Mil Pro problem and I don't offer a fix. My 3rd gen Mil Pros (PT145 and PT111) have not had this problem. So I was wondering how to check to see if it could happen on my pistols, as it would instantly render my carry weapon useless.
To inspect for this problem, I remove the mag and triple check that the chamber is empty before field stripping the gun. I remove the recoil spring assembly and the barrel from the slide. Using a Qtip I clean the inside of the tunnel at the front of the slide where the recoil spring rests, so I can inspect the inside rim of the tunnel. The inside rim should be concentric, unbeveled, and blemish free. I did not measure the rims, but the amount of inside rim looks sufficent and equal on both of my pistols. The outside rim if this tunnel should have a bevel to prevent damage to the button. The first front coil of the big recoil spring (under the polymer button) should be flat in front, not rounded. Neither have a washer by the way. I then insert the recoil spring assembly into the inside of the tunnel (without the barrel in place, since the barrel gets in the way of the check). There should be some friction resistance with the spring fitting snuggly into the tunnel. How snug? On my pistols I can hold the slide with the front end up (again, no barrel) and the inserted recoil spring assembly will not fall out due to gravity.
I then remove the recoil spring assembly and reassemble the gun normally.
Both of my Mil Pros pass this check so I think the chances of my having a recoil spring jam are zero.
To inspect for this problem, I remove the mag and triple check that the chamber is empty before field stripping the gun. I remove the recoil spring assembly and the barrel from the slide. Using a Qtip I clean the inside of the tunnel at the front of the slide where the recoil spring rests, so I can inspect the inside rim of the tunnel. The inside rim should be concentric, unbeveled, and blemish free. I did not measure the rims, but the amount of inside rim looks sufficent and equal on both of my pistols. The outside rim if this tunnel should have a bevel to prevent damage to the button. The first front coil of the big recoil spring (under the polymer button) should be flat in front, not rounded. Neither have a washer by the way. I then insert the recoil spring assembly into the inside of the tunnel (without the barrel in place, since the barrel gets in the way of the check). There should be some friction resistance with the spring fitting snuggly into the tunnel. How snug? On my pistols I can hold the slide with the front end up (again, no barrel) and the inserted recoil spring assembly will not fall out due to gravity.
I then remove the recoil spring assembly and reassemble the gun normally.
Both of my Mil Pros pass this check so I think the chances of my having a recoil spring jam are zero.