First Impressions of Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
The Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 isn’t the kind of product that elicits gasps of excitement like a new optic or custom grip. However, its importance in the reliability and performance of the Ruger MK series pistols cannot be overstated. Volquartsen Firearms is a well-respected name in the rimfire world, known for their high-quality components and dedication to accuracy, so I approached this simple spring with an expectation of improved performance.
My journey to this particular recoil spring began with a growing frustration. My trusty Ruger MKII, a pistol I’ve owned for years and used extensively for target practice and small game hunting, had started exhibiting occasional cycling issues. The slide felt sluggish, and I experienced a few failures to eject, signaling a potential weakening of the original recoil spring, and it was time for a replacement.
Upon receiving the Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45, I immediately noticed the robust construction. Compared to the somewhat flimsy factory spring I removed, the Volquartsen spring felt noticeably sturdier and more resilient. My initial impression was positive; it appeared to be a simple but effective upgrade.
Before settling on the Volquartsen spring, I considered a few other options, including factory Ruger replacements and some aftermarket springs from lesser-known brands. I chose the Volquartsen primarily because of the manufacturer’s reputation for quality and the spring’s compatibility with multiple Ruger MK series pistols, ensuring it would fit my MKII perfectly. The price point, at $5.99, was also extremely reasonable.
My first impression was one of quiet confidence. This isn’t a flashy upgrade, but it feels like a solid, well-made component that will improve the reliability and performance of my Ruger MKII. The proof, of course, would be in the testing, but I was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 took place at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and mild, perfect conditions for a range day. I brought along a variety of .22 Long Rifle ammunition, including standard velocity target rounds and high-velocity hunting loads.
The difference with the Volquartsen spring installed was immediately noticeable. The slide cycled much more smoothly and decisively compared to before. I experienced no failures to eject or feed, even with the lower-powered standard velocity ammunition that had occasionally caused issues with the old spring.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my Ruger MKII since installing the spring, and I have yet to experience a single malfunction related to cycling. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the spring itself.
Maintaining the recoil spring is simple. During routine cleaning of my Ruger MKII, I simply wipe down the spring with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion. Compared to the original factory spring, the Volquartsen spring has significantly improved the reliability and consistency of my pistol.
Breaking Down the Features of Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
Specifications
The Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is a drop-in replacement recoil spring designed specifically for Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, and 22/45 pistols chambered in .22 Long Rifle. It is manufactured by Volquartsen Firearms, a company renowned for its high-quality aftermarket parts for rimfire firearms. The spring is designed for use with the included recoil rod.
The specifications matter greatly because they directly impact the pistol’s reliability and cycling. A worn or weak recoil spring can cause failures to eject, failures to feed, and overall inconsistent performance. The Volquartsen spring, being a high-quality replacement, ensures proper cycling and reliable operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 performs its job admirably. It provides the necessary force to reliably cycle the slide, ensuring proper extraction and ejection of spent casings and smooth feeding of new rounds. The spring’s strength is well-matched to the .22 Long Rifle cartridge, providing consistent performance across a range of ammunition types.
The spring’s main strength is its improved reliability. The only potential weakness is that, like any spring, it will eventually wear out over time and require replacement, although the Volquartsen spring seems to be built to last longer than the factory offering. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a replacement recoil spring, restoring my Ruger MKII to like-new functionality.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is straightforward and functional. It is a simple coil spring made from high-quality steel. The build quality is excellent; the spring feels robust and well-made, providing confidence in its durability.
The spring is incredibly user-friendly; it requires no modification or gunsmithing to install. Anyone who can field strip a Ruger MK series pistol can easily replace the recoil spring.
Durability & Maintenance
The Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 appears to be very durable. After several weeks of use and hundreds of rounds fired, it shows no signs of wear or fatigue. It is expected to last for thousands of rounds before needing replacement.
Maintenance is minimal. As part of routine cleaning, simply wipe the spring with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent corrosion. The spring itself is not repairable, but replacements are readily available and inexpensive.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 comes as a standalone replacement spring and recoil rod combo. It is not designed to be used with any specific accessories, but its improved reliability can enhance the performance of other accessories, such as optics and upgraded triggers. Because it’s a standard size replacement spring, there aren’t really any accessories related to it. The most important thing is that it is compatible with most aftermarket parts for the Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, and 22/45 platforms.
Pros and Cons of Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
Pros
- Improved Reliability: Eliminates failures to eject and feed, ensuring consistent cycling.
- Enhanced Smoothness: Provides a smoother and more consistent slide action.
- Easy Installation: Drop-in replacement requires no gunsmithing.
- High-Quality Construction: Made from durable materials for long-lasting performance.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the performance improvement it provides.
Cons
- Springs, by nature, wear out over time and will need replacement at some point.
- Not a performance upgrade, it is a replacement part.
Who Should Buy Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45?
This recoil spring is perfect for Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, and 22/45 owners experiencing cycling issues, reliability problems, or simply looking to maintain their pistol’s performance. It’s a must-have for anyone who shoots their Ruger MK series pistol regularly or relies on it for small game hunting or target practice. Owners experiencing FTE (failure to eject) issues should also consider this spring.
This product may not be necessary for owners of brand-new Ruger MK series pistols that are functioning flawlessly. However, even in those cases, it can be a good idea to have a spare recoil spring on hand for future maintenance.
Must-have accessories to consider alongside this recoil spring include a high-quality gun cleaning kit and a reliable .22 Long Rifle lubricant.
Conclusion on Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
The Volquartsen Firearms Standard Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is a simple but effective upgrade that can significantly improve the reliability and performance of your Ruger MK series pistol. At a price of $5.99, it’s an absolute steal. The price is more than justified given the enhanced reliability and smoother operation it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this recoil spring to any Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, or 22/45 owner looking to restore or maintain their pistol’s performance. If your Ruger MK series pistol is experiencing cycling issues, don’t hesitate; replace that old spring with the Volquartsen spring today and experience the difference! It is an inexpensive, easy, and highly effective way to breathe new life into your trusty rimfire pistol.