25 Feb 01

Compact pistols:

During a program in Oklahoma City last weekend, my Glock-36 developed a spring problem. The pistol uses a captured, double-concentric, recoil spring system, as do many compact, autoloading pistols.

After a number of students used the pistol in a stoppage drill (in which pistol get slapped around a good deal), I noticed that the slide was not moving normally.

When we field stripped it, I discovered that the larger of the two, concentric springs had slipped out of its alignment sleeve. The premises gunsmith was able to fix it, and the gun was returned to service right away. My friends at Glock, whom I can always count on, instantly replaced the part, although I don't think it was necessary.

The lesson here is that one pays a price when he selects compact autoloaders. The G36 is delightful to carry. It may not be much slimmer than a G19, but I can really tell the difference as I carry it in my Elderton IWB holster.

However, it may be that double, concentric recoil spring systems are not as inherently reliable as single spring systems found on full-sized autoloaders. Comfort and compactness comes at a price!

/John