Question on recoil spring for new CW9

[officerdave]

Ok got a new CW9 for a backup gun, shot about 250 rounds, took it down for cleaning and trying to reassemble, I noticed that the recoil spring is a bear to compress and reinstall. I cut a coil off and forced it back. Have Sigs with Wolff springs for +P use, that aren't this difficult to compress. What do I need to know to make this easier next time?

BTW I ordered a second recoil spring from Midway and it was longer than my current one? Different length recoil springs for the same gun?

Thanks

Officer Dave

[forestranger]

Mine got easier to install with use. If you think the CW9 is tough, don't get a CT9.

[muggsy]

The length of the spring and the coil count don't necessarily have any bearing on the strength or weakness of a spring.

[bob98366]

They're stiff. No trick, just get a good grip and slide the end in place.

[DavidR]

Wolff makes a reduced power recoil spring that could make re-installation a little easier. I have one that I never used and I've since sold my CW9. I'd be happy to give it to you. If you're interested, PM me your address.

[MTCSS]

I have joined this and other forums to learn more about my pistols....this thread caught my attention and I have this question. How does the strength or weakness of a recoil spring affect the pistols operation? Does the strength of the spring dictate whether a pistol can function properly with higher power ammo loads?

[DavidR]

I have joined this and other forums to learn more about my pistols....this thread caught my attention and I have this question. How does the strength or weakness of a recoil spring affect the pistols operation? Does the strength of the spring dictate whether a pistol can function properly with higher power ammo loads?

I believe the answer is yes. With the reduced power spring I would not use +P ammunition.

FWIW, I put a reduced power recoil spring in my Glock 19 so that my wife, who has hand problems, could rack the slide.

[Buzzard45]

Officerdave; New springs will be longer than used ones because the old one has "taken a set", they are designed that way, after a short time the new one will be about the same length as the old one. As for installing them, well, a few choice cuss words mumbled helps me.
I do not recommend cutting springs because you are changing the designed strength

Mtcss; Yes, the recoil springs are designed for standard pressure loads with occasional +P use. reduced power springs = reduced power loads, extra power springs = +P (or higher loads if the gun is so rated)

[officerdave]

Thanks to all

I ordered a new spring directly from Kahr and will cuss my way into installing it correctly. I don't like the idea of ever cutting coils on spring and know better

[marshal kane]

. . . I noticed that the recoil spring is a bear to compress and reinstall. . . .
Officer Dave
After the fight to reinstall the recoil spring, I was beginning to feel pretty good until I realized that some skin on my thumb was pinched between two of the coils. That didn't feel too good. Sigh!