Recoil spring testers

cw308 · January 16, 2018, 02:35 PM

Was reading up on recoil spring testers . I'm shooting full-size & compact 1911's . To keep your gun in good working order knowing your recoil springs strength is a good thing . The tester seems like a good tool to have . What do you think?

Bill DeShivs · January 16, 2018, 03:33 PM

I think if your gun works, the recoil spring is fine.
It's only job is to put the slide back into battery.

T. O'Heir · January 16, 2018, 03:49 PM

Gigantic waste of money. $40 to test an $8 spring? What advantage do you think knowing the spring's weight would be?

rock185 · January 16, 2018, 04:31 PM

cw, what Bill said. I've replaced about a zillion recoil springs just because, experimented with different weights, buffers,etc,etc. But I can't say I ever actually needed to replace a recoil spring. Not even once. I have never had a pistol of any description start malfunctioning, then suddenly quit malfunctioning when I replaced the recoil spring......ymmv

I guess I'm just a good consumer, trying to do my part in keeping the economy strong by purchasing all those unneeded recoil springs over the years

Walt Sherrill · January 16, 2018, 05:50 PM

If you get a spring tester, what will you do with it? If a tested spring shows that it's measured resistance has dropped a pound or two, but the gun still runs properly, do you replace it?

Different weight springs don't seem to make that much difference in how most guns run, within a certain spring weight range. Back when I was shooting mostly full-size CZs, I would try recoil springs from 10 lbs. to 20 lbs. and they'd all do the job. I think I even tried a variable-rate spring once. The "felt-recoil" was subtly different from spring to spring but the guns still worked. Shooting the gun periodically (if it's not used a lot) makes more sense, for as long as the gun functions properly the spring is arguably good.

If you're concerned that your gun might poop out on you at a critical moment, then routinely changing the springs every X number of rounds (x= what makes you feel comfortable) is an option. That's expensive and generally unnecessary, but not terribly costly to do so. If the gun just sets most of the time in a safe or drawer, you'll probably wear out long before the recoil spring does.

As Bill DeShivs says, the recoil spring's job is to put the slide back into battery -- and that means the spring must store enough of the recoil force from the prior shot to strip a round from the mag and properly chamber it. John M. Browning, in the 1911 Patent document, called that spring a REACTION SPRING -- he didn't call it a recoil spring. The spring is not there to MANAGE or REDUCE RECOIL or protect the gun: it's there to make it run as it's supposed to run.

cw308 · January 16, 2018, 07:17 PM

Thanks Guy's for getting back . I shoot my Colt New Agent 45acp once a week 50 rounds. I read a lot & talk on this forum on every subject , great conversations . The thought of testing your recoil spring with a tester came from an article I read on a crack in a frame do to a weak recoil spring . I love shooting my 3" 1911an with a compact 45 I'm sure adds to a possible problem happening sooner . I guess I'm babying the gun . I guess when the cases eject further away then normal may be a sign to change the spring . Just want to catch it before I beat the heck out of the frame . I carry this gun , never sees the inside of my safe an I shoot it often . I never knew you could tune the 1911 with a different weight spring , always learning new things , great forum . I Thank You All

Chris

DaleA · January 16, 2018, 07:24 PM

I've shot for years and years without giving much thought to the recoil springs in my guns. Probably just lucky.

HOWEVER

When I joined this forum and started reading there's lots and lots and lots of discussion about recoil springs. So since we TALK about them so much why don't we actually DO something and measure them? Couldn't hurt.

I think a recoil spring tester could be a nifty thing. It wouldn't be for me but if a club or shooting range had one for members to use I'd probably use it just to see what all the fuss is about.

How much does one cost?

Thanks for posting this.

Kreyzhorse · January 16, 2018, 07:27 PM

No.... I can't imagine it would ever be a good tool to have. Save your money and buy spare springs instead.

