First Impressions of Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring
The Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring isn’t the sexiest piece of kit, but it’s a critical component of any AR-15 rifle. Kaw Valley Precision promises increased durability and a longer lifespan compared to standard carbon steel springs, and that’s something that immediately piqued my interest. This seemingly simple upgrade could potentially save me time, money, and headaches down the road.
My AR’s original spring had seen better days. After thousands of rounds, it was starting to feel sluggish, impacting cycling reliability. I’d been looking for a more robust, corrosion-resistant option, and the Kaw Valley Precision spring, with its 17-4 stainless steel construction and passivated finish, seemed like a promising solution.
Unboxing (or rather, unwrapping, since it came in a simple package) revealed a clean, bright stainless steel spring. It felt slightly stiffer than my old spring, a good sign of retained strength. The build quality looked excellent, free of any visible imperfections.
I considered springs from Brownells and Strike Industries, but Kaw Valley Precision’s focus on durability and their claim of a 10,000+ cycle life swayed me. The price point of $9.95 also made it an easy decision. I was cautiously optimistic. It’s just a spring, but a critical one, and I was hoping this would be an easy and effective upgrade.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test was at my local outdoor range, in slightly damp conditions. I installed the Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring in my primary AR-15, a 16-inch carbine used for both training and home defense. I ran approximately 200 rounds of mixed ammunition through it, from cheap steel-cased ammo to higher-end brass cased rounds.
The rifle cycled smoothly and reliably with the new spring. There were no malfunctions of any kind. The action felt slightly snappier than before, suggesting improved spring tension.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 1,500 rounds, the Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring continues to perform flawlessly. I’ve put it through its paces in varying conditions: dry dusty days, rainy range sessions, and even a quick carbine course that involved some minor abuse.
The spring shows no signs of wear or fatigue. There’s no noticeable loss of tension, and the action remains smooth and consistent. Cleaning is easy; a quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked rag is all it takes. Compared to my previous experience with standard carbon steel springs, the difference is night and day. The Kaw Valley Precision spring is a clear winner in terms of durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring
Specifications
- Material: 17-4 Stainless Steel. This is a significant upgrade over standard carbon steel, offering superior corrosion resistance and higher tensile strength.
- Finish: Passivated. This finish further enhances the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.
- Cycle Life: 10,000+ rounds. This rating suggests excellent durability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Compatibility: AR-15 Carbine Length buffer tubes, as well as pistol buffer tubes. This versatile design makes it a great fit for a wide range of AR builds.
- Intended Use: Can be used to tune PCC’s. This showcases the spring’s reliability.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the rifle’s reliability and lifespan. A quality recoil spring ensures consistent cycling, reduces the risk of malfunctions, and extends the life of other components. The stainless steel construction and passivated finish are particularly beneficial for those who frequently shoot in wet or humid conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring performs its job exceptionally well. It provides consistent and reliable cycling, even with a variety of ammunition types. There were no malfunctions in my testing. The spring delivers a noticeable improvement in the overall smoothness of the action.
The only potential area for improvement would be offering different spring weights for specific tuning purposes. However, for a standard carbine setup, it’s perfectly suited. It meets and exceeds expectations for a drop-in replacement recoil spring.
Design & Ergonomics
The spring is a simple, straightforward design. The material and finish are high quality.
There is no learning curve. It installs just like any other AR-15 recoil spring.
Durability & Maintenance
The 17-4 stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability. The spring should last for thousands of rounds without any significant degradation in performance.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe-down with a CLP-soaked rag after each range session is all that’s needed to keep it in good working order.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring doesn’t require any specific accessories. It is designed to work with standard AR-15 buffer tubes and buffers.
Kaw Valley Precision recommends pairing it with their 4.3oz or 5.4oz buffers for optimal performance, but it functions perfectly well with other quality buffers as well. This spring’s compatibility with standard components makes it an easy and affordable upgrade.
Pros and Cons of Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring
Pros
- Superior corrosion resistance thanks to the 17-4 stainless steel construction.
- Extended lifespan with a 10,000+ cycle rating.
- Noticeably smoother and more reliable cycling compared to standard carbon steel springs.
- Easy drop-in installation with no modifications required.
- Excellent value for the money at $9.95.
Cons
- Limited customization options (no variable spring weights).
- The spring may be slightly stiffer than some shooters prefer, particularly in short-barreled rifles.
Who Should Buy Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring?
The Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring is perfect for:
- AR-15 owners looking for a reliable and durable recoil spring upgrade.
- Shooters who frequently encounter wet or humid conditions.
- Individuals building or upgrading their AR-15 rifles.
Who should skip this product? Those who are hyper-focused on tuning their recoil system for competition may want to explore options with variable spring weights. Someone who is extremely recoil-sensitive might find the slightly stiffer spring uncomfortable, especially in lighter rifles.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality buffer is recommended to maximize the spring’s performance.
Conclusion on Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring
The Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring is a worthwhile upgrade for any AR-15 owner looking to improve the reliability and longevity of their rifle. The 17-4 stainless steel construction and passivated finish provide superior corrosion resistance, while the 10,000+ cycle rating ensures excellent durability.
At a price of $9.95, the value proposition is undeniable. This is a small investment that can potentially save you money and headaches in the long run. I would absolutely recommend the Kaw Valley Precision 17-4 SS AR-15 CAR Spring to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable recoil spring upgrade. Don’t wait for your old spring to fail – upgrade now and experience the difference!