Confused about recoil springs ...need advice...

[saturno_v]

I need some suggestions about replacing (if it is necessary or not) the recoil springs of my autoloaders.

I currently own a Bersa full size in 40 (bought new) and a Beretta 96 (40 S&W as well) bought used (perfect conditions)

I think the Beretta has the factory recoil spring.

I use (and I plan to keep using) regular commercial loads for these 2 pistols, either range or defensive ammo...not special high pressure rounds.

Then I have a S&W 1006 in 10mm, bought used (in like new conditions) which I rarely use at the range (using regular commercial loads, the usual "FBI lite" stuff, close in performance to the 40 S&W)
When out in the woods, I load the big Smith with the serious stuff from Buffalo Bore and Double Tap (full SAAMI spec 10mm ammo). Once in while I fire few rounds of these full power loads.
I think my 1006 has the standard recoil spring also.
My question for the experts is, should I replace the recoil springs of my pistols, especially the S&W 1006 when using the heavy stuff (still SAAMI compliant)?? And what spring loading should I buy from Wolff?? For example, for the 1006, the company lists 3 different spring loads above the factory standard 18lbs.
Finally, I own a Kel Tec P11, which once in a while does see some range use (just to keep proficient with it), I use only regular (non +P) commercial loads (FMJ and HP) in 115 and 124 gr..
Should I put an heavier spring in it too??


Thank you!!


Regards

 

[Skylerbone]

Keep in mind that springs wear with cycling and only compress so far by design. Using a heavier spring will slow the slide a bit and help prevent a hard stop but won't necessarily afford you more longevity. Every 3,500-5,000 rounds would be a good time to swap springs.

 

[PabloJ]

I would not swap out any of those springs. Why fix what isn't broken?

 

[Walt Sherrill]

When you start to have feed problems -- the spring isn't strong enough to close the slide -- or when spent cases are being sent out of sight, it's time to think about a replacement recoil spring. Wolff Springs (www.gunsprings.com) is a good source, and their FAQ area will give you good advice about spring life.

The life of the spring will vary with gun design and spring weight. Some guns they'll last for thousands of rounds, and some will last only 500-1000 rounds. (The second example is something encountered mostly in sub-compact guns, where a smaller spring is expected to do as much as a larger spring in the full-size gun.)

Too heavy a recoil spring can cause more problems than it can fix, so unless you have a particular reason for changing spring weight/resistance, stick with the factory recommendations.

 

[Skylerbone]

When a spring is worn out it ain't workin, does that still count as ain't broken? I've seen plenty of car owners bouncing down the road on shocks and springs that weren't broken, I can only imagine the ride.