Lexspeed · January 16, 2018, 07:56 PM

Not that I disagree with any of the excellent comments above, but I say if you have $40 to blow, why not buy it? I think it would be fascinating to know the actual weights of all the old springs I'm taking out and to verify all the new spring weights going in. Certainly such a gauge is not necessary for an amatuer and super novice smith like me, but it just adds to the fun of knowing. A few years ago I bought a NIB Lyman's digital trigger gauge at a gun show for cheap. I love checking all my vintage WWI & WWII vintage guns even if I have no plans to monkey with the triggers. I have fun with it. I don't need that gauge, but I want it.

cw308 · January 16, 2018, 08:16 PM

DaleA & Lexspeed

We're on the same page , an your correct , Brownells has them for 40 bucks . I think I'll give them a call tomorrow to see if they work with a 3" 1911.

Walt Sherrill · January 16, 2018, 08:39 PM

The most important question remains unanswered: how much can a spring degrade before it must be replaced?

How do you measure that degradation? A set number of pounds of resistance lost, or some key percentage of stated weight? Or, maybe, a significant loss of total spring length over time from original (unused) length, or a decrease in length after the spring takes it's initial set. (Keep in mind, however, that all new springs will take a set after a week or two of use -- which is normal spring behavior considered in spring design and use in the gun.)

A lot of folks keep track of slide cycles -- and for some springs they replace them after maybe 4000 or 5000 rounds fired. For some guns that could be way to early, and for some other guns (especially sub-compact ones) the gun may quit running properly way before that many rounds have been fired. Which is why shooting the gun is often the best test.

When you call Brownells, ask them what they RECOMMEND for how you might use the tester.

Prndll · January 16, 2018, 09:45 PM

Spring testers could be used for all kinds of springs, not just recoil spring.

Once a firearms collection has reached a certain point and there are enough springs from enough mods, it might become easy to forget what spring is what. I mean, after changing out a few dozen D springs, and then finding yourself rebuilding a used 92FS....wouldn't you want the best of the bunch going into it? For some it might not matter. But for others, that might make all the difference.

It seems to me that learning the science of what's what and why usually marks the difference between the casual layman and the enthusiast/professional.

I see this as just as valid as a desire to understand the precise makeup of powder mixture when making your own ammo. I'm just sorry I can't give a direct answer to the question.

Walt Sherrill · January 16, 2018, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prndll

Once a firearms collection has reached a certain point and there are enough springs from enough mods, it might become easy to forget what spring is what. I mean, after changing out a few dozen D springs, and then finding yourself rebuilding a used 92FS....wouldn't you want the best of the bunch going into it? For some it might not matter. But for others, that might make all the difference.

If I'm rebuilding a gun, I'm going to be doing it with NEW springs -- not used ones. How do you know whether the "best of the bunch" is good enough?

I can see where a tester could be good when used as a go/no go spring gauge, but you still need to know the range of resistance that will work for a given gun design. If you know that acceptable operating range, the spring tester might be useful.

My handgun collection is modest -- 18 semi-autos. But even that can be confusing. (I'm not a collector, so "collection" is the proper name for what I've got. I just have guns I like. They're not investments.)

I try to keep new springs in the bag/envelope they arrive in until they're installed. And if the spring being replaced hasn't failed -- i.e., is being changed for other reasons -- it'll go into the bag the new one came out of, and will be marked if it has a different rate than the spring that replaced it.

Having a spring tester might be interesting... but just finding the best of the bunch might be the same as finding the best of the worst.

cw308 · January 16, 2018, 10:44 PM

Walt Sherrill
When I received the assembly it came ready to install , meaning , the spring was compressed and the take down pin tool in the guide rod . I removed the pin to inspect an noticed the spring was 1/2" shorter the the spare spring I ordered at the same time . I called thinking it was the wrong spring , they advised me it's do to the unit is stored an shipped ready to installed with the spring compressed . I keep records in my reloading note book , measured the compressed & spare spring lengths and coils

I will also check with Brownells on how the tool tested the spring . I would think as the spring weakens ,the cases will eject further away , before any feed problems . Will test for changes after every cleaning just to see , no big deal just want to see for myself how fast the spring weakens.

