[BassCliff]

Greetings,

For various and sundry reasons it was time to replace the roll pin at the top of the slide on my XD9. It was not broken and there was no sign of wear. Lately I had noticed a few light primer strikes. The gun has near 5000 round through it. Someone suggested that the striker channel could be gunked up. I decided to order a few roll pins, make sure the striker channel was clear, and replace the pin. This Youtube video was helpful.

I got the killer deal on three roll pins from PistolGear.com.

Then as I was cleaning my XD9, I used my new punch set for the first time to knock out that pin from the bottom.

The old roll pin looked OK, just dirty. I saved it.

Here's the striker indicator, spring, and spring guide. I'll get them cleaned up too.

The pin on this striker looks pretty gunky. Let's get that cleaned up too.

Here are the striker channel parts along with the back plate. Be sure to use your thumbs to keep the springs from launching all over when removing the back plate. Yes, I remembered.

I was able to get some solvent and q-tips down in the channel to get it reasonably clean.

Upon reassembly, this old noob forgot to put tape on top of the slide. Plus, I was using the brass end of the hammer to drive the pin and accidentally whacked the slide. Yeah, it left a mark. Doh!

I finished cleaning it, put it all back together, did a function check, then took it to my laser range for a little dry fire practice. It worked great. Today I took it for live fire practice, with more WWB, and it worked great. No hiccups at all. My thanks to @HngnHunter and @Mike51392 for their helpful suggestions.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Cliff sorry buddy but DAMN shame on you. How the heck you let her get that dirty? So how many rounds ?

It's in the neighborhood of 5000 rounds. I used to train outdoors a lot but haven't for almost a year. Now that I'm familiar with the procedure, this may be an annual maintenance routine. Plus, it should stay cleaner at the indoor ranges I'm using.

Now fix that thumbnail.
Were you getting more solid primer strikes?

I suppose so. I had no duds today at the range. I'm continuing to use up my WWB to see how it behaves. Experienced a couple of FTEs today, that's it. The dimples looked great.

I appreciate you guys.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

So 5k rounds later, how do you feel about the XD Service 9? Wear marks? Does it still continue to serve it's purpose? Is it getting replaced anytime soon?

This is a very capable pistol that I'm slowly being able to use to it's full potential. It's been a great learning tool that I've used and abused but keeps on running. It's got a few little scratches and wear marks from all the holster draws and my fumbling, rough shod maintenance. I've never dropped it, thankfully. It's been my all-in-one firearm, EDC, nightstand, training piece, range toy, etc. You know, it's a G19 clone with a couple extra features that I like. That's why I purchased it rather than a Glock. It's made me quite a Springfield fanboy, hence my Garrison purchase.

Replacement? I'm starting to try out the rentals at my ranges. There's quite a selection. The Prodigy is next on my list. Then I'll try some Elites, some Shield models, some F&N, HK, etc. If I find something I really connect with then I'll start saving my gig money. 😉 But I don't yet have a burning urge to replace it. I know some folks will have two identical firearms, one as a beater for training and a nicer, cleaner one for carrying. Maybe the next pistol I fall in love with will get a twin. But I digress.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[BassCliff]

Hi guys,

I saw the close up of the thumbnail. Did you use a small drill bit to make the vent holes? Or did you heat up a paper clip with a match/lighter and burn them through? I use the paper clip method since a doctor did that for one of mine years ago (thought the finger might be broken, too and went to get xrays and a splint if needed).

I never even thought about broken pins in my XDM 9MM pistols all those years ago. By the time I got the .45 Tactical XD I'd read enough about broken pins I ordered some spares a day or so after ordering the pistol. Never have used them so far.

I used an Exacto knife to drill holes in my thumbnail. Worked great. I thought about heating a paper clip but this seemed more "surgical". 😉

The roll pin didn't seem worn at all. The new one is a little more heavy duty. I thought I'd replace it as long as I was cleaning the striker and striker channel.

@BassCliff, Good aim with a pistol! But can't aim a 'Hammer'! LOL, Sorry Bro, I couldn't help myself!

Ha! I guess I shoot about as well as I swing a hammer.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff