Recoil Spring Question

[LeftyTSGC]

I ordered a replacement Recoil Spring for my STAR 30M 9mm. When I took my Handgun apart I noticed that the new spring is longer by 5 coils (24 to 29) (about 1 inch), and is a little stiffer. What effect if any will this have on shooting?

I am assuming that this will make the Spring stiffer and require a minimum load to action when fired? I currently shoot 4.3gr 231 behind a 124gr Xtreme HP. Is it most likely that I will have to up that load?

Any comments appreciated.

 

[Tobias1900]

You may experience stovepipes with a stiffer spring

 

[SilentScream]

You might find the gun will under function. However even though it is longer, it may not be significantly heavier. One thing you can do is take both springs to the range with your load of choice. Shoot with the old spring and observe the extraction & ejection, do the same with the new spring and note any differences with the extraction & ejection.

 

[BBBBill]

Stiffer is good if your old spring is worn. What is the actual wire diameter? If it is larger than the original, the extra coils might prevent the slide from fully cycling. If smaller, the actual strength and overall compressed length might be the same as the original. Multiply the wire diameter by the number of coils to get the (calculated) compressed length.

 

[Drail]

Your old spring is most likely shot. Stiffer is good. But do check and make sure the spring is not being compressed into a solid mass. Pull the slide all the way back with no spring and mark (pencil) the slide and frame. Then put the new spring in and see if it still comes back to that mark. If it doesn't quite line up then you may have to cut the spring a little.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

Thanks for all the suggestions, I will try to get it out Monday and do a comparison shoot, Old vs. New. I will also measure and see what I get for a compressed length. More to follow.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

Range update

Went to the Range to day with my new recoil spring.

I had two reloads available: 124gr Montana Gold FMJ, 4.4gr W231 seated at 1.130. Second load 124gr Xtreme HP, 4,3gr W231 seated at 1.100.

Fired five rounds each on old recoil spring to get a good feel.

Put in new spring, racked slide a few times and did noticed that it was a little stiffer but no issues. Fired 2 magazines of 5 rounds one from each load. Both fired with no issues, other than the slide not locking back after last round on two of five magazines loaded, It was one from each reload so not related to specific reload.

I then filled magazines with 10 rounds each and fired 6 more times. None of the last six magazines showed any problem, all functioned normally and slide locked back. I am guessing that just being a stiff new spring caused to slide to not lock back. Should wear itself in and I am not expecting any issues, unless I am overlooking something?

 

[rcmodel]

If you are not getting full spring compression or spring bind at full slide travel?

And you are getting normal or less case ejection distance?

With 100% positive ejection?

And the slide always lock open after the last round?

Sounds about perfect too me.

Initial spring set or slight weakening on a new spring is 100% normal, and happens with all new springs the first few dozen times they are fully compressed.

rc