Thank You for answering my post and your input . Chris

cw308 · January 16, 2018, 11:11 PM

Prndll
I like to read up on the firearms I own and how to keep them in good running order , if the tool makes sense to me I'll try it . Just like I shoot benchrest 308 , people I shoot with always would say it not good letting your barrel get too hot , l would say what's to hot , they would go by feel . I read up on the subject an found an article on Accurate Shooters forum on barrel temperature , ordered a thermal strip that attaches to your barrel . I have one on my barrel , they come 10 to a pack . My friends don't feel their barrels anymore . That's just me , what , when , why & how.

Thanks for responding to my post , Chris

cw308 · January 16, 2018, 11:29 PM

The more I think of the spring tester the more I like it . When installing a new spring in your 1911 some may rock the gun more , slam the slide or recoil nice an smooth . With a spring tester I would think recording that information would be the only way to truly know . I guess you could buy different strength springs an test to tune your pistol also . I like the idea of checking the spring after cleaning , how much time would it take . I'll pick the tech's brain tomorrow at Brownells.

Chris

Bill DeShivs · January 17, 2018, 12:07 AM

In my 47 years of using and working on guns-LOTS of guns, I have never replaced a recoil spring because it got weak. I did replace one that was in a fire.

**44 AMP** · January 17, 2018, 02:25 AM

Everyone has different ideas about springs, and when they ought to be replaced. Especially the people who sell springs.

That being the case, I would point out the US ARMY standard for the 1911A1 spring was length. Not cycles, round count, or any other measure beyond the standard bent(kinked), broken, rusted, cracked, torn, burnt, etc. Without visible physical damage the serviceability of the recoil spring was determined by its length.

I don't have the TM handy that I used in the 70s, but I do clearly remember that shorter than the specified length was unserviceable, (even if it worked fine..) and would be replaced.

I'm fairly confident that is also the case with the 9mm Beretta pistol in service now, though I can't say so from personal experience.

What can a spring tester tell you?? How many pounds it takes to compress the spring a given distance. Useful information, if you can compare it to the specs called for. But, does it have a practical value?

What I mean is, (first we assume the tester is correctly calibrated) what do you do with the information? If its supposed to be an "18lb spring" and the tester shows its really a 17lb spring, do you replace it?? Is it needful to replace it? What if it tests 12lbs but works flawlessly??

What ever compression weight measurement the spring is spec'd to be, WILL be well above what is needed to run the slide. So if you test your springs against "book value", when things differ, what do you do?

At the least, you'll have to make a choice you never would have had to make if you hadn't spent $40 on a spring tester!

Bill DeShivs · January 17, 2018, 03:58 AM

How come nobody worries about their rifle recoil springs, or machine gun recoil springs?
You would think if they needed to be replace often, machine guns would require it.....

Prndll · January 17, 2018, 05:56 AM

It all comes down to a comparison between the spring being tested against the spring in the tester. Until the spring in the tester is compared to a constant weight.

What makes this information valuable? Well, why would I buy a new 12lb spring when my current spring measures 12lbs and shows no sign of wear or damage? Unless of course, I want an extra. Personally, I'd rather be dealing with people that are interested in details. It's not only a sign of professionalism, but is (for me anyway) part of what draws me into websites like this one. Should I change a spring that functions properly if it measures .5lbs weaker? Probably not. Can I find that if I'm going to run +P ammo, I might want to use a spring from this manufacturer instead of that one? Possibly. Do firearms manufacturers spend a great deal of money doing all these tests themselves and we are basically talking about reinventing the wheel? Quite likely.

Knowing exactly what's inside and what's not along with their specs and thresholds can mean something to enthusiasts/professionals. Especially if dealing with special, rare, or antique items. For soldiers on the battlefield or military armories....probably not so much.

