Haartz Recoil Reducers

[mister2]

Hello,

I came across a bunch of FLGRs in a trade, and one in particular handled strange, like it had a loose flange. I later found out is is mercury-filled, and is a Haartz (sp) recoil reducer. I guess the concept was to have a relatively-heavy fluid move back and forth in the rod to counter-balance the weight shifts and impacts of the slide moving backward and forward.

I would appreciate anyone with personal knowledge, link (google gave one non-working link) knowledge or even heresay to tell me if 1) they're more trouble than they're worth (mercury-filled) and 2) work on a practical basis (reality-check).

Thanks in advance for your advice.

MR2

[stumbler]

I had one, shot a box of ammo with it on, and got rid of it. I did not like the feel when it recoiled. And as it is in the same configuration as a FLRG, I experienced the same "Harder to disassemble, harder to reassemble". It seemed to also change the POI of my firearm (less recoil, lower hits for me).

[mister2]

Thanks for your reply, Stumbler. It explains why the asking price for the used FLGR was $5. And perhaps why it's no longer made, or sold. Into the curio drawer it goes. BTW I heard someone actually drilled the thing and drained the Hg out of it.

However, your post says you actually felt less recoil. Interesting.

MR2

[dldarrow]

I've had one in two guns for the last 10 years. One in a Sig 220 and one in a Colt Gov't model. I like the way it shoots. I did a blind test with other guys on my unit. I had them come up to two identical Sig 220s and fire a magazine as fast as they could. I didn't tell them that anything was different. Afterwards I asked their opinions and every one said "I don't know what is different about that one, but I like it" indicating the one with the Mercury filled recoil guide rod. The groups that they shot was a tighter group as well.

Admittedly this was not scientific, but good enough for me. So don't thow those away!

[mister2]

don't thow those away!

Even if just for the mercury content, I would never toss it in the trash.

I really have to plan my range trips around my work schedule and ideally, I would have taken it out, gotten first person impressions and then asked the forum. As it is I'm just doing it backwards.

Like most other tactile activities, the bottom line conclusion seems to depend on shooter's expectations, muscle memory, depth of experience, etc. Your blind test provides a valuable counterpoint.

And since you've had it installed for the last 10 years, may I further ask your round count during those years? The point being the durability of a component containing potentially hazardous materials.

Thank you very much.

MR2

[dldarrow]

The RGR in the Sig has been through two Sigs and has about 6,000 rounds on it, I see no signs of undue wear on it. We shoot the Federal HST +P.

We have only been recently allowed to carry the 1911 on duty, but I shoot it a lot more than I did the Sig, so that one has a couple of thousand rounds through it.