Need Opinions On semi auto pistol action

[RBB]

In my senior age along with a couple recent health issues I am finding it very difficult to rack a round in my Kimber Micro 9. Naturally this carries over to cleaning the gun since I can barely get it broke down.
Now my question. Has any of you gun guys ever changed out the recoil spring for something
weaker? If so what type results did you see?

I am not a firearm expert at all.

 

[Tucker K5]

Have you considered switching to a revolver?

 

[Dave - M]

I have not. I am not pleased with the slide stop lever; on 1911s it protrudes out the starboard side and gives you something to push on. The micros are recessed and its hard to get it started. I'll tell you how I tear mine down. Verify empty. Mag out of course, hammer cocked. Looking at the port side. I put the web of my right hand up under the beavertail. First two fingers curl over the slide, against the rear sight. With my left hand over the front of the slide, I move it the rear until the slide stop is lined up with the notch. Now I can easily hold the slide in place with my right hand, while my left hand manipulates the slide stop.

 

[RBB]

Have you considered switching to a revolver?

I have 3 sir. love them all. A Tarus 38s stainless snub, a micro lite, and a 357. just wanting a couple more rounds and a slimer profile.
The micro 9 is fine, its just tuff to rack.

 

[Dave - M]

I generally have to push on the slide stop until I can just barely get a fingernail under to lift it up.

I had a Ruger LCP which I found even harder to take down. Glocks, on the other hand, are the model of simplicity

 

[RBB]

I have a Gen 23 40cal and its a peach. But the Kimber is tuff.

 

[LTD.330]

Are there any gun shows or gun stores in your area? If so, you could visit one and handle several different firearms to find one that you can manipulate that also fits your hand.

 

[RBB]

Are there any gun shows or gun stores in your area? If so, you could visit one and handle several different firearms to find one that you can manipulate that also fits your hand.

Yes there is several. I was at one today. Truly like the Kimber just need to see if its possible to relax the recoil spring.

 

[Dave - M]

I just checked the Kimber store. They offer only the original 11.5# recoil spring. Not sure if anyone else makes a lighter spring or not. It is something that one needs to approach cautiously because changing spring weights can have unintended consequences.

 

[jmauld]

Try pulling the hammer back before pulling on the slide.

let the gun store clean it.

 

[firecadet613]

Look at the Smith & Wesson EZ series as they are much easier to rack.

 

[LTD.330]

Yes there is several. I was at one today. Truly like the Kimber just need to see if its possible to relax the recoil spring.

Honestly, modifying a self defense firearm in any way is a bad idea all the way around.

1911 style pistols are finicky enough, and adjusting spring tensions are a good way to induce malfunctions. I personally don't trust any firearm for self-defense until I put at least 400 rounds in one range session without a malfunction. None of my 1911 style pistols have passed that test.

Now here is the real problem with replacing the spring. If, God forbid, you actually use that pistol for self-defense a malicious prosecutor (rule, not exception) will tell the jury in your murder trial that the gun wasn't deadly enough, Mr RBB had modify his gun to make it more deadlier so he could kill this poor misunderstood youth.

Self-defense firearms should be bone stock and not have any images or slogans on them. Even a flag can be construed to paint you as a right wing killer wannabe.

 

[dwna1a]

While you can lighten the spring it should not be done. The tolerances of the gun demand a certain amount of pressure to rack the next round. Lighten it to much and it may start hanging up.

 

[jmauld]

1911 style pistols are finicky enough, and adjusting spring tensions are a good way to induce malfunctions. I personally don't trust any firearm for self-defense until I put at least 400 rounds in one range session without a malfunction. None of my 1911 style pistols have passed that test.

Are you shooting older 1911s? The newer models have been really reliable in my experience. Even my 80% 1911 can pass that test.

 

[Dave - M]

RBB, not sure how long you've had this gun but if its an early micro 9 with two recoil springs (one inside the other) then you can get a single spring from Kimber, which may help.

 

[RBB]

Look at the Smith & Wesson EZ series as they are much easier to rack.

Actually bought my wife EZ in a 380. She drives tacks with it at 21'.

 

[RBB]

RBB, not sure how long you've had this gun but if its an early micro 9 with two recoil springs (one inside the other) then you can get a single spring from Kimber, which may help.

Its the newer model with the single flat spring.

 

[Gofirstclass]

RBB, Kimber likely spent thousands of dollars to come up with precisely the correct spring. You should not do anything to change it.

LTD330 nailed it with this...
"Now here is the real problem with replacing the spring. If, God forbid, you actually use that pistol for self-defense a malicious prosecutor (rule, not exception) will tell the jury in your murder trial that the gun wasn't deadly enough, Mr RBB had modify his gun to make it more deadlier so he could kill this poor misunderstood youth."

 

[RBB]

Fellas the Kimber is gone, bought a SW MP9mm EZ with the Ported barrel and Carbon Fiber siights. Should have it tomorrow or the next day. I'll post a picture.
Thanks for all the input.

 

[RBB]

Here’s the replacement.