**Aguila Blanca** · January 17, 2018, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw308

Was reading up on recoil spring testers . I'm shooting full-size & compact 1911's . To keep your gun in good working order knowing your recoil springs strength is a good thing . The tester seems like a good tool to have . What do you think?

I agree. I made one. But, as others have noted, a "weak" recoil spring doesn't seem to induce malfunctions. I use it mostly to evaluate what's in a used gun I might happen to buy.

In 1911s, short models (like the Colt Officers ACP) are reputed to need new recoil springs frequently -- like every 500 rounds, according to some people. I mentioned that to a gunsmith friend of mine. He laughed. Years ago I shot his Officers ACP and fell in love with it, so I had to get my own. He told me that he has probably put over 10,000 rounds through his and it still has the original recoil springs (the Officers ACP has a dual spring setup) and still runs perfectly.

And what's the "right" spring anyway? In a full-size 1911, for years the standard has been a 16-pound recoil spring. Now it seems many manufacturers are using an 18 or 18-1/2 pound spring as "standard." But the Ordnance Department blueprints for the M1911A1 call for a 14-pound recoil spring.

Take your pick.

haiauphixu · January 17, 2018, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

In my 47 years of using and working on guns-LOTS of guns, I have never replaced a recoil spring because it got weak. I did replace one that was in a fire.

shot until it caught fire...wow !!! just kidding.

cw308 · January 17, 2018, 05:42 PM

Everyone posted very interesting opinions . Having a spring tester is another toy for me to play with . I guess I just like to check things . Never thought of changing springs until I read some articles. I just kept my guns cleaned & lubed. As one post stated about military weapons , I cleaned my weapon never thought of cleaning magazines an springs . Carried 6 20round mags one in the 16 never changed a part in 12 months, was fired alot . Nice now to baby my firearms.

BigJimP · January 17, 2018, 07:50 PM

Let us know how it works after you've had it awhile.

( I broke my first recoil spring in a 5" 1911 in 9mm about 2 months ago...it was a new 12.5 lb CS spring from ISMI....the spring had about 6,000 to 7,500 rds thru it since I changed it ). Spring broke shooting the gun ..about 2 links snapped at muzzle end of gun ...first one I have broken in shooting 1911's for well over 40 yrs / gun did not jam, I found it when I broke the gun down for cleaning that same afternoon ( I think the Full Length Guide Rod helped gun to continue to run with broken spring).. / First one I have broken in this gun, its 11 yrs old, Wilson combat, 5" all stainless and about 200,000 rds thru it . I was changing recoil springs about every 10,000 rds -- for CS springs - even though Wilson Combat says they have a 20,000 rd life - because this gun is my primary range, training and carry gun.

I don't know if it would have shown up as being weak...or whatever if I had a tester ...before it broke.

I have since gone to the new "Flat Wire" springs on my 1911's ...Wilson says expected life is 40,000 rds --- we will see...??

cw308 · January 17, 2018, 08:24 PM

I want my carry gun to operate 100% 100% of the time . Tomorrow I will see how the new assembly works . I will let you know. I'm not shooting hot loads , the Colt assembly operated 100% using W231 4.6 gr. With 230 gr. FMJ & Plated bullets OAL 1.255 will see how the EGW works with the same reloads.

January 16, 2018, 02:35 PM	#1
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Recoil spring testers Was reading up on recoil spring testers . I'm shooting full-size & compact 1911's . To keep your gun in good working order knowing your recoil springs strength is a good thing . The tester seems like a good tool to have . What do you think?

