RXM-swapping grip frames, and retained parts

unknwn · Jul 8, 2026

The swap of grip frames (from full-to-sub)require the slide lock spring and the takedown spring to be marshalled either from one frame to the other, -or- having the individual frames possess of their own parts.
I have desire to keep an example of each spring installed to alternative frames, -BUT- I'm wondering if those parts are going to fall loose when the frame isn't further assembled, or if I'll need to have a slide lock installed to keep that spring in place, and/or will a take down pin -installed- be required to keep that wire -type retainer from falling out and getting lost.
Also, I've discovered that the slide lock spring (RXM-Ruger) is bent/manufactured differently enough versus the genuine Glock replacement part that I don't suspect that they're entirely interchangeable. The Glock part is a thicker material, and the dog-leg bend isn't entirely the same.

kmoore · Jul 8, 2026

Not sure I am following the question or problems. If you want to keep parts together unassembled. Put them in boxes, bags or bins and label them. I sometimes use those nylon zip ties to hold stuff together so parts don't get lost.
I didn't know a full size slide would work on a subcompact frame or the opposite. I think that's what you're mentioning. I swapped out the mid size RXM frame just for color and stayed with same size slide/ frame. That was easy. Range tests show it works great.

GrumpyOldMan · Jul 8, 2026

kmoore said:
Not sure I am following the question or problems. If you want to keep parts together unassembled. Put them in boxes, bags or bins and label them. I sometimes use those nylon zip ties to hold stuff together so parts don't get lost.
I didn't know a full size slide would work on a subcompact frame or the opposite. I think that's what you're mentioning. I swapped out the mid size RXM frame just for color and stayed with same size slide/ frame. That was easy. Range tests show it works great.

The Magpul full size (G17 equivalent) frame fits and works perfectly with the standard 4" barrel and slide. You just need different magazines. I bought and installed the full size frame, and I actually prefer it over the compact (G19 equivalent) grip frame that came on the gun. I prefer the slightly longer grip.

unknwn · Jul 8, 2026

The 4" slide/barrel -&- 4.5" threaded barrel all work on the 'sub' frame.
The parts I mentioned are provided loose (in a bag) with the accessory 'sub'-frame. Those two parts are small, easy to lose or get misplaced.
Can I expect to assemble them to the -un utilized- frame, and not have either one 'come-up missing'? or do I -have to- install a 'take down pin' over top/through(?) the wire clip to make it secure, or will it stay put with that pin in attendance?
I already have a spare 'slide lock' on it's way because I'd only suspect, that without it, the slide lock spring (leaf-style, proprietary) would just fall out and find a new home somewhere.
Both of those mentioned parts are 'Ruger-only', and getting replacement for either one by itself will end up costing $11-12 delivered . Ouch.

GrumpyOldMan · Jul 8, 2026

unknwn said:
The 4" slide/barrel -&- 4.5" threaded barrel all work on the 'sub' frame.
The parts I mentioned are provided loose (in a bag) with the accessory 'sub'-frame. Those two parts are small, easy to lose or get misplaced.
Can I expect to assemble them to the -un utilized- frame, and not have either one 'come-up missing'? or do I -have to- install a 'take down pin' over top/through(?) the wire clip to make it secure, or will it stay put with that pin in attendance?
I already have a spare 'slide lock' on it's way because I'd only suspect, that without it, the slide lock spring (leaf-style, proprietary) would just fall out and find a new home somewhere.
Both of those mentioned parts are 'Ruger-only', and getting replacement for either one by itself will end up costing $11-12 delivered . Ouch.

Personally, I would just place them all in a small zip-lock bag, and stuff it into the magazine well. That way, I don't have to worry about them falling out.

kmoore · Jul 8, 2026

GrumpyOldMan said:
The Magpul full size (G17 equivalent) frame fits and works perfectly with the standard 4" barrel and slide. You just need different magazines. I bought and installed the full size frame, and I actually prefer it over the compact (G19 equivalent) grip frame that came on the gun. I prefer the slightly longer grip.

I may have not understood his terms, "Full to Sub." Glock makes standard=full, compact= mid, subcompact= small. Can a Full/standard slide 17 fit on a subcompact/small frame 26 or use a subcompact frame with a full slide. I don't think so.
17 is full, 19 compact, yeah the 17 frame works with a 19 slide.

Nordicmac · Jul 10, 2026

The slide lock spring and takedown spring will generally stay put in a spare RXM frame once properly seated, but they're loose enough that a slide lock or takedown pin helps secure them fully for storage/transport, I keep dedicated springs in each of my frames without major issues

LDB · Jul 11, 2026

What's wrong with in a sealed bag and then along with the unused frame all inside another sealed bag thereby guaranteeing the small easily lost bits are absolutely secure and the whole shebang also protected from dirt, spills, etc.? Why must they remain installed in the unused frame? And if they just must then again in a sealed bag to prevent loss/dirt/spills? Seems the sealed bags are the 47 cent key to the solution.