New versus used R9 recoil spring

[mjrodney]

Linked are two photos that show a new and unfired R9 recoil spring and one that has 420 rounds on it. The longer one is the new one.

Unless there was a spring length change between the time my R9 was manufactured and the arrival of the new spring, the length change is significant enough to warrant changing out the recoil spring sooner than the 500 round limit proposed by Rohrbaugh.

Maybe every 250 rounds or so.

[sslater]

mjrodney,
You're way overdue for a recoil spring change.  Current recommendation in Rohrbaugh's Dissassembly and Lube Manual is 200 rounds.   http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/downloads/DisassemblyLubeBroch.pdf

I have a total of 1,300 rounds through my early production R9S.  The early recoil springs really collapsed quickly; the new springs, which can be installed with either end forward, seem to hold their tension longer.  BUT, at $5.00 / spring why take a chance on battering the internals of your valuable gun?  
At every cleaning, I measure the free length of my spring and change it out for a fresh one when the old spring is more than one coil (pitch) shorter than a new one.  That's usually 150 - 200 rounds. Cheap insurance.

Hope this helps, and you have as good an experience with your R9 as I have had,

Steve

[mjrodney]

Thanks for pointing out that it's 200 rounds, and not 500, Steve.

Although I just replaced my spring, I still have another in reserve, and I will be following your recommendation of "one coil shorter" or 200 rounds, whichever comes first.

Thanks for the heads up.

[Carter]

I bought half a dozen springs at the same time I bought my new R9S Stealth a couple of months ago.

I was pretty critical of this little "feature" as I considered buying this pistol (or not), but I've come to realize how difficult it is to design a pistol this small that will reliably shoot 9mm.
So I'm good with the scheduled replacement of the spring.

Also, I quickly realized that adding just $5.00 to the cost of 200 rounds of WWB HP ammo (about $80) is not what one could consider much of a hardship.

So my tip to new Rohrbaugh buyers is to just add a handful of the springs to your order and you'll always have one on hand when you want it.

[Chinook]

From the picture, one coil is about 1/4".  Is that the change in length we are talking about?

Thanks, James

[mjrodney]

It would appear so, James.

I just measured the coil to coil distance on a new spring and it measures almost exactly 1/4 inch.

[Richard S]

* * *

So my tip to new Rohrbaugh buyers is to just add a handful of the springs to your order and you'll always have one on hand when you want it.

That's good advice. I stocked up on spare springs after taking delivery of my R9 four+ years ago, purchasing a number of them through the Classifieds section of this Forum. I still have a few left in my safe but I think I'll reorder a new supply before long.

Recoil springs are cheap. Malfunctions can be . . .   "expensive." I liken the routine changing of recoil springs in my highly valued R9 (No. 132) to routine changing of motor oil in my highly valued Dodge Stealth (1993). (Have I mentioned that the Stealth now has 207,000 miles on the same engine?)    

[theirishguard]

Richard, Very sage advice my friend.   Tom

[slashsplat]

I just changed springs with about 60 rounds through and it was about 1/4" shorter than new.  I suspect some of the shrinkage is due to the cold weather (haha) - due to the compression from just sitting there compressed...  I will start checking it every 3 months or 100 rounds.

[Dino]

 I am a new R9S owner and I couldn't help imyself, at lunch I went home and measured my spring after only 84 rounds it was close to 1/4 inch shorter also.  I had the new style but I replaced it.  I want to see if the new spring will shorten  after a month or two of not shooting the gun.

Maybe the spring will be shorter tomorrow? Maybe measuring is not the best way to gauge replacement?

Any way I have no problem replacing it at 200 rounds.

Richard, I run a highline car dealership, thanks for the plug with reguards to oil changes.  You would be surprise how manyBMW and Mercedes-Benz owners don't get it.

[Richard S]

* * * Richard, I run a highline car dealership, thanks for the plug with reguards to oil changes.  You would be surprise how manyBMW and Mercedes-Benz owners don't get it.

Dino:

I first saw a Dodge Stealth when I returned from four years in Africa and it was the proverbial "love at first sight." I just had to have one. I like to say that I don't get in it -- I strap it on.   My wife's Mercedes-Benz now has 106,000 miles and gets the same care and feeding. Some things just get better with age . . . and proper care, of course.  

[Dino]

That's great Richard, my happiest customers are long time high mileage Mercedes customers. I know I had a few myself.  

I use to own but sold, and now help run the Mercedes Benz, BMW franchises in Lynchburg VA.  If I can ever help you with anythig let me know.  Been her for 33 years and still not afraid to get my hands dirty.