How to Tune Your Recoil Spring - On a Glock (or any pistol)

A brief video discussing selecting a recoil spring weight for my Glock 17 Gen 4 MOS pistol. Includes slow motion video and really edgy takes.
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[@TheGentlemanGunner]

I like these older videos… hair trimmed, relaxed, and humble 😎

[@chicowize]

Good information, never thought of this before. Thanks for sharing

[@user-pv9pv4xf9c]

Thanks so much, man. I remember you telling me you'd make this video after I asked you.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

No worries man . It’s easy enough to do - give it a shot!

[@blantant]

I like the DPM and just play with the outer springs. You can ask them for custom heavier internal spring also and go with the standard outer.

[@shaka2608]

Excellent content as always! Thanks for sharing.

[@rogersiples3335]

Great info. I'm currently building a gen5 g34. This will help. Thanks.

[@stupiditypissesmeoff330]

Lol “ building” you mean you’re swapping parts in 5 seconds making a less reliable gun out of a glock

[@brianonthego]

Good information. I was testing my g34 with 17, 15 and 13pound. Like the lite recoil of the 13 lb, but like the solid feel of going into battery with 15. Love the trigger with lite striker spring, but hate the lite strikes.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I ended up using to stock striker at 14 I may end up putting a 5.0 striker spring in per my buddy at Glock but yeah- have to have reliability

[@stwhite5135]

Life is full of compromises.

[@steveo6685]

@@TheHumbleMarksman I am having a problem when I remove my slide. My guide rod just falls right out of place no matter which guide rod I’m using. Is there anything you could recommend?🤦🏻‍♂️ it was working Codey fine but then I swapped the rod and now non will stay in place, as soon as the slide comes off the frame the guide rod falls to the floor😢🤦🏻‍♂️ please help

[@foxsquirrel3038]

Thank you! Im in the middle of trying to figure this all out now as a newbee

[@badbilly429]

good info man great video

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Cheers - hope it helps

[@scottf.3808]

Nice info sir....Good stuff...

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Thanks for checking in Scott- all the best this weekend sir!

[@colebridges9328]

Good info. Brass was hitting my optic with stock, with a 13, so now I am trying an 11.

[@Domthedon33]

Cole Bridges what’s the outcome with the 11lbs

[@colebridges9328]

Dominick fam91 Brass still hits the optic lol

[@Domthedon33]

Cole Bridges i just bought a 9lbs spring hopefully it works

[@plutosforest]

You're making that 9mm look like a 22. Strong grip.

[@AdolfSchicklegruber]

Just bought the 15 pound pure tungsten captured guide rod for my Glock 23. Wasn't sure about spring weight but it sounds like the 15 was a good choice. I was worried I had gone too light. Thanks!

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

hope it works out for you!

[@denlin68]

any update if you like the 15lb spring ? I have a glock 23 thinking about goin 13 or 15lb recoil spring

[@AdolfSchicklegruber]

@@denlin68 the GlockStore pure tungsten 15 lb is heavy as hell and works great. My slide has some lightening cuts in the top and it’s cerakoted so I’m not sure how much that will play vs a stock slide and paint job. But the 15 lb is awesome...recoil is really flat.

[@CCBABY510]

​@@AdolfSchicklegruber Thank you so much for your comment! I too wanted to know

[@Mr.9x19mm]

You can tune a Glock, but you can't Tuna Fish

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

True words.

[@reborn3409]

Pu dum tsss.....

[@JoshBenware]

Haha...rocky 5

[@JudahMaccabee_]

ok dad

[@EazyTactical]

😂

[@jakeblack7784]

Doesn't the ammo have a lot to do with it in deciding what spring to use? Great job. Thanks.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yes - this assumes the ammo is constant

[@IY6C]

Good info

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

would even work on that fancy SVI you got!

[@diegomontejo4657]

Wonderful videos you are very professional I will go to buy a Glock 34 gen 5 what is the best spring ? I will go to compete in uspsa I need a low recoil but I don't want other issues like jam in the competition I know Glock come from factory with 16 pound spring 14 pound spring will be fine for competition thanks for your help

[@kdubb11]

I have a Gen 4 Glock 19 MOS AND I find the 13# spring tracks the best. It’s like after a millisecond the sights are right back on target. I was smiling like a fat kid eating cake.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

The 13# ISMI spring is my current favorite. The rod has to be a little narrower so the rod isn't as heavy but the spring is way better. I'm using glockstore rods now.

