service advisory for KWA m226 ptp owners
It's been reported that the KWA 226 has issues firing in extremely hot weather. I also experienced it on one of the hottest days of the summer last month.
What will happen is the gun will fail to complete a cycle, only letting out a little puff of gas. Symptom only shows itself in extremely hot weather (high 30s) Though depending on the strength and amount of wear of your original springs, it could happen in slightly less hot temperatures.
The theory behind why it fails to fire is that the gas pressure build up inside the magazine is forcing the release valve to remain closed, even when the knocker from the hammer hits it. The gas pressure will quickly shut the valve before the proper amount of gas is released to cycle the gun. Attempting to fire over and over will eventually release enough gas quickly enough to cause the mag to cool down enough that it may cycle, but by that time, you've vented pretty much the entire mag worth of gas.
This unofficial fix was lifted from the KWA forums.
You will need a 150% recoil and hammer spring upgrade for a TM 1911. The springs are the same circumference and stronger than the existing springs from KWA factory. Don't worry that they are meant for a TM 1911. They physically will fit in the KWA 226. The 2 other people I know already did this fix used a matrix branded upgrade kit from evike. I have the guarder 150% kit.
The fix takes all of 5 minutes to replace... The recoil spring is exposed when you remove the slide for maintenance. The hammer spring is located underneath the grips. Remove the 2 screws from the grip panels and push the grips out from inside the magwell. Push down on the hammer spring block to release the hammer spring... replace with the upgraded spring being careful not to unhinge the hammer up inside the frame.. you'll need to fish it around to rehook it if it comes out.
Reassemble and get back to enjoying your m226 in hot weather.
I chronoed the gun in my basement before and after. Change in FPS was undetectable, though in my mind's eye, I think you may get a tiny bit less efficiency, but it's the price to pay for a gun that functions in the mid summer months.
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