First Impressions of Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
The Ruger MK series pistols, from the MKII to the current MK IV, are renowned for their accuracy and reliability. However, like any firearm, fine-tuning is often desired, and that’s where the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 comes in. Volquartsen Firearms has a stellar reputation for producing high-quality aftermarket parts, and this recoil spring promises to be no exception, offering potentially improved cycling and reliability, especially when paired with specific ammunition types or custom builds. As someone who has spent countless hours tinkering with and shooting these pistols, the prospect of enhancing their performance with a simple spring change is definitely intriguing.
My journey to this particular recoil spring began with a frustration I’ve had for years: inconsistent cycling with certain types of ammunition. While my Ruger MKII is generally reliable, it occasionally hiccups with standard velocity target loads. I was looking for a solution that wouldn’t require extensive modifications, and the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 seemed like a simple, affordable fix.
Upon receiving the spring, my initial impression was positive. The spring itself appeared robust and well-made. It felt slightly heavier and stiffer than the factory spring, as expected.
I considered other options like aftermarket recoil buffers or complete recoil assemblies from other manufacturers, but the Volquartsen Firearms spring stood out for its simplicity and targeted approach. I chose it because it addresses a specific need – more consistent cycling – without introducing unnecessary complexity. My initial excitement was tempered by a bit of skepticism, but I was eager to test its impact on my Ruger MKII.
Real-World Testing: Putting Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, and I brought a variety of .22 LR ammunition, including standard velocity target loads, high-velocity rounds, and some subsonic options.
The installation was straightforward, taking only a few minutes. I immediately noticed a slightly firmer slide pull when racking the action. With the standard velocity ammunition that had previously caused occasional failures to eject, the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 seemed to make a significant improvement.
There were no malfunctions in the first 100 rounds, a marked improvement over my previous experiences.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 has proven its worth. The spring has held up remarkably well, showing no signs of wear or fatigue.
The spring continues to function reliably even after extensive use, and has noticeably reduced the number of failures to eject. Cleaning and maintaining the pistol with the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is no different from cleaning with the factory spring.
Compared to my previous experiences with the factory spring, the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 definitely outperforms in terms of reliability, particularly with standard velocity ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Volquartsen Firearms
- Model: Heavy Recoil Spring
- Gun Make: Ruger
- Gun Model: Ruger Mark IV, Ruger Mark III, Ruger Mark II, Ruger 22/45
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
- Country of Origin: USA
These specifications are crucial because they ensure compatibility with a wide range of Ruger MK series pistols. The fact that it’s made in the USA by Volquartsen Firearms, known for their quality, is also a significant factor in its appeal.
Performance & Functionality
The Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 does its job exceptionally well by providing increased resistance to the recoil, ensuring more reliable cycling with a wider range of ammunition. Its primary strength lies in its ability to improve reliability, particularly with ammunition that might otherwise cause malfunctions.
While it enhances reliability, it does make racking the slide slightly more difficult. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a simple recoil spring upgrade.
Design & Ergonomics
The spring is constructed from high-quality spring steel. This ensures durability and consistent performance.
The design is simple and functional. There is virtually no learning curve for anyone familiar with basic firearm maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the quality of materials and construction, the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is expected to last a very long time. Maintenance is minimal. The spring requires no special care beyond routine cleaning and lubrication of the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
The spring itself doesn’t come with any accessories, nor does it directly impact customization options. However, it’s designed to work in conjunction with other Volquartsen Firearms upgrades, such as their target hammers or improved extractors. The product description specifies “This spring is designed only for use with the recoil rod packaged in our kit“, limiting its compatibility if you don’t use the complete Volquartsen Firearms recoil assembly.
Pros and Cons of Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
Pros
- Improved reliability with a wider range of .22 LR ammunition.
- Enhanced cycling consistency, reducing failures to eject.
- Durable construction from high-quality spring steel.
- Easy installation with no gunsmithing required.
- Affordable upgrade from a reputable manufacturer (Volquartsen Firearms).
Cons
- Increased slide racking force.
- Compatibility is limited to the recoil rod packaged in the Volquartsen Firearms kit.
Who Should Buy Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45?
The Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is perfect for Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, and 22/45 owners who experience occasional cycling issues, especially with standard velocity ammunition. It’s also beneficial for competitive shooters seeking to optimize their pistol’s performance and reliability.
Individuals with limited hand strength might find the increased slide racking force challenging, and should consider other options. Anyone not using a Volquartsen Firearms recoil rod should also skip this product.
A must-have modification to pair with the spring is the Volquartsen Firearms recoil rod kit.
Conclusion on Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45
The Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 is a simple, yet effective upgrade for Ruger MK series pistols. Its ability to enhance cycling reliability, particularly with standard velocity ammunition, makes it a worthwhile investment for many shooters.
At a price of $5.99, the value proposition is excellent, especially considering the potential improvements in performance and reliability. I would definitely recommend this product to Ruger MK series owners looking for a straightforward way to optimize their pistol’s function.
Upgrade your Ruger MK series pistol today with the Volquartsen Firearms Heavy Pistol Recoil Spring Ruger MKII, MKIII, MK IV, 22/45 and experience the difference!