[@c.patricksadowski9959]

Did you have to change the striker spring when you moved to the 14lb? I recently started tuning a new pair of Glock 19's with Agency 417 comps. I found on one of the two guns, I had multiple light strikes, but when changing that slide over to the other receiver, I had none. Not sure if it's just a "tight frame" being broken in (one frame has completely new innards, and zero rounds through it, the other, is a 15 year old Glock, with hundreds of rounds, and just a new slide. I tend to think its more just a "tight fit" at this point, than a striker problem.

[@blackcatgitch6948]

Trying to tune this Faxon hellfire with a 3 port comp and a holosun reticle but I’m getting conflicting information from the 15 lb spring in it now. I would think regardless of the windows in the slide I’m still adding weight and would need a lighter spring but I’m not getting stove pipes it’s barely stripping the next round , but this tends to be for instance rd 16-17 of a 17rd mag any suggestions ?

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

I’d like to upgrade the spring on my m&p 2.0 9mm. If I recall it comes factory with a 16-18 lbs. Galloway offers 20 lbs spring. Would this be ok for range day and home defense? Thank you.

[@bayramozisik1491]

Which is better ? DPM system or this system with 11lb spring Glock 34 gen 4 for competition

[@ScottyM1959]

Good info here. It looked like the 11lb spring gave you more control of keeping the gun on target was that just my eyes playing tricks on me?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

11# was pretty close - the vertical displacement was very similar to the 14. Difference being I am already in tune with the 14 timing - not sure if the 11# timing is worth getting used to just yet. Open to debate on that

[@ScottyM1959]

@@TheHumbleMarksman spend more time with it see what happens and prove your theory to yourself and fill us in. I'd be very interested in your findings.

[@sk21rt54]

I have and MR920, after adding a streamlight TLR-1 hL and a holosun 407c it stopped functioning correctly. I have to tap the back of the slide to get into battery. Would adding lighter recoil spring solve this issue? I'm usually using factory 115 gr target ammo. My glock eats but the shadow systems is a lot more picky.

[@cz503]

As far as reliability I am looking my fired bras to be extracted 6-8 feet way from my shooting stand. Closer than that distance - the spring is too heavy, further than 8 feet - the spring is too light. My target hits have nothing to do with recoil spring difference of 1 or 2 #. But this is just me, feel free to find what works for you in your way.

[@ianhinkle2863]

Hey so what guid rod would you recommend to shoot subsonic and just regular 9mm jhp ammo. No +p ammo

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

For a gen 3/4 - a 15# should be plenty. On the gen 5's it doesn't matter as much for the full size guns - the 19's are going to be about the same - but 15# should be appropriate for them as well.

[@travispowell2471]

Since you have that "fancy pants" mantis X. Have you tried the diff weight springs with the mantis to track recoil? I would be interested to see what that shows.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I started to with the glock heavy weight video - one was a 15# spring and one was a 13# spring - there wasn't much difference in muzzle climb - just the feeling of how it cycled.

[@kingcalin6149]

Can you cut a few loops out to make your slide move

[@eddiealldritt4210]

Great info. Perhaps you can help me with a problem. I have several recoil springs for a glock 22 but I don't know what they are rated at. Is there a way to find this information?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Sadly I don’t know how

[@dreamerflax4937]

Usually the factory spring are 17 pounds in not too sure about a 22 thought

[@eddiealexander6066]

Great info. What ammo were you using for this experiment? I'm running a Glock 17 with a compensator and having a hard time. Using regular 124gr ammo. Thanks.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

My own custom loads. 1060 FPS w/ 125 grain projectiles. You probably have too aggressive a comp and need a lighter recoil spring. Watch my video on Carry Comps to understand more.

[@ricardonava1083]

Buenas tardes les puedo hacer una pregunta Cómo me comunico con la empresa para poder conseguir pzas para una bauer .25

[@user-pv9pv4xf9c]

Hey man how do you typically dry fire train? Do you use any special dry firing products. They're all so effin expensive.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I use miniaturized USPSA target cut out and a shot timer. Only one I could see getting if you shoot glocks is the dryfire mag. All that laser trainer recoil stuff is great if you have the cash and it motivates you to train - but it’s not required

[@ummm000yeaaa]

So i just learned about the zip tie trick. Works for glocks, idk about other guns. Stick a zip tie down the barrel, with the block end (the actual mechanical end) through the ejection port. This allows the gun to just slightly be out of battery and your trigger will then not lock back and engage the striker. You won't feel the "wall" but it allows your trigger to move the full distance back and forth. DM me on here if you have insta and ill send you the video that showed me this trick.

