The factory guide rod broke on my .40 call P229.

1. I was amazed it was plastic.
2. I replaced it with a Gray Guns FAT rod
3. I used Slide Guide grease to lubricate the spring
4. It was much more difficult to install the guide rod than before

I went to the range and shot 25 rounds. Felt recoil seems somewhat more harsh and the slide failed to fully cycle once.

I'm concerned about how tight the spring fit the rod and wonder if I should replace the spring? It seems to be much tighter, or encounter more resistance than the factory original equipment.

Comments / Suggestions?

The Gray Guns FAT rod is a tight fit by design. The recoil spring expands as it is compressed, so I doubt that caused the hiccups. Keep the rod greased and give it some more time. I don't see how the FAT rod could increase felt recoil.

Thanks for the fast answer I really appreciate your explanation.

One end of the Sig recoil springs fits tighter than the other.

Usually, but not always, the painted end is the smaller end.

Make sure the tighter end goes on the guide rod first.

quote:

Originally posted by GP229:
One end of the Sig recoil springs fits tighter than the other.

Usually, but not always, the painted end is the smaller end.

Make sure the tighter end goes on the guide rod first.

Ah! Another thing I didn't know.

quote:

Originally posted by Wasabibill:
Ah! Another thing I didn't know.

If the guide and spring are assembled incorrectly, especially with the fat rod, I believe it could cause the problems you encountered.

I had replaced the guide rod with the grey guns rod too had similar results. I did the same kept it greased and after a few more rounds everything works perfect.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:

quote:

Originally posted by Wasabibill:
Ah! Another thing I didn't know.

If the guide and spring are assembled incorrectly, especially with the fat rod, I believe it could cause the problems you encountered.

Who would have thought it was possible to assemble, incorrectly, a guide rod and spring?

FWIW, the synthetic recoil guide rods (plastic) were used for a time but were recognized as a problem because they don’t provide sufficient support to the recoil spring and the should be replaced with a standard metal guide. I would not be surprised if SIG-Sauer would provide a replacement. The recoil guide rod should last a lifetime (20,000 rounds). Some are solid and some are hollow but there is no discernible difference. Check the “trumpet-end” for cracks.

quote:

Originally posted by Prince Herman:
FWIW, the synthetic recoil guide rods (plastic) were used for a time but were recognized as a problem because they don’t provide sufficient support to the recoil spring and the should be replaced with a standard metal guide. I would not be surprised if SIG-Sauer would provide a replacement. The recoil guide rod should last a lifetime (20,000 rounds). Some are solid and some are hollow but there is no discernible difference. Check the “trumpet-end” for cracks.

The trumpet end failed with half of the "bell" falling out on the bench when I took the slide off for cleaning. It didn't occur to me to call in a marker with SIG for a warranty repair.

I'm well short of 20,000 rounds.