star bm recoil spring replacement, how to?

[fgr39]

anyone know how to replace a captive recoil spring like the one on the star bm. I just got mine over the weekend and its great but I feel like I should replace the spring since I have no idea how many rounds have been thru this pistol.

 

[Jim K]

If the gun functions OK and feeds properly, don't worry about it. The replacement of recoil springs has been vastly over rated as a need. Most pistols will go thousands of rounds with the factory spring and no problem. I sometimes wonder how some folks can shoot enough to need a spring replacement since they spend all their time replacing springs.

Jim

 

[Mike Irwin]

Well, if it's anything like my Radom, you have to hold the rod assembly in a vice to drift the lock pin out, replace the spring, and then reassemble in a vice until you line up the holes and can drive the lock pin back into place.

 

[Jim K]

Hi, guys,

IIRC, the captive spring assembly on that pistol is nowhere near as complex as the one on the Radom, but it is not meant to be taken apart.

Again if I recall correctly, the spring is held captive by virtue of a washer and then the end of the guide rod is peened over. If this is the setup, replacing just the spring involves keeping the spring captive (I drill a hole through the rod, compress the spring, then insert a pin in the hole to retain it). With the spring held captive, you have to hammer down the peened end at the sides so the washer and spring will come off. Don't grind or file the metal off, you need it for reassembly. Then you replace the spring and washer, then re-peen the end of the rod to hold the whole business in place. Or you can just convert to a non-captive spring.

If I am correct, you can see why I didn't recommend swapping springs for the fun of it on that gun.

Jim

 

[jacketch]

I have one of these fine little pistols and so far mine has been very reliable and accurate.

Did you get the Wolff spring? I see that they are $7.89 and come in #12, #14 and #16 pounds. Which one did you get? I am interested in them primarily for spare parts since Star factory parts are no longer available.