[@jamiesloan5902]

I'm thinking of cutting a coil or two off of my 10/22 recoil spring. It will only function hyper velocity .22 ammo. I have stovepipe issues with high velocity rounds(1,260fps). I won't even try standard velocity. lol My extractor seems to be doing its job, because the empty cases have spun around, but not quite made it all the way out of the bolt cutout. Your thoughts???

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

my 10/22 has similar issues - I think lightening the spring would be a strong start. My personal approach - because I'm lazy - was going to be just shoot high velocity 22 LR until it wears out some and runs standard velocity stuff without issues. I imagine a few or more boxes of high velocity stuff aughta do the trick.

[@GunnerSouthPAS]

Another downside of running an 11# spring vs something like the 14# is that you start getting into situations where you get FTF with SHO or WHO or other weird shooting positions where you might be 'limp wristing' the gun. I had this happen to me with my LimPro at the lower spring weights. I've moved back up to a higher spring weight and the problem went away.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I hadn't even considered that. Another issue is you could use it to bang open a port from your muzzle and have it stick out of battery... I think I'm good at 14.

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

I got a few FTF issues with my Glock22 40s&w & as soon as I put a 20lb steel rod those issues stopped.

[@steverugerguy9606]

Less recoil?​@@perplexingperceptions8888

[@NyDieselOwnage]

Having a hard time finding info for heavier ammo like 165 grn any ideas

[@driveman7729]

Great information I have lost a lot of muscle strength in my off hand and am having trouble racking do you think a lighter spring would help??.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yes - a reduced spring will make it easier but will keep you from the spiciest loads however

[@attybong]

hi, just wanna ask .. do i need to go for a lighter striker spring when using a 13 or 14 pound recoil spring or the stock striker spring will be just fine? im worried about light strikes and failure to battery .. mine's a g17 b.t.w. and it's both my competition and edc gun .. thanks in advance..🎉

[@CODproR19]

I have a Glock 17L. I've had about 3 failures to eject out of 130 rounds (Stovepipes) 1 failure was with a lonewolf extractor and 2 with the glock oem extractor. 1 failure was with standard PMC 115 grain ammo and 2 of the failures were with 124 grain Remington golden saber ammo. The ejector that my 17L has is the factory ejector, it's labeled "336". I'm using the factory 17lb recoil spring, and new Gen 5 magazines with the taran tactical +4 extensions (The magazine tension feels fine) should I use a lighter recoil spring? Maybe a 15 lb or a 13lb spring? I'm really upset about this issues, It's the only Glock I have and I need to carry it everyday for self defense. I'm so disappointed that I thinking of selling it and getting a new Glock, a G17 Gen 4 maybe. Any comment or suggestions?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

17L is quite a hog leg to put down in your pants. I think the 17 would be easier to wield and handle mostly the same. So a stove pipe is basically the slide not having enough time in the "open" position to kick out the brass - and it goes forward and snags it. I think a lighter spring, maybe a 15 or 16 will probably give you enough time to get the brass clear. I'd be frustrated too - that's an unacceptable failure rate. My glock has only had a stove pipe on a severely undercharged round that I reloaded - didn't have enough powder. Try it and let me know what you think. If you're happy with the 17L otherwise I'd definitely start with a new recoil spring (lighter) and see if that fixes it. I personally love the G17 regular size.

[@GuestU2]

@@TheHumbleMarksman The glock 9mm are notorious for stovepiping, due to ammo, spring, and limp wrist issues. That is why some agencies have gone to the Glock 22 40 cal. No issues. Great good for fun range shooting, but not a reliable self-defense weapon.

[@rickyjohnson9594]

Best leave it stock.

[@jakethesk8roberts763]

Yeah stock is best I none of my glocks have ever had any problems ever when left the way it came from factory my gen 3 g27 my edc I put 800 rounds through it first before I ever cleaned it or anything I wanted to test it’s reliability in dirty situation and never fails to impress me how reliable Glock is perfection oem stock

[@5jjt]

"Engineers have spentots of time and money trying to figure out what rate of spring works best. What makes you think you can improve the Engineer's work?" This is the responses I keep getting on the forum when asking about springs, set-ups, etc. I move on and don't respond. So, is it best to buy captured, non captured? Which companies do you recommend for rod and spring? I'm running a SwampFox Liberty on a basic aftermarket (Spinta precision) G19 slide with a 4.5lbs striker spring. Thanks Humble!

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Wolff Gunsprings has been around for years. They offer a lot of choices.

[@that240guysx]

Value engineering has destroyed the logic used bu those people.

[@kevinchan4951]

Would you advise getting a 14lb guide rod on a g26 gen 3 if i mount a red dot for it ?

[@JB-kf3yb]

So the lighter the recoil spring the farther it tends to throw the brass right. I went back and re read Cajun gunworks tutorial. Answered my own question i perceived incorrectly the first time I read it. Glad I didn’t buy a lighter spring the gun already throws brass 10 feet.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Right, think about the forces at play - the slide moving backwards is pretty much static - so how much "oomph" you take off in spring resistance will dictate how far brass goes. More spring is more resistance, less spring is less resistance.

[@murderwoodsfinest9710]

I have a Glock 19 just got a 17 barrel that fits through Gen 1-4 I need to know what record spray to put in my G19 underneath the barrel???! 😩😩

[@Cumlordcasa]

I have a question. I bought a new factory spring and the black cap can turn and jiggle is that normal?

[@burnnotice5086]

My Smith & Wesson 9mm recoil spring is weak big time. I bought the gun used. Iam now looking for a replacement recoil spring or if I could retune this spring.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

yeah I would just get a new recoil spring. I'm not super familiar with the S&W offerings - but I'm sure the OEM part isn't very expensive.

[@everready19373]

Try Wolf Springs. I bought one of their springs for a FEG PA-63 and it worked great.

[@codymaxwell4702]

What spring should I use for a suppressed 10mm have a tungsten guide rod on g20.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I honestly am not the guy to ask on that front - I know very little about supressors.

[@kingcalin6149]

To make the guide rod spring less stiff?

[@jamesbrewer7867]

WhTs the big difference in the 11lb and 22lb spring as for as use

[@CallofDoobie585]

I thought you were gonna show some suppressed shots... What's the best spring for a 19 gen 3 suppressed?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

yeah my gig is more around competition stuff and less about that kind of stuff. My opinion on suppressed stuff is not worth a whole lot - i don't have any suppressed firearms.

[@smiddy434]

Same here. The point he made about Diminishing Returns seems true. I would go with a 13 or 14lb spring. Although I've read on forums its all about the ammo. 147 grain will function the best, though I've heard bad reviews on Freedom Munitions' stuff. Good reviews on Fiocchi

[@allmotordc5rallmotorfa575]

I just got a can for my 23 gen 4. I have a lone wolf alpha wolf 9mm convs barrel, blacklist gen 3 conv guide rod and am running a factory weight spring and its not cycling, i was wondering if you had any input on what might be the problem. Thanks for any help.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

how is it choking? Is it short cycling because the spring is too heavy or is it just not feeding? You didn't mention it - but I assume you're using 9mm magazines? The ejector is different from 9 to 40 but many people have made a 23 work without changing the ejector.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I'm assuming that the can is taking too much energy off the slide - you probably need to reduce the recoil spring weight further. A 15# or possibly a 13# depending on the can I would think would do it.

[@klarge24]

My question is do you have to rotate your guide rod to a certain way let me know been wondering for years

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

on the P320 - yes. Most other guns - doesn't matter.

[@jasonpierucci9265]

Any suggestions for the P10c? 15 or 18lb? Not alot of info out there. Stock is 20lb. Seems abit heavy

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

do you have the ability to get an uncaptured guide rod and try both? A 15 might be a touch light for self defense.

[@jasonpierucci9265]

TheHumbleMarksman Yeah I have the cgw guide rod. Their recoil springs are for fullsize/compact, but fit normal in the full size P09/P10F.

[@Aaronaku]

I got a threaded comp on my p30. Now it wont cycle....how can I reduce the spring strength ?

[@schneir5]

I think people just buy different springs. You might have to take apart the guide rod and spring if it's captive, and then try a different spring. They should sell them online, individual springs or kits.

[@Domthedon33]

My pt99 has a 13lbs spring, do you think 9 or 10 lbs is to low?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

I honestly don't know enough about the PT99 to comment. 9 or 10 # in most 9mm guns is not enough. In an open gun you can go that light - but that's a different beast entirely.

[@williamsliemers1758]

I'm 85 yo and have trouble racking the slide on my Ruger LC9s. Would a lighter spring help me?

[@shuumai]

If you're open to newer pistols, maybe look into the new Smith & Wesson Equalizer or a Shield EZ in 9mm, or maybe a Sig P365 .380. Those are supposed to be easier to rack.

[@ComeOnPelican91]

The striker spring has to be tuned with the recoil spring?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Recoil spring and striker spring need to be balanced.

[@shuumai]

@@TheHumbleMarksman why?