January 16, 2018, 03:33 PM	#2
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,984	I think if your gun works, the recoil spring is fine. It's only job is to put the slide back into battery. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 16, 2018, 03:49 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Gigantic waste of money. $40 to test an $8 spring? What advantage do you think knowing the spring's weight would be? __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 16, 2018, 04:31 PM	#4
rock185 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Out West in Rim Country Posts: 1,093	cw, what Bill said. I've replaced about a zillion recoil springs just because, experimented with different weights, buffers,etc,etc. But I can't say I ever actually needed to replace a recoil spring. Not even once. I have never had a pistol of any description start malfunctioning, then suddenly quit malfunctioning when I replaced the recoil spring......ymmv I guess I'm just a good consumer, trying to do my part in keeping the economy strong by purchasing all those unneeded recoil springs over the years __________________ COTEP 640, NRA Life

January 16, 2018, 07:27 PM	#8
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	No.... I can't imagine it would ever be a good tool to have. Save your money and buy spare springs instead. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

January 16, 2018, 05:50 PM	#5
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	If you get a spring tester, what will you do with it? If a tested spring shows that it's measured resistance has dropped a pound or two, but the gun still runs properly, do you replace it? Different weight springs don't seem to make that much difference in how most guns run, within a certain spring weight range. Back when I was shooting mostly full-size CZs, I would try recoil springs from 10 lbs. to 20 lbs. and they'd all do the job. I think I even tried a variable-rate spring once. The "felt-recoil" was subtly different from spring to spring but the guns still worked. Shooting the gun periodically (if it's not used a lot) makes more sense, for as long as the gun functions properly the spring is arguably good. If you're concerned that your gun might poop out on you at a critical moment, then routinely changing the springs every X number of rounds (x= what makes you feel comfortable) is an option. That's expensive and generally unnecessary, but not terribly costly to do so. If the gun just sets most of the time in a safe or drawer, you'll probably wear out long before the recoil spring does. As Bill DeShivs says, the recoil spring's job is to put the slide back into battery -- and that means the spring must store enough of the recoil force from the prior shot to strip a round from the mag and properly chamber it. John M. Browning, in the 1911 Patent document, called that spring a REACTION SPRING -- he didn't call it a recoil spring. The spring is not there to MANAGE or REDUCE RECOIL or protect the gun: it's there to make it run as it's supposed to run.

January 16, 2018, 07:17 PM	#6
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Thanks Guy's for getting back . I shoot my Colt New Agent 45acp once a week 50 rounds. I read a lot & talk on this forum on every subject , great conversations . The thought of testing your recoil spring with a tester came from an article I read on a crack in a frame do to a weak recoil spring . I love shooting my 3" 1911an with a compact 45 I'm sure adds to a possible problem happening sooner . I guess I'm babying the gun . I guess when the cases eject further away then normal may be a sign to change the spring . Just want to catch it before I beat the heck out of the frame . I carry this gun , never sees the inside of my safe an I shoot it often . I never knew you could tune the 1911 with a different weight spring , always learning new things , great forum . I Thank You All Chris

January 16, 2018, 07:24 PM	#7
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	I've shot for years and years without giving much thought to the recoil springs in my guns. Probably just lucky. HOWEVER When I joined this forum and started reading there's lots and lots and lots of discussion about recoil springs. So since we TALK about them so much why don't we actually DO something and measure them? Couldn't hurt. I think a recoil spring tester could be a nifty thing. It wouldn't be for me but if a club or shooting range had one for members to use I'd probably use it just to see what all the fuss is about. How much does one cost? Thanks for posting this.

January 16, 2018, 07:56 PM	#9
Lexspeed Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2015 Location: Southern IL Posts: 152	Not that I disagree with any of the excellent comments above, but I say if you have $40 to blow, why not buy it? I think it would be fascinating to know the actual weights of all the old springs I'm taking out and to verify all the new spring weights going in. Certainly such a gauge is not necessary for an amatuer and super novice smith like me, but it just adds to the fun of knowing. A few years ago I bought a NIB Lyman's digital trigger gauge at a gun show for cheap. I love checking all my vintage WWI & WWII vintage guns even if I have no plans to monkey with the triggers. I have fun with it. I don't need that gauge, but I want it.

January 16, 2018, 08:16 PM	#10
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	DaleA & Lexspeed We're on the same page , an your correct , Brownells has them for 40 bucks . I think I'll give them a call tomorrow to see if they work with a 3" 1911.

