Not a beginner but........................

Mods and Fixes by P-64 users...
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jebib3
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by jebib3 »

I admit it I'm a newbie (at least as far as the p-64 is concerned). I'm in the process of purchasing my first one. From all the threads I've read it is about a given that the first two things one should do to make the pistol more responsive is (a) replace the recoil spring with something heavier; and (b) replace the trigger spring with something lighter like 17 to 18 pounds. I'm real comfortable field stripping my guns but I've never customized, or replaced parts. Unlike polishing a ramp where one may learn by experience how to do it (which in my case would mean bad news to the first one I did) Both of these enhancements seem relatively simple or linear (you only have to do A, not do A to fix B and then redo A). If that is the case I'm not too uncomfortable giving it a try. Any thoughts on the subject, as it would relate specifically to someone like myself? I don't mind paying my gunsmith on the one hand but I don't like throwing money away either.
stover
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by stover »

Changing the recoil spring is a no brainer. Field strip pistol and reassemble with new 20 lbs spring from wolf. If you get the 22 lbs spring you'll need to do a little dremel work on the spring ends but still just a replacement. I used the 22 lbs spring and if I had to do it again I would just order the 20 lbs. When you order the recoil spring wolf will also send you a new firing pin spring. Replacing that spring is a PITA. I did it, but wouldn't do it again unless I had too. I think a lot of people just hang on to the spring uncase they need it later and only replace the recoil spring.
Replacing the hammer spring is a simple replacement too. If you have a few hand tools (punch, vice grips, etc) and basic mechanical ability you can do it yourself in about 10 minutes. Follow these instructions and you should be fine:
viewtopic.php?t=1583
stover
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by stover »

Forgot to mention: Wolf offers a calibration pack for the hammer spring, comes with an 18, 19 and 20 lbs spring. That is the way to go if you want to change the spring. Many people leave em stock and report that the trigger improves with shooting. I personally have the 18 lbs spring in my pistols and it occasionally spits the magazine out on the last round. I will move up to the 19 lbs spring next time I have the grips off.
kurremkarm
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by kurremkarm »

I was wondering about this myself. I am a lazy man-- proudly-- and if it aint broke I won't fix it. I don't like recoil that I don't need, however. I can see myself replacing the recoil spring with the 20 pound one-- so i dont have to do any extra work. At that point? Can you just dry fire the thing a million times or polish something up to make it smooth out?
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dfunk
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by dfunk »

Welcome to the forum. buddy. You're in the right place and in good hands!

My suggestion is to take it apart and clean every inch of it. Just because it seems clean, doesn't mean it is. I can assure you that J&G or whomever you buy from, hasn't detail stripped it to clean it.
After it's clean, shoot it. Not just 50 rounds, but go out and put some serious trigger time into it. Everything starts to smooth out after it's shot, and the trigger pull will lighten up a bit.
If after shooter a couple hundred rounds through it doesn't make it where you want it, then go for the new mainspring. I think a 19lb is the way to go, but it's up to you. Remember - this spring is also responsible for the mag catch, so don't go too light or you'll drop mags. I don't see any need for a new recoil spring, so I wouldn't waste the money.

I use my P64's stock, with no changes, and feel just fine about it. See ya around.
jpenland
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by jpenland »

I just got my p-64 also, and I got a 20lb recoil spring and a 17lb hammer spring, it was so easy to change, it literally took me 5 minutes and I am a newb haha
normsutton
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by normsutton »

jpenland

the 17lb hammer spring is to light of spring ,

NORM
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N.R.A. LIFE MEMBER 1976

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jpenland
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by jpenland »

Norm

Why do you think it's too light? I'm going to try it out at the range in the morning, if it's too light then I will order something a little heavier. Dryfiring the sa and da felt pretty good.
normsutton
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by normsutton »

jpenland
think it's too light , I know its to light when 18 is too light to set off some brands Russian steel cased ammo

NORM
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jebib3
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by jebib3 »

Now that is good information! Puts the whole issue in context for me. (in some of the discussions many of you start on such a higher plane of knowledge there are so many assumptions built into them I totally miss the point). that was what occured on this one. Norm always keeps it real, and for me simple too!
jpenland
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Not a beginner but........................

Post by jpenland »

I just put 200 rounds of silver bear jhp thru it at the range, it fires every
single time, the trigger pull felt great too.
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