Cutting down full sized recoil spring

[TAG]

Does anyone have advice on how to cut down a full size recoil spring/buffer assembly to use on a full auto (SMG) open bolt mini uzi? I've had a hard time finding any recoil springs for mini uzis for sale and would like to have a spare. The full sized assemblies are easy to find.

 

[TexPaul]

I ordered recoil springs for the mini from Uzi Parts (now BWE Parts). They work great.

 

[TAG]

Thanks. I see BWE Parts have the springs but not a whole recoil spring/buffer assembly. How do you change the springs? Do you have to grind down the end of the rod to take the retaining washer off, then re-peen the end of the rod after replacing the spring & retaining washer?

For my full sized uzi smg I just have spare spring/buffer assemblies, since they are so inexpensive and easy to find.

 

[TexPaul]

My mini is relatively new, so the buffer is in good shape. The spring was weak because it had been sitting for 30 years. The new spring from BWE Parts was the correct length. It came with the rod. If I remember correctly, I requested BWE to make some complete recoil springs with the rod, which they were happy to do. I had to wait a couple of weeks, but that was no big deal. I ordered five spring and rod assemblies, because as you noted, they are hard to find.