[@bcjaliu]

Would you stay with OEM for +P defensive ammo?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Yes

[@cd4playa1245]

These spring weights really confuse me. I think for me I'd rather just have a longer lasting, reliable spring. Is the 16 the best then for me in your opinion?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

In theory they are all supposed to be changed every 7500 rounds according to Glock but common practice is 10k. I would pick the one that makes the gun move like you like then just change it at 10k rounds

[@cd4playa1245]

TheHumbleMarksman interesting. So you really like the 14 pound one then? I have a 17 MOS as well.

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

For me it makes sense- everyone’s physique, hands, load and skill is going to create different results. 14 is a safe bet- as is 13. A lot of guys shooting 147s like 13s, I use 124s so 14 works pretty good

[@Lee-dn3ou]

Does the lighter spring also make the slide easier? It seems very difficult with my canik. I've heard it like 20lbs from the factory

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

Canik has three springs you have to balance - so check out Sprinco - they sell kits

[@pellla15]

Question. I just built out a g19 and have a custom slide with slide cuts. I’ve been having a lot of FTF, like every round/every other round. The slide is racking faster than the round can be pushed upwards from the mag and into the chamber. Buddy of mine said to get a lighter recoil spring. Has anyone else encountered this problem that can provide some insight?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

yes - it's opening and closing too fast - Look at a 15# spring or the 13# (killer innovations is the only one selling one I'm aware of) if you went super crazy. At that point you're going to have to reduce your striker spring to keep balance - maybe an extended firing pin. You could also get +10% magazine springs and that would help.

[@pellla15]

TheHumbleMarksman ok thanks for the reply. I had originally just thought about getting newer/stronger mag springs too so if this recoil spring doesn’t work out then I’ll try that out too. Thanks for the advice, I was beginning to worry that I wasted $800 lol

[@spartanx169x]

I went from the factory 18lb to 15lb and it made a huge difference. the lighter grain bullets also cause less recoil but in a new gun/slide may not cause enough recoil to eject the shell. Hence the need for a lighter spring.

[@shuumai]

@@TheHumbleMarksman about the +10% mag spring, my G17 gen 5, the factory mags just slide out without any spring force. Is that something to fix with stronger mag springs or is it okay the way it is? No malfunctions.

[@ThePatriotParadox]

Was that a 19? I thought about going with a 14 or 15 lb spring for my G19

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

It was a 17 or a 34 if I recal - it's been a while.

[@foehitta7083]

I’m new to build guns I have a glock 17 mines do the same thing it’s a p80 I don’t know what to do in now I’m scared to fire my gun cause I don’t know if it will blow up on me for my glock 17 I use a Bbgun glock 17 recoil could that be the reason why my glock slide keep binding I really don’t know anything about guns but why slide won’t go all the way forward the spring stick out a bit I have to push it just to fully cock it forward so if any one can please help me that will be nice in when I take the slide off the glock the recoil spring fall out could that be the problem

[@ronkruckenberg8644]

Is it gen 1 or gen 2 p80? I built a gen 1 G17 and had the same issue. I heard they resolved it with gen 2 but I haven't purchased it yet to find out

[@user-xy1nc4on6f]

This guy looks like he's about to punch Kelso in the arm lol

[@davidsirmons]

So how do I tune the spring? I'm not interested in using different weight springs, I just want to clip/tune the one I have. Thanks.

[@schneir5]

How often should I change my shock buff in my CZ Shadow 2?

[@aslanbosnakoglu8240]

doesnt the weaker spring make the slide recoil harder? i dont understand why people mess with this stuff.

[@royhooker1561]

Same thought I have bud. Like with AR-15 heavier buffer tube makes less felt recoil when firing due to more mass to push Back, but guide rods I figure would be the same kinda… but not close I guess. 😬🤔🤦‍♂️😂

[@minnesotanice369]

you just want shells to land between 6 and 8 feet in same pile and that's all there is to it

[@JHunt6352]

And a little softer to rack the slide..

[@Robert-jx8nr]

I gotta 22 lbs spring

[@josephh.8075]

I don't have money for 1 Aimpoint, let alone 3-5 Aimpoints. I guess I won't be able to do this.

[@gregroche7323]

Commenting

[@jonmajarucon51]

I'm sorry, I have no idea what you said nor meant about algorithms? What does that have to do with You tube?

[@TheHumbleMarksman]

That’s how YT picks winners and losers

[@jonmajarucon51]

@@TheHumbleMarksman Thanks, I have heard that they make great efforts at shutting down sites they judge inaapropriae or whatever. Thanks for your work.

[@claymore_roomba]

This doesn’t work well with a makarov

[@ethanyoung8971]

You look like Seth Rogan lol

[@danieltaft4391]

glock assembly

[@nfaisnfgay]

That test seems very inconsistent…