Preferred Glock setup

Freetime · October 24 2014 07:21:15 PM MDT

I have a stock Gen 3 20c. I really like it. It won't be shot as much as other guns but I want to set it up to be used for anything that might come up. I don't reload so that's why it won't get excessively used. I will likely shoot lots of medium power stuff if I am plinking with it. Even if I CCW. But in the woods it will be hot stuff. I just can't decide on what the best recoil rod and spring set up is. Thinking steel rod and 20 or 22# spring. Worried about going too heavy and cycling lower powered ammo. I like the extra lock up time to keep consistant velocity. I don't know, what is a good all around rod and spring set up? I have read several different suggestions around the web but seems like everyone is only focused on nuclear loads. I want a do all.

Any opinions on this would be very much appreciated

The_Shadow · October 25 2014 07:43:16 AM MDT

Freetime, first off, which model and generation Glock are you working with? I see you wrote

Quotestock Gen 3 20c.

The reason I mention this is the 4th Generation guns are limited with recoil system options. I have seen some Factory RSA just fall free when the gun id field stripped. ${$default_huh_smiley}$

I have the Wolff Gun Springs for mine and they have worked very well, I do suggest you read through the info on the site about (warnings and do's and don'ts) http://www.gunsprings.com/index.cfm?page=items&cID=1&mID=5

If you read my write up and studied the measurements you will see that the recoil springs are applying more spring pressure because it takes more to pull the slide out of the in battery position. It stands to reason, that required force will be needed, to start the slide to move out of battery. (I could be wrong)

Both of mine are 3rd generation guns, G20SF I use the 22lb for most of my shooting needs and in the G-29 I also use the Wolff (non captive two piece rod) with the 21lb spring set.

Being a Handloader and testing the limits of many cartridges (10mm, 40S&W, 357SIG and 9x25Dillon for both these guns with factory and aftermarket barrels, I also have an assortment of spring weights to work with and tune the slide speed. The non captive system allows for quick changes.

For the G-20 I have the Factory RSA, the Wolff 20 lb, 22, lb 24 lb (I use the 24 lb on occasions)
For the G-29 I have the Factory RSA, the Wolff 19 lb, 21, lb 23 lb (I use the 23 lb on occasions)

I have communicated with many guys who have run the Wolff Gun Springs non captive 22 lb setups in theirs G-20's as well with good results. ${$default_wink_smiley}$

Best regards and Good luck with your decision! (this is what I sent in the PM for you!)

The_Shadow · October 25 2014 08:02:08 AM MDT

After having said all of that even with the use of the aftermarket RSA and heavier springs it may not prevent a casing blowout. There are many factors than can lead to having a casing failure, especially in a barrel that lacks cartridge support.
Glock's factory barrels are known for being loose and leave some of the casing unsupported at the feed ramp.

Rojo27 · October 25 2014 08:26:30 AM MDT

Freetime: Welcome

As usual Shadow is an absolute wealth of info!!

Here is set up for my G20sf gen 3. Very satisfied with final results.
ISMI stainless guild rod (non captive)
22# Wolf recoil spring
Meprolight tritium night sights
6" KKM drop in barrel for woods or hunting

Armscor lightest stuff I shoot and never any problems or issues with regard to #22 spring. While I have no plans to shoot anything lighter, keep factory guild rod & recoil spring in gun bag just in case.

Regards & Good Luck.

Freetime · October 25 2014 03:22:21 PM MDT

Thank you

rw · October 26 2014 01:05:42 AM MDT

Mine is stock other than truglo night sights (highly recommend those,very bright) and a rounded over mag release. Soon it will get an aftermarket barrel and different guide rod. Possibly another .40 conversion too, it came with one but I sold it.

4949shooter · October 26 2014 06:36:28 AM MDT

I just upped my RSA from 22 to 24 pound. If I get a chance to try it out today I will let you know how it does.

radiotom · October 26 2014 07:51:37 AM MDT

I too have 20SF with wolff 22 pound and KKM 4.6, works great.

Had a Gen 4 and had tons of problems.

Now, I do not shoot below full power 10mm spec ammo.

Also worth noting the 24 pound wolff spring gave me FTF's.

Freetime · October 26 2014 11:51:24 AM MDT

Thanks again everyone. I think I have ruled out the 24# spring. I should mention I intend to keep the stock 20c barrel. If I make it a dedicated hunting gun vs a backup woods companion then I might go for an aftermarket 10mm barrel.

I am leaning towards a wolff guide rod and 22# spring, maybe also. 20# just to have around. Wolff says all recoil springs come with a stock weight stricker spring. Is there any reason to change that? The stock stricker spring in the gun is practically brand new and I never had any thought of changing it out. I can see myself changing to a 3.5 pound connector but springs make me nervous.

my_old_glock · October 26 2014 06:34:29 PM MDT

Quote from: Freetime on October 26 2014 11:51:24 AM MDT
Thanks again everyone. I think I have ruled out the 24# spring. I should mention I intend to keep the stock 20c barrel. If I make it a dedicated hunting gun vs a backup woods companion then I might go for an aftermarket 10mm barrel.

I am leaning towards a wolff guide rod and 22# spring, maybe also. 20# just to have around. Wolff says all recoil springs come with a stock weight stricker spring. Is there any reason to change that? The stock stricker spring in the gun is practically brand new and I never had any thought of changing it out. I can see myself changing to a 3.5 pound connector but springs make me nervous.

No reason to change the striker spring.

I suggest you buy several different weight springs and test them to see which works best for each type of ammo you will carry. I doubt you will carry two different kinds (power) of ammo at the same time, so you don't need one spring that will shoot all loads.

I have this guide rod for my G20/21. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ILMG-0044-Stainless-Steel-Guide-Rod-For-Glock-20-21-20sf-21sf-Gen-1-3-/271291814836?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f2a4093b4

It is captive and tightens with two wrenches. The other style with one wrench always comes loose on me. Captive is better because your spring won't go BOING!, and fly somewhere, and get lost. You don't want to lose a spring in the woods if you have to disassemble you gun.

Most likely a 20# spring will work the best, but I have no experience to go along with that opinion.

.

Dave84 · November 05 2014 11:46:15 PM MST

I've had good luck with my 22 pound spring. If you're basically sticking to medium powered loads and some full power for the woods I'd say stick with the stock RSA. Only reason I even bought the heavier spring was to not batter my gun by ALWAYS shooting Underwood.

ShadeTreeVTX · November 07 2014 03:04:47 AM MST

I have a 20lb RSA in my G20sf gen 3 - for about a year now, a 6.6 LW and a LW2port for it also - 3.5 ghost and so far it has functioned perfectly. I will say that I don't shoot nukes or underwood or BB - infact I load my own - THANK YOU Shadow for all the reload info - The only store bought amo I use Is Georgia Arms 180hp +p and that is in my G29sf gen 3 EDC and that is stock except for the LW 2 port barrel and the 15 rd clips with adapters to give me a full G20 grip.

O ya my G20sf is my hunting pistol now.

Doug