Changing the striker spring in a PM9

[melissa5]

So, a week or so ago, I was told that Wolff made a 5 lb spring and I ordered one. The springs came in the mail today. You guys made it sound so easy. :rolleyes: Well, my PM9 is in about a zillion pieces right now. :o I got the striker spring out without any problem and had the brilliant idea of cleaning the gun since I had it apart. I sprayed it with CLP and let it sit for a while. Then, while cleaning the CLP off the slide, little parts started falling out from everywhere. :eek: When I finish freaking out, I guess I'll have a go at putting it all back together. Just wanted to share this aha moment with ya'll. :(

[CJB]

:eek: When I finish freaking out, I guess I'll have a go at putting it all back together. :(

There's some great exploded diagrams on Kahr's website - will help identify the parts, and their orientation. Worth a look Mel

[melissa5]

There's some great exploded diagrams on Kahr's website - will help identify the parts, and their orientation. Worth a look Mel

Thanks! I'm working backwards and have gotten kind of stuck on the extractor parts.

[TucsonMTB]

Hey Melissa!

The first time I detail stripped my slide, this post was a great help: http://kahrtalk.com/showthread.php?t=197

The good stuff is in the middle of this fairly long posting.

I only lost (temporarily) one little piece. If I can do it, so can you. :D

[TucsonMTB]

Thanks! I'm working backwards and have gotten kind of stuck on the extractor parts.
The little metal cylinder is at the back. It was the part you depressed to remove the slide back. The extractor is at the front (doh! just testing!) and the spring is behind the other metal cylinder with a bevel toward the front in the middle of the sandwich. Other than orienting the bevel and slipping the extractor in place, it's not too tricky.

[Bawanna]

Keep us posted Melissa. The second time it will be easy, the first time can be a bit intimidating. Get the extractor oriented correctly, and the chain of stuff behind it in the right order and your home free.
Did you build yourself the little coat hanger thingamajig?

Operators are standing by waiting to help. I doubt you'll need it but I feel all warm and fuzzy offering it anyhow.

[melissa5]

OK, I got the extractor back together, but I think I put the striker block in wrong and it won't come back out. Is that possible? The spring side goes against the top of the slide, doesn't it?

[TucsonMTB]

There is a top and a bottom to the little spring that fits on top of the block. It may be reversed.

Does the block move inward when you press on it? If so, since the little block itself is metal, you can probably dislodge it by banging the slide on a wooden surface that will not mar the slide.

Edited to add: There may be no problem at all. The striker holds that block in once it's installed. If it moves freely, you're just fine. :D

Fingers crossed.

[melissa5]

OK, got the striker block out and in the right way. :o The extractor is wiggly so I'm revisiting that.

[TucsonMTB]

The chisel shaped end of the front metal rod bears against the extractor with the point of contact with the extractor itself toward the outer edge of the slide. There will not be any tension on the extractor until the entire 4 piece stack is in place and held by the plate at the back of the slide.

I am off to Home Depot on a "honey do" but will be back soon. By then, you will probably have everything working, but I will be checking. ;)

[Bawanna]

The eyes of the kahrtalk world are upon you. We need closure.

[CJB]

Closure and a drink.... sheeesh! :rolleyes:

[melissa5]

Everything is back together now, but it won't shoot a pencil all the way out of the barrel. That's how I test my Glocks after I put them back together. Guess I'll take it to the range tomorrow or Monday. Thanks for the help, everyone.

I definitely need a drink now! :)

[CJB]

Try a BIC pen... sometimes pencil erasers can be misleading.

If that doesn't do it, make sure you have the striker spacer correctly fit (I dont think its possible to not put it in correctly... but... just sayin...)

[melissa5]

Try a BIC pen... sometimes pencil erasers can be misleading.

If that doesn't do it, make sure you have the striker spacer correctly fit (I dont think its possible to not put it in correctly... but... just sayin...)

Excellent! The Bic shot out of there like a rocket! :D Thanks again.

[TucsonMTB]

Congratulations! It will be much easier next time, if there is a next time. :D

Did you find any metal "chips" in the striker channel or other areas? Apparently, the tearing action of the firing pin on the primer creates them and they follow the firing pin into its channel. If not, you shouldn't have to do this again soon. Perhaps not ever, since your solvent flushing must be effective enough. I guess that's why God created aerosol cleaners. ;)

[SkeletonSlinky]

Glad to see you got it back together...my 5 lb. springs are on the way too. In fact, I was going to search the forum for info on changing the spring when I saw your post. Great timing. It sure is nice having experts who have "been there, done that" and are willing to share their knowledge!

[melissa5]

Congratulations! It will be much easier next time, if there is a next time. :D

Did you find any metal "chips" in the striker channel or other areas? Apparently, the tearing action of the firing pin on the primer creates them and they follow the firing pin into its channel. If not, you shouldn't have to do this again soon. Perhaps not ever, since your solvent flushing must be effective enough. I guess that's why God created aerosol cleaners. ;)

Thanks! I don't plan to do that again any time soon, but it shouldn't be as traumatic if I do. I had a "blonde" moment or two there. :o

I didn't find any metal chips. This was the first time I used CLP on it. It made my rubber traction grips come off. :frown:

Edited to add that the 5 lb spring feels a lot better.

[TucsonMTB]

I had a "blonde" moment or two there. :o
And here I thought you were just trying to make us feel useful . . . and it worked. ;)


Edited to add that the 5 lb spring feels a lot better.
Then it was worth the effort. Sometimes when I do these things I am not so sure. :o