guestion about life of xd9

[ssugarba]

so I've been reading the forum for a while now but this is really the first question I've had so, this is also my first post. I have an xd9 and enjoy shooting it... now looking at purchasing Don's Guide Rod and probably will regardless of the response to this question. To appropriatly ask this, I want to make sure I have a proper understading of how the factory recoil assembly works...

From what I can tell, the two springs on the factory guide rod assembly work in a manner that
1: slows the slide as it reaches it's aft most possition and returns it to load another round. Then
2: by use of the second spring, slows the return of the slide as it finishes it cycle.

Does the second spring help to lesson the impact of the slide on the slide stop/break down lever? And if this is the case, and Don's Rod has no cushion agains this, could the slide or slide stop be damaged after x number of shots from smashing back into battery every time it is cycled?

I'm not too worried about the life of the pistol, as I imagine it will be years before I put enough rounds through it to consider replacing parts, but I am worried about voiding the factory warrenty. Curious to hear everyone's thoughts and appriciate your advice.

Stephen

[Don]

I started to type up an answer this morning, then notice I was late for work and fled the house. I forgot until now.

Both of the springs in the factory assembly work in tandem and only in the one direction. So the only cushioning is that they are cocking the striker spring. Once the striker is cocked there is very little force holding the slide in battery, and if you shake the pistol the slide moves around a bit. My other pistols that I own hold the slide quite firmly in battery, which makes me think that the norm in pistol design is quite a whump when the slide comes forward.

So I didn't see a problem when I worked out my solution and after 3 years of being in the field no problems have come up that I am aware of. I have not updated my records for a while but I think there are around 500 or so in use now. Some users may not feel much difference in recoil, but other than a few custom washer sizes that I have sent out they have proven to be very reliable, with positive reviews.

The users on this forum were willing to take the chance and I sent out quite a few samples to prove the concept. Since then others have took notice and came up with offerings for the HS2000/XD line. No matter the design differences they all act the same on how the slide comes forward. I think that we all agree that there should not be any problems from this.

As far as the warranty goes, I can't speak for Springfield, but you are modifying your pistol when you use any aftermarket product. If you are not happy with the risk, don't do it.

[ssugarba]

Thanks for your response. I have already purchased your guide rod and anticipate it's arrival. I'm not worried about the effects on my xd, the post was more a food for thought kind of thing. From your post I have a different understanding of how the factory guide rod works and now only wonder why they go to so much trouble to build it that way. Your design seems like it would be more cost effective for a manufacturer, not to mention less prone to problems (such as poor welding points etc.). Thanks again.

Stephen

[mcone]

Originally Posted by ssugarba

...and now only wonder why they go to so much trouble to build it that way. Your design seems like it would be more cost effective for a manufacturer, not to mention less prone to problems (such as poor welding points etc.).

Stephen

I've wondered the same thing myself. There is probably some specific engineered purpose in the design of the stock spring mechanism (with two springs). I've noticed the same thing in some other pistol recoil rods. That is - they have dual springs.

Maybe there's something proprietary to this design, and SA/IM Metal want to protect the reason for it. But if any of you gunsmiths understand the reasoning/purpose, it would be good to know.