January 16, 2018, 08:39 PM	#11
Walt Sherrill Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 1999 Location: Winston-Salem, NC USA Posts: 6,348	The most important question remains unanswered: how much can a spring degrade before it must be replaced? How do you measure that degradation? A set number of pounds of resistance lost, or some key percentage of stated weight? Or, maybe, a significant loss of total spring length over time from original (unused) length, or a decrease in length after the spring takes it's initial set. (Keep in mind, however, that all new springs will take a set after a week or two of use -- which is normal spring behavior considered in spring design and use in the gun.) A lot of folks keep track of slide cycles -- and for some springs they replace them after maybe 4000 or 5000 rounds fired. For some guns that could be way to early, and for some other guns (especially sub-compact ones) the gun may quit running properly way before that many rounds have been fired. Which is why shooting the gun is often the best test. When you call Brownells, ask them what they RECOMMEND for how you might use the tester. Last edited by Walt Sherrill; January 16, 2018 at 08:45 PM.

January 16, 2018, 09:45 PM	#12
Prndll Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 123	Spring testers could be used for all kinds of springs, not just recoil spring. Once a firearms collection has reached a certain point and there are enough springs from enough mods, it might become easy to forget what spring is what. I mean, after changing out a few dozen D springs, and then finding yourself rebuilding a used 92FS....wouldn't you want the best of the bunch going into it? For some it might not matter. But for others, that might make all the difference. It seems to me that learning the science of what's what and why usually marks the difference between the casual layman and the enthusiast/professional. I see this as just as valid as a desire to understand the precise makeup of powder mixture when making your own ammo. I'm just sorry I can't give a direct answer to the question.

January 16, 2018, 10:44 PM	#14
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Walt Sherrill When I received the assembly it came ready to install , meaning , the spring was compressed and the take down pin tool in the guide rod . I removed the pin to inspect an noticed the spring was 1/2" shorter the the spare spring I ordered at the same time . I called thinking it was the wrong spring , they advised me it's do to the unit is stored an shipped ready to installed with the spring compressed . I keep records in my reloading note book , measured the compressed & spare spring lengths and coils I will also check with Brownells on how the tool tested the spring . I would think as the spring weakens ,the cases will eject further away , before any feed problems . Will test for changes after every cleaning just to see , no big deal just want to see for myself how fast the spring weakens. Thank You for answering my post and your input . Chris

January 16, 2018, 11:11 PM	#15
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Prndll I like to read up on the firearms I own and how to keep them in good running order , if the tool makes sense to me I'll try it . Just like I shoot benchrest 308 , people I shoot with always would say it not good letting your barrel get too hot , l would say what's to hot , they would go by feel . I read up on the subject an found an article on Accurate Shooters forum on barrel temperature , ordered a thermal strip that attaches to your barrel . I have one on my barrel , they come 10 to a pack . My friends don't feel their barrels anymore . That's just me , what , when , why & how. Thanks for responding to my post , Chris

January 16, 2018, 11:29 PM	#16
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	The more I think of the spring tester the more I like it . When installing a new spring in your 1911 some may rock the gun more , slam the slide or recoil nice an smooth . With a spring tester I would think recording that information would be the only way to truly know . I guess you could buy different strength springs an test to tune your pistol also . I like the idea of checking the spring after cleaning , how much time would it take . I'll pick the tech's brain tomorrow at Brownells. Chris

