Changing recoil springs in a model 41

I have a model 41 that I have put about 9000 rounds through, the only time I have issues with it is right after I clean it. After I clean it I will get a few stovepipes for the first 2-5 rounds then it is good to go and does not misbehave for until I clean it again usually after about 500 rounds.  The gun did not do this in the past so I was wondering if I should change the recoil spring. 

thanks

Are you running a factory spring? Mine works best with a Wolff 7# er. Do you remove the lead from the chamber? I do every once in a while.

Personally, I would consider changing the way the pistol is cleaned before going into tinkering with a gun that shoots very well other than a few rounds after cleaning.   I think the cleaning process described by Larry Carter for the Hammerli 208 pistols is applicable to most any .22 semiautomatic, including the M41.  Here is that article from The Encyclopedia of Bullseye Shooting: http://www.bullseyepistol.com/22care.htm


Edit: With 9k rounds, it wouldn't hurt to replace the recoil spring.

I have the factory spring in mine, for cleaning I use a patch with Hoppes #9, there is very little evidence of leading in the barrel or chamber.  I have not changed my cleaning protocol since I got the pistol and it did not do this for the first 5-6 thousand rounds.   I do use a brass bore brush to clean out the chamber as well.  I don't clean from the muzzle on this gun as it is easy enough to remove the barrel.  I have an extra spring so next time I clean the pistol I might change the spring out.  Since ejecting is only a problem on the first few rounds after cleaning if nothing changes I won't worry about it.  

Thanks

not unusual to see this on a match 22 after cleaning or changing types of ammo without cleaning..Seems like some 22 like its own lube to function correctly.. I've seen it on my Marvel when switching from a wax based lube to a oil based like SK on occasion.

BTW I think a 7.5lb spring is standard for the 41..

Do change the firing pin return spring that comes with the recoil spring. I neglected it and ended up breaking the retaining pin. The gun still functioned but unreliably with the broken pin.

Change the recoil spring and hammer spring(clipped 1 coil before installing per another old time 41 shooter)  with whatever Wolfe said was factory weight. Mine has ran 100% since. 
YMMV

Thanks, that sounds like a good way to go as well. What ammo do you use with it?
Wolfe says 7.5# is factory weight. I absolutely would like to use the factory weight spring. I still recommend that firing pin spring change though.

CCI SV, ran 250 today without a single malfunctions

Something that I've found interesting about M41 recoil springs.  

A 41 is one of the few guns that I'd recommend making sure the "closed coil" end is away from the gun (at the muzzle end) if there is only one "closed coil" end.  (Usually when someone has trimmed a couple of coils off to try and improve functioning for some reason.  Can't remember the last time I saw an actual un-mutilated .41 recoil spring in a package   so I can't remember if there are 2 "closed coil" ends on a new spring.) 

I've seen 2 instances during matches where the open coil end got trapped somehow in the recoil guide rod hole in the slide binding on the rod and locked the whole thing up.   

Most guns, like a 1911,  generally have the "closed coil" end (if there is only one) at the base of the recoil spring rod.  

CR

My recent variety pack of Wolff springs for the 41 has one closed end.  I'm meticulous about reassembly, but checking that that closed end is at the muzzle is a good tip.  Brownells sells the stock 41 recoil spring, at least it's on their website as a backorder item. 

I actually bought the 41 spring pack to tinker with my Nelson conversion.  I've read (but have not measured) that the stock 41 spring is 7#, but don't know that for sure.  Wolff recommends starting with the highest spring rate and replacing with lower until the desired function is achieved.  I've found Wolff springs are a bit stiffer than what they advertise, but perhaps after coil binding and several hundred cycles they settle. 

Stan

Yes the 41 springs work just fine in nelson/marvel conversions

jglenn21 wrote:Yes the 41 springs work just fine in nelson/marvel conversions

Nice information. what is the most common pounds for run any ammo in a conversion?

I'v found 8 lbs to work for either

jglenn21 wrote:I'v found 8 lbs to work for either

thanks glenn.

Thanks for the info about the closed end of the spring.  Next time I have the pistol apart I will look at that.

take care