Recoil assembly comparison

[JimC]

As I was getting my stuff ready for a range session tomorrow, I thought I might change out the original recoil assembly in my PM9 which has 967 rounds on it and check the function with a new assembly.

When comparing the two SxS, I was a little surprised to see the drastic difference between them.

When I ordered the replacement I asked Kahr customer service how often they recommended replacing it. I was told 1200-1500 rounds or every couple years if the weapon is used for carry.

I'll first shoot it with the original assembly. It has been running 100% and then I'll decide from there if I will change it out.

[gb6491]

The "set" of the used spring doesn't surprise me much, but the difference in coil count would give me some concern.
Regards,
Greg

[OldLincoln]

I'd say shoot the old spring tomorrow if all has been right with it. Call Kahr and ask about the 12 coils in the old vs the 14 in the new springs. Be sure to describe your slide to them as they made a change resulting in an "old" and a "new" recoil spring.

[JimC]

The set didn't surprise me either until I saw the two SxS and the difference in length.

The reason that I figured that I would change the assembly out is that I plan on shooting enough rounds to go over the 1200 min. set by Kahr for a carry gun.

I figured I would do most of my shooting with the original assembly and then replace it and run 50 or so rounds on the new one to check function.

I want to chronograph some loads thru the PM9.

That's my plan anyway.

[JimC]

I'd say shoot the old spring tomorrow if all has been right with it. Call Kahr and ask about the 12 coils in the old vs the 14 in the new springs. Be sure to describe your slide to them as they made a change resulting in an "old" and a "new" recoil spring.

Originally I orderd the PM Series Spring Maintenance Kit. It was listed as the new style spring(s).

Kahr's description has the older style w/13 coils and the new style w/15 coils. Mine actually has 14.5 coils.

[knkali]

will the spring even fit?

[LordJ]

Doesn't the top one only have 2 more coils than the bottom one? I say it's fine, difference seems drastic only because the older one is more compressed.

[Ikeo74]

Another thought, there could be a difference in the stiffness of the spring itself. The new one may have less compression, thus the extra length.

[JimC]

will the spring even fit?

It will fit. It's very hard to get it to seat. I seriously doubt if it will run 100%.

I can hardly work the slide. It's way stiffer than the pistol was NIB.

[jocko]

give it 50- rounds down range and I bet it will shoot itself in..

[JimC]

give it 50- rounds down range and I bet it will shoot itself in..

I hope your correct if for no other reason just to make my life a lot easier.

I ordered two additional recoil assemblies this afternoon from Kahr for inventory.

[jocko]

well they ship um wsith that strong assembly in the guns so they must work, we have as u know read of owners who get a new one and can't lock the slide back etc and tend to panic. Now IMO it should lock back from the git bo but I would bet if you take a new recoil outter spring and lay it on a peace of paper and measure it correctly and then after shooting 50 to 100 rounds down range that spring will have taken a pre-designed set of at least 1/2". We know after owners shoot their kahrs a few rounds down range they say it is much easier to rack. IMO it is now that recol spring has taken its designed set and all is well. I don't want to add to your stress Jim, so take my word for it, it will be OK. Maybe even if my theory is right, u outta take those two new outter springs and "shoot um in" so as to when u need it, it wll be ready to go.

I must say the ol 13 coil blunt nose PM9 never seemed to have any complaints like we do read with the beveled slide recoil assembly. I do remember though saying my PM9 at first was a real bit-h to hand rack, but after awhile it was OK. I just figured I learned how to hand rack my kahr better than at first. Probalby the spring took its set and I didn't realize what good it had done for me.

[rjt123]

It will fit. It's very hard to get it to seat. I seriously doubt if it will run 100%.

I can hardly work the slide. It's way stiffer than the pistol was NIB.

I just replaced the recoil assembly in my PM9 and took it to the range. I put 100 rounds through it, and it ran great!

As far as will it fit, you're right...it was a real booger to get that new spring in there, and it was super-tight. But as I said, it shot great at the range. I will say, however, that the coil count on my old and new springs matched (I checked). This may have to do with the relative age of our two pistols (my serial number is ID###). And I made sure to order the "new style" assembly.

[JimC]

I just replaced the recoil assembly in my PM9 and took it to the range. I put 100 rounds through it, and it ran great!

As far as will it fit, you're right...it was a real booger to get that new spring in there, and it was super-tight. But as I said, it shot great at the range. I will say, however, that the coil count on my old and new springs matched (I checked). This may have to do with the relative age of our two pistols (my serial number is ID###). And I made sure to order the "new style" assembly.

My PM9 is also the newer version ser.# ID17XX and the recoil assembly you see in my upper is the new style.

Unfortunately I have not yet been able to test fire the pistol with the new assembly in place.

[MrToad]

FWIW, I've seen this with my K40 and had a thread a while backing with regard to the obvious discrepancy between an older recoil spring and Kahr's newest version (purchased earlier this year) for that model. I'd be curious if all or most newer recoil springs from Kahr have a higher coil count than previous versions.