1911 Spring Weight

[chemcal]

How can I measure the recoil spring in my SA 1911?

 

[Snyper]

Here's one way:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/45-cal-Spring-Tester-/141560835948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20f5aeef6c

Here's a way to determine if your spring is correct, although it doesn't tell you the actual weight:

Straight from Wolff (www.gunsprings.com):

3. How heavy should my recoil spring be? What weight recoil spring should I use with a particular load?

These are two very hard questions to answer in exact terms and in most cases an exact answer is not possible. There are many factors which influence the correct weight recoil spring to use. These factors include the particular ammunition brand and load, individual pistol characteristics, individual shooting styles and your individual, subjective feeling of how the gun shoots and should feel. In general terms, the heaviest recoil spring that will allow the pistol to function reliably is the best choice - tempered by the above factors. If your casings are hitting the ground in the 3 to 6 foot range, then the recoil spring is approximately correct. If you are ejecting beyond the 6-8 foot range, then a heavier recoil spring is generally required. If your casings are ejecting less than 3 feet a lighter recoil spring may be needed to assure proper functioning. Taking these factors into consideration, it then comes down to how the gun feels and performs when shooting - in your judgment. Using too light a recoil spring can result in damage to the pistol and possible injury to you.

 

[Mike38]

Snyper, thank you for posting that note from Wolff. I didn't know it was on their site. Agree with it 110%.

 

[chemcal]

Yes, Thank you.

 

[BigJimP]

Here is the only way I know you can measure a spring...( not that the manner suggested above is not reasonable too )..

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...universal-recoil-spring-tester-prod56227.aspx

 

[polyphemus]

How can I measure the recoil spring in my SA 1911?

SA or whatever,recoil spring - weight- is measured by manufacturers with
special calibrated instruments,you can however build a very simple rig to check
it,use an aluminum rod at least 1/4"OD capped at one end and a fish scale to measure compression at the right lenghth.The one I have tells me what I already know so I guess it's a good thing I didn't pay a penny for it.