Hammer spring poundage

[Argonaut]

Hi guys. Long time listener first time caller! I picked up my P-64 about two years ago at a local gun show. The booth owner told me $175 was a pretty good deal for a Makarov and I bought it hook, line and sinker. Needless to say I was young and uninformed at the time. Since then I've come to love and adore my P-64. Imagine my surprise finding the P-64 Resource and through it finding how to replace my springs to cut down my DA trigger pull and recoil, pick up some new wood grips and a nice leather holster. Ecstatic doesn't describe it.

I'm looking to replace my hammer spring first of all. I see that the 18lb is quite popular and I've noticed everyone recommending against the 17lb spring. Whats the reason for that? Why no to the 17 pounder? I'm probably going to get the 18lb spring anyway but my curiosity was pushing me to ask. Thanks!

[stover]

If the hammer spring is too light the magazine will drop out, usually on the last round, because the spring also provides tension for the magazine release. I suggest you buy the 3 spring calibration pack and see what works best for your gun. I use the lightest spring that still holds the magazine in, for me that is 19lbs.

[dfunk]

Welcome!
stover is right, not to mention if it's too light you could get light primer strikes. Some use the 17lb successfully while others don't. At this point, I think it should be gauged on a gun-by-gun basis. I would advise against a new recoil spring, though - I think it's a waste of money.

[juniustaylor]

stover and dfunk are both correct. I do use the 17# and have no problems with it. No light strikes and no magazine ejecting on the last round. It is a gun-by-gun basis. What works for mine may not work with yours. The 18 or 19# springs should be suitable. I do have an 18# and don't like it. That 1# makes quite a difference. dfunk is correct on the recoil spring. It is a huge waste of money, don't bother with it!

[Argonaut]

Very cool, thanks a bunch guys. It makes perfect sense that it provides tension to the mag release now that I think about it. I wish there was a 17# spring in that three pack but its inexpensive if I decide I want to try it. Thanks also for the input on the recoil spring. Its at least good to know I can get a suitable replacement if need be. Thanks again!

[juniustaylor]

I kind of wonder if how the person holds the pistol can affect the magazine ejection problem with the 17# spring. That may be an experiment for me to try later on down the road. Try different holds... stiff hand and limp wristing and see. I normally hold my gun pretty darn tight and haven't had the mag drop issue.

Another thought is if that washer on the strut bar is missing. That would technically shorten and create a weaker spring hold since it won't be pushing hard against the mag catch. The gun can just be made more loosely or just worn over years of possible use. Oh the possibilities.

Argonaut, no problem, that's what we're here for is to help and share "wisdom".

[Argonaut]

I hadn't thought of that. Hell a limp wrist grip can cause all sorts of problems. I'll have to experiment with it myself. Gotta put a delay on my spring order, what with the holidays and all. I'll definitely post if I find and definitive results.

[stover]

Grip didn't make a difference. I went through several mags trying different grips and regardless of grip the mag dropped on the last round every time. Putting in a heavier hammer spring is the only thing that worked -- At least for mine.

[juniustaylor]

Stover... roger that. It's just so weird. I'd think the mag would fall out when full rather than empty. More weight. Oh well, it was worth the idea but it seems to have been done. Thanks stover.

[gwbiker]

My two cents: I went with the 18lb WOLFF hammer spring, WOLFF firing pin spring and stock P-64 recoil spring on my 1973 specimen. Gives me about 11lb DA trigger pull and consistent 3.5lb SA pull. No light primer strikes or issues with magazine dropping prematurely.

I'm hooked on the P-64. It's become my daily open carry handgun in Tucson.
Ruger LCP for required CC.

[DocCasualty]

Some use the 17lb successfully while others don't. At this point, I think it should be gauged on a gun-by-gun basis. I would advise against a new recoil spring, though - I think it's a waste of money.

FWIW, I concur. The 17# spring has worked without a hitch for me and I've never replaced the recoil spring. I think there is a fair amount of variability amongst these guns as some report their DA trigger pull acceptable with the stock mainspring, while mine required two fingers to pull (forget squeeze) the trigger in DA with the stock spring.

[dfunk]

It only makes sense, too, if you see multiple specimens. Some have well-machined parts while other were definitely done on a Friday. If any small part is slightly out of spec, and aftermarket spring may not work correctly. Makes sense to me.

[fvdberge]

I bought the Wolff 18, 19, & 20 Lb. hammer spring pack. Installed the 18 lb spring and out of the 50 PPU ammo, I had several misfires. Most fired on the second hammer strike but out of the 50 there were 3 that never fired. The primer shows an indent but it did not go bang. I will try the 20 lb one to see if this is better.

[dfunk]

Hell, if you have the 18, 19, and 20, you may as well try the 19 before the 20. No sense in skipping over it.

[fknipfer1]

Right now I am satisfied with the 18# spring feel on DA and SA but I have never fired the gun yet. That will happen next week. If the magazine falls out or light SA strikes I will go to the 19# spring.
I hope the 18# works as the feel of the gun is great with this spring.

fknipfer1