January 17, 2018, 12:07 AM	#17
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,984	In my 47 years of using and working on guns-LOTS of guns, I have never replaced a recoil spring because it got weak. I did replace one that was in a fire. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 17, 2018, 02:25 AM	#18
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Everyone has different ideas about springs, and when they ought to be replaced. Especially the people who sell springs. That being the case, I would point out the US ARMY standard for the 1911A1 spring was length. Not cycles, round count, or any other measure beyond the standard bent(kinked), broken, rusted, cracked, torn, burnt, etc. Without visible physical damage the serviceability of the recoil spring was determined by its length. I don't have the TM handy that I used in the 70s, but I do clearly remember that shorter than the specified length was unserviceable, (even if it worked fine..) and would be replaced. I'm fairly confident that is also the case with the 9mm Beretta pistol in service now, though I can't say so from personal experience. What can a spring tester tell you?? How many pounds it takes to compress the spring a given distance. Useful information, if you can compare it to the specs called for. But, does it have a practical value? What I mean is, (first we assume the tester is correctly calibrated) what do you do with the information? If its supposed to be an "18lb spring" and the tester shows its really a 17lb spring, do you replace it?? Is it needful to replace it? What if it tests 12lbs but works flawlessly?? What ever compression weight measurement the spring is spec'd to be, WILL be well above what is needed to run the slide. So if you test your springs against "book value", when things differ, what do you do? At the least, you'll have to make a choice you never would have had to make if you hadn't spent $40 on a spring tester! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 17, 2018, 03:58 AM	#19
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,984	How come nobody worries about their rifle recoil springs, or machine gun recoil springs? You would think if they needed to be replace often, machine guns would require it..... __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

January 17, 2018, 05:56 AM	#20
Prndll Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 123	It all comes down to a comparison between the spring being tested against the spring in the tester. Until the spring in the tester is compared to a constant weight. What makes this information valuable? Well, why would I buy a new 12lb spring when my current spring measures 12lbs and shows no sign of wear or damage? Unless of course, I want an extra. Personally, I'd rather be dealing with people that are interested in details. It's not only a sign of professionalism, but is (for me anyway) part of what draws me into websites like this one. Should I change a spring that functions properly if it measures .5lbs weaker? Probably not. Can I find that if I'm going to run +P ammo, I might want to use a spring from this manufacturer instead of that one? Possibly. Do firearms manufacturers spend a great deal of money doing all these tests themselves and we are basically talking about reinventing the wheel? Quite likely. Knowing exactly what's inside and what's not along with their specs and thresholds can mean something to enthusiasts/professionals. Especially if dealing with special, rare, or antique items. For soldiers on the battlefield or military armories....probably not so much.

January 17, 2018, 05:42 PM	#23
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	Everyone posted very interesting opinions . Having a spring tester is another toy for me to play with . I guess I just like to check things . Never thought of changing springs until I read some articles. I just kept my guns cleaned & lubed. As one post stated about military weapons , I cleaned my weapon never thought of cleaning magazines an springs . Carried 6 20round mags one in the 16 never changed a part in 12 months, was fired alot . Nice now to baby my firearms.

January 17, 2018, 07:50 PM	#24
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Let us know how it works after you've had it awhile. ( I broke my first recoil spring in a 5" 1911 in 9mm about 2 months ago...it was a new 12.5 lb CS spring from ISMI....the spring had about 6,000 to 7,500 rds thru it since I changed it ). Spring broke shooting the gun ..about 2 links snapped at muzzle end of gun ...first one I have broken in shooting 1911's for well over 40 yrs / gun did not jam, I found it when I broke the gun down for cleaning that same afternoon ( I think the Full Length Guide Rod helped gun to continue to run with broken spring).. / First one I have broken in this gun, its 11 yrs old, Wilson combat, 5" all stainless and about 200,000 rds thru it . I was changing recoil springs about every 10,000 rds -- for CS springs - even though Wilson Combat says they have a 20,000 rd life - because this gun is my primary range, training and carry gun. I don't know if it would have shown up as being weak...or whatever if I had a tester ...before it broke. I have since gone to the new "Flat Wire" springs on my 1911's ...Wilson says expected life is 40,000 rds --- we will see...??

January 17, 2018, 08:24 PM	#25
cw308 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2010 Location: Plainview , Long Island NY Posts: 3,863	I want my carry gun to operate 100% 100% of the time . Tomorrow I will see how the new assembly works . I will let you know. I'm not shooting hot loads , the Colt assembly operated 100% using W231 4.6 gr. With 230 gr. FMJ & Plated bullets OAL 1.255 will see how the EGW works with the same reloads.