Service intervals for a sport-shooting pistol
IPSC and ISSF pistols see thousands of rounds a year. Here's when to service what.
Type: guideFor: licensed-shooter5 min readPublished 2026-05-06
A handgun used in regular IPSC, ISSF or club competition will fire 5,000–15,000 rounds a year. Manufacturers publish service schedules; here are the milestones most experienced sport shooters follow.
Every 500 rounds
- Strip, clean, lubricate. Inspect recoil spring for shortening (out of spec = replace).
- Inspect extractor for chips, weak tension.
Every 5,000 rounds
- Replace recoil spring (or sooner per manual).
- Inspect firing pin and firing-pin spring for set.
- Inspect locking block and slide rails for peening.
Every 10,000–15,000 rounds
- Replace mainspring/hammer spring.
- Replace extractor and firing pin.
- Have a gunsmith check barrel link, locking lugs and hood (1911-pattern) or barrel-to-slide fit (Glock/CZ-pattern).
Tags: servicinghandgunsport-shootingipsc
Related
- When to take your rifle to a gunsmithguide · 4 min
General information only — not legal or technical advice. Always check the most current rules from your state firearms registry and consult a licensed gunsmith for work on your firearm.