Recoil spring in S&W Model 59

[Anonymous Coward]

I've got a S&W Model 59 that I bought used, and somewhere down the road it was owned by a gunsmith. The trigger pull is great, and it's been very reliable.

However, the gun jumps like a frog every time I pull the trigger. I know it has a light aluminum frame and a heavier steel slide, but is this normal?

I wonder if a lighter recoil spring would tame some of this muzzle flip.

 

[rcmodel]

The factory spring is rated at 14 pounds.
This is light for a 9mm too start with.
And the used one in your gun is probably lighter by now.

I would not recommend going any lighter, as frame battering will be increased.

I'd suggest you go the other way and try a heavier spring if anything.
In general, the heaviest recoil spring that will allow the pistol to function reliably is the best choice

You could get a Recoil Calibration Pak from Wolff and play around with several different weights.

http://gunsprings.com/SemiAuto/SmithWessonNF.html#Recoil

rc

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I agree that the recoil spring, if original, is probably a limp noodle by now. I would not recommend changing the factory "weight" rating. How far are the cases ejecting? They should fly up about 2-3 feet and land roughly that distance behind you. Much farther than that is an indication of a worn spring, due to the faster slide travel. This may also account for your increased felt recoil, as the slide hits the frame with more force. A new recoil spring is cheap.

A couple of additional notes: all these "old-school" S&Ws have a rather high bore axis, i.e., the slide and barrel sit higher above your hand compared to some other guns (but no worse than the SIGs). This tends to amplify muzzle flip a little. Be sure you are gripping firmly and as high on the frame as possible. I want to actually see the grip "tang" pressing flesh on the web of your hand.

 

[Anonymous Coward]

Cool. At first, I figured that a heavier spring would provide more damping to the slide's movement, but Glock users recommend a lighter one ...Are the two pistols really that different?

 

[novaDAK]

Nah, Glock users are just crazy.

As stated if the recoil spring is original it wouldn't hurt to replace it anyways.