recoil spring, which way?

[HABU]

I was surfing Valtro's site and came across a couple of photos that are contrary to what I know. Afterall, perception is reality. I always thought that the open end of the spring went against the plug. If it went the other way it would raise hell with a shock buff, if one were present.

http://www.valtrousa.com/manual/visualfieldstrip2.html

Have I been backwards for years or is Valtro having improper images on their site?

 

[Blackhawk]

The closed end of a spring normally goes where it's not guided as shown in the photo where it goes into the plug. Open ends on compression springs are not delirable, but if it's on a guide rod, as in this case, there shouldn't be any binding. The open end in the plug could cause the spring to bind in the plug. No big deal.

I can't say whether or not you're backwards... I don't even know you!

 

[EJ]

I was always taught thaty the open end should go in the cap--
This was to prevent binding and interference with moving parts if the spring opened up more--
Also -- it's important to have the closed end on the guide if you use ShokBuffs as the sharp end can further deterioate the ShokBuf causing early failure.

 

[stans]

I always put the closed end on the rod, leaving the open end on the plug.

 

[Jim V]

The closed end of the recoil spring goes on the guide rod of a 1911 and the open end goes out into the recoil spring cap. If the cap is made correctly there will be an indent on the side wall 1/4 or 5/16" from tthe closed end, the cap is "screwed" onto the recoil spring to help prevent the cap from being launched when field stripping the pistol. However, since most parts makers don't care to make their products as designed or to specifications, the indent is often not there.

 

[BigG]

Your understanding is correct. The closed end goes on the spring guide and the open end goes against the plug, actually turned under the lil nub in the plug. Oh, sorry! You don't have an original Colt? My bad!

 

[Pendragon]

Hmm.

I thought that the Valtro had a double ended spring. I have only taken mine down twice and I cannot remember but I thought it was like an odd weight like 17lbs and double ended or something.