Let's discuss springs

**ikor** · 26-09-2008, 11:47

Since several of us managed to execute a minor hijack in a different thread, abhm graciously suggested we start one on springs if we wanted to discuss them, and voila! Here it is...

A basic rule of gunsmithing is that you always work on the cheapest part first. Many a home tinkerer has discovered the truth of this axiom too late, which is why when you buy a used gun you should either know what to look for or take someone with you who does. (Be especially suspicious of DA revolvers that have been 'slicked up' by amateurs as they can be ruined quickly by some clown who had not a clue as to what he was doing)

All handguns depend on springs for several critical operations. I will use generic terms here but if and when you decide to look for or modify a spring in your handgun, recognize the fact that different manufacturers use different names for similar parts and springs...for instance, both S&W and Colt DA revolvers have a 'bolt' and a 'bolt spring' but they are completely different parts and springs from one make to the other, etc.

Typically, users will either cut, grind or replace springs to get a 'better' trigger pull most often, or may want a bit more (or less) power in a spring that powers the slide in an autopistol, but there are many other springs in most handguns, and each and every one is there because they NEED to be.

So far as I am concerned, there are only two places I will buy springs from...the factory that built the handgun, or Wolff Gunsprings. There may be the odd exception for a specialized gun but they are rare...basically if neither of these two makes it, I can pretty much figure I don't need to replace it.

In the hijacked thread I mentioned replacing the H&K USP mainsprings (14lb standard) with a Wolff 10 or 12lb spring and replacing the Beretta 92 series trigger return spring (a known issue as a breakage prone part) and the 'D' (DA only) model hammer spring. These are inexpensive modifications that can pay big dividends for many. I also like to go to a slightly heavier recoil spring with the 92's than the factory standard 13lb spring (I use 14 or 15lb myself) The H&K 12rd USP .45 magazine springs seem to lose power pretty quickly as well and Wolff offers a +10% stronger replacement that works like a charm.

So...now that we have a spring thread, let us discuss away! ;D

**BigT** · 26-09-2008, 11:53

Boing

**BigT** · 26-09-2008, 12:01

Seriously though +1 on wolff. Both my Glocks have the +10 % mag springs and the extra power striker springs and I would recommend them to any Glock shooter.

**Thorkind** · 26-09-2008, 12:10

I change out springs regularly. For all non-factory springs, I also use Wolff exclusively.

**Count Bla** · 26-09-2008, 12:19

Two websites I found very helpful w.r.t. springs:

http://www.routes.co.za/gp/springs/index.html

http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/springs/hub.aspx

**BigT** · 26-09-2008, 12:39

Originally Posted by Count Bla

Two websites I found very helpful w.r.t. springs:

http://www.routes.co.za/gp/springs/index.html

http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/springs/hub.aspx

useful stuff that bla springs is the fastest growing city in the east rand.

**SSP** · 26-09-2008, 12:41

Originally Posted by Count Bla

Two websites I found very helpful w.r.t. springs:

http://www.routes.co.za/gp/springs/index.html

http://www.safarinow.com/destinations/springs/hub.aspx

The douchebaggery is strong with this one.

**Count Bla** · 26-09-2008, 13:29

He he, just thought I'd lighten up your day.

On a serious note though. I've read a lot about springs, especially mag springs, and I came to some interesting conclusions. I'd like to share and get opinions from other members whether they agree or not.

Firstly, many people believe that keeping a mag loaded in a safe will reduce the effective life span of the mag spring. This is not true. The spring steel used to manufacture does not show time dependant deformation or creep (the molecular change of steel when subjected to a force close to its yield strenght), hence its ability to return to formed position. Creep will take place, but at a negligible rate, compared to other metals/steels. The thing that actually wears a spring is use. The actual compression and relaxation of a magazine spring will cause it to weaken with time.

I agree with this statement. Although I am no expert in metallurgy, this correlates with my expertise in the engineering environment. Also, I prefer to keep a couple mags loaded and one in particular has been sitting in my safe, fully loaded for almost five years. Shot it on Wednesday to check reliability...100%.

Second point. Some people believe that a weak spring can be stretched to improve performance. Although this is a very temporary solution, the spring index has already changed. By stretching, you are merely extending the length, but force per mm compression (or spring constant) has already deviated from the original product.

Springs are formed by applying a torque to a steel wire in a certain direction and then forming into the desired shape. This "pre torque" weakens with use (compression & relaxation) and thus the spring weakens. Stretching the spring will weaken it even further since the axial torque has already been lost.

What do you guys think? Am I on the right track here?

PS: I'll get some more tech info for those interested, but I don't think you can add formulas here. Will have to scan & email.