recoil spring theory(s)

maurice

maurice

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looking for input about recoil springs and maintenance

. In another thread about a pistol having problems which may or may not have been recoil spring related got me thinking.

What are the benefits to replacing the recoil spring after the old one has gotten really loosened/ worked in... ie; 15,000+ rounds.
What would be the things noticed or effects in regards to movement of the pistol, slide speed, and how this may or may not effect splits, PF, sight picture, etc....

When my pistol was new, the brass would land more to the side and not go that far. Now that is worked in, it flicks the brass a bit farther and maybe even higher.
IS it beneficial to speed up shooting, or is it not that noticeable other than the timing.....:confused:
 
The Brian Enos discussion group has an entire section devoted to recoil springs, including a FAQ, it has become such a topic of debate:

Brian Enos Discussion Group - Springs

Depending upon the type of gun you use, if you go for light recoil springs, a shock buffer may be a very important addition to prevent battering of the gun. Personally, I think there is some sense to the argument that a lighter spring allows the action to open more quickly but will be slower in closing, and a stronger spring will be slower to open but quicker to close. The stronger spring may also cause the muzzle to dip more as it closes the slide. I use a standard spring, but I ain't no Grand Master shooter so that means just about nothing.
 
A fatigued recoil spring will result in inconsistant lock-up of the barrel to the slide, resulting in inconsistant POI. The effect that replacing a recoil spring in a "spray and pray" handgun can have is truly amazing.
 
so if the accuracy is still really good, is that the main indicator the spring is shot? Other than FTF stuff?
 
Worn or weak springs cause battering of the frame and slide and reduce the lifespan of both. Most manufacturers recommend changing them out every 5,000rds. To me that is cheap insurance.
 
because the USP has a buffer as well as a recoil spring, would that make a difference?
 
maurice said:
because the USP has a buffer as well as a recoil spring, would that make a difference?
Click to expand...


There are two springs. They should be replaced. If HK says they last longer and should be replaced at 15,000rds or whatever I would recommend doing it.
The USPs are notorious for cracked slides, so I recommend spending the money on replacement springs periodically.
 
where do the cracks develop on the slides? Are the cracks the result on slides that havent had springs replaced so there is no shock buffer or are cracks more common on the heavier rounds like .40 and .45? I know you have mentioned that you have seen cracks on your rentals... but do your rentals have springs replaced on regular intervals? Or do you just do basic cleaning and shoot them until there is a major failure and breakage?
 
you must have a hell of a round count thru your rentals!
When mine breaks I'll post the particulars and approx. round count.
 
there's a thread on Beretta forum about a few guys shooting 100K thru 92FS, G17, P229 and P99 all still have the original recoil springs...
 
USP said:
where do the cracks develop on the slides? Are the cracks the result on slides that havent had springs replaced so there is no shock buffer or are cracks more common on the heavier rounds like .40 and .45? I know you have mentioned that you have seen cracks on your rentals... but do your rentals have springs replaced on regular intervals? Or do you just do basic cleaning and shoot them until there is a major failure and breakage?
Click to expand...

They generally crack at the front corners of the ejection port. I did not change out the springs on the first couple and they went down after about 6 months. I currently have a 40 that has been going for almost a year, with spring changes (they are a huge PIA with the HK by the way).
 
Hey Redleg, what sort of count do you estimate before cracks appear? Is it more common on what type calibre? Thanks for any info.

I take it you think the USP is not a well built gun?
 
USP said:
Hey Redleg, what sort of count do you estimate before cracks appear? Is it more common on what type calibre? Thanks for any info.

I take it you think the USP is not a well built gun?
Click to expand...

It varies greatly between guns. But on average I think I got about 30,000rds through them. No real difference between 9, or 40. The one 45 I ran had the frame rails peel off. Kanada Kidd has had similar experiences at his range too for the doubters out there.

They are ok guns, I just think they are overpriced and over hyped.
 
posted same time as above... so edited.


Redleg you ever get cracks on glocks? Or do you think the high centre of mass and spring design with poor metal treatment is what is causing the cracks? What sort of ammo do you run through your rentals?

Or do people shoot whatever they want?
 
USP said:
posted same time as above... so edited.


Redleg you ever get cracks on glocks? Or do you think the high centre of mass and spring design with poor metal treatment is what is causing the cracks? What sort of ammo do you run through your rentals?

Or do people shoot whatever they want?
Click to expand...

Yes we break lots of Glocks too. We shoot only Winclean.

I get into this alot on various boards. Alot of folks rely on second or third hand info, or quote some gun writer's test or another. All I can do is state that based on my experience and sample sizes of 6 or more, that Glocks and HKs don't last any longer than many cheaper guns. My personal favorite is the P226, they keep going and going (with proper preventative maintenance). But as pointed out above all of our guns are really abused compared to most of yours.
 
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