I picked up an M18 xchange kit to change slides on my M17 frame with manual safety.  I can't get the slide to go all the way back for assembly and it feels like the recoil spring assembly is catching somewhere (gets stuck about 2cm before reaching slide stop).  I put the M17 slide back on and performed FC to make sure I didn't mess up anything with the FCU assembly or takedown lever... what am I missing?

The manual shows that the compact recoil spring is supposed to be installed with "flats" vertical, but the pictures assembly doesn't look anything like the one supplied with the slide.  This is what I have

Attached File


thanks

B

It must be installed like this.  It can be picky too.  If it twists any, it'll catch and won't slide on.  

https://imgur.com/8taB7wb

*I can't seem to figure out how to attach and display an image

I tried that orientation too and it definately doesn't clear the FCU at all.

This is correct what he told you above. It is an alignment thing . It can be a little tricky until you get used to it, but it isn’t rocket surgery either. It will definitely clear the fcu. Talk nice to it when you line it up, she will fall into place.

Cp

It will clear it. Have faith.
Cp

ok so after a few beers I was playing around... held the slide back and used my fingertips to twist the exposed tip of the rod and it went into battery.  Unreal it was this hard and shame on sig for having completely incorrect info in their user manual re: orientation of the flats on the RSA and their alignment with the barrel lug.  Thanks for the help!

I believe there are about 5 evolutions or the captured guide rod. From a financial standpoint, I don’t think that is a big enough issue to reprint all the user manuals included. I’m not sure it’s fair to blame sig for your ineptitude. Sorry, but if you can’t figure out how to install a guide rod in your pistol, you may want to drop guns and pick up golf as a hobby.
Cp

You’re cool man thanks for the unnecessary commentary have a great weekend

It wasn’t unnecessary. Multiple people told you the correct way to install the guide rod and yet you still blamed Sig for your inability to follow directions. Also, probably not a good idea to fuck around with firearms while drinking. Especially when it is clear you don’t really know what you are doing. Just sayin.