Aguila Blanca
Staff
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.cw308 said: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?
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.
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