Lubricate recoil spring?

[loobett]

I've never lubricated my recoil spring. I've never had a reason to. While cleaning the other day, I watched as a buddy of mine lubed the recoil spring on his G30. Apparently, he didn't like the "squeak" when pulling back on the slide. What the hell? So help me enlighten him as to why this is unecessary and any possible ramifications this may cause.

[PutTogether]

Why would you not want a light film of oil on the spring and rod?

[loobett]

Why would you not want a light film of oil on the spring and rod?

I've always heard and read that it was unnecessary. I went to the extent of showing my friend my manual for my G22. No mention on lubing the spring & rod.

[BillCA]

It is not really "necessary" but it is a good idea.
Normally springs are not well protected from atmospheric corrosion so a light film of oil helps prevent rust from starting. Once rust starts on a spring, it's going to start losing its strength. And on a gun spring that is compressed and released with every shot, do you want to risk a weak point in the coils?

Don't want to do it? Think it's unnecessary? Don't oil it.
It won't harm anything to lightly oil it though.

[B Strong]

I wouldn't lube a factory Glock recoil spring assembly, but I do lube any full-length guide rod in a 1911 type pistol.

There is a brearing surface where the rod goes through the sping plug, and a wet pistol is a happy pistol.

[scott.cr]

Normally springs are not well protected from atmospheric corrosion so a light film of oil helps prevent rust from starting.

+1 light coat to keep it from rusting. Same goes for all unfinished metal components.

[unamused]

my manual (g22c) actually says that its self lubricating??

Anyway, after my first time to the range, the squeak seems to have gone away.

[1911su16b870]

Interesting topic. I have a sig that the recoil spring is so tightly on the guide rod that IMO it is preventing proper loading/functioning of the firearm.

For the Glock pistols I have seen/armored, there is sufficient clearance around the spring and guide so that there should not be any binding/hinderance.

[liketoshoot]

Always, I will always put a little on the spring.

[mcsoupman]

hope this isn't a hijack, but then what about mag springs? Should those be lubed?

[MasterYong]

When one part moves against another part at a high rate of speed- I oil it. Period.

Mag springs? Meh. When I clean a mag (RARELY) I typically put a light film of oil on the springs just for rust prevention and such but otherwise I doubt it matters since the parts aren't moving very fast or with much force.

[Rob Roy]

Don't lube it. Besides excessive lubrication causes dirt to get trapped decreasing reliability.

[sammy]

I will put a light lube on a spring that has a metal guide rod. None of my Glocks have ever seen oil on the spring. I guess if it makes you feel better, oil is cheap and peice of mind is priceless. If you want to lube, lube it.

[locosway]

The recoil rod on Glocks is self lubricating, so no oil needed.

[ironpete]

I was taught that oiled springs attracts dirt and grit.

It is fine to oil for corrosion protection but wipe it off. Most people I've shot with drench things in oil which is counter productive.

-pete