[Walt Sherrill]

You get replacements from EAA, of course. They're pretty good about parts and handling requests quickly.

I would NOT change from a twisted/braided spring designed to another that is not made in the same manner. Put simply, that different spring is arguably there for a reason -- EAA or Tanfoglio wouldn't do something (implicitly) more expensive just for kicks.

I recently found, for example, that some SIG models that come with a braided recoil springs have wear problems if a conventional-style (non-twisted/braided) spring is used in place of the factory spring. Seems counter-intuitive, but I think it was discussed here not too long ago: Bruce Gray (a renowned SIG gunsmith) was the source.

If you're REALLY concerned about the spring or guide rod or barrel bushing (if that's what you're talking about) breaking, order replacements from EAA and use the ones you've got until they break. Recoil springs and guide rods don't break easily or often...

The piece you talk about as a retainer for the recoil spring sounds like a barrel bushing -- but there may be a different name for that part in your user manual. If that part is getting chewed up, it may mean the recoil spring is installed backwards. (There often is a difference between the ends.)

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