Spring Recycle

[Jim Watson]

Is there anything a used gun spring is good for?
Yes, I know the springs in a GI 1911 etc. are good for a long, long time. But a match gun is usually run closer to the edge. An 8-round 1911 magazine spring will eventually get squashed until it won't lift the slide stop. Hopefully before it stops feeding the last round. It is often recommended to replace a recoil spring when it gets beat down two coils, three coils, half an inch, etc., shorter than new.

Are "set" springs good for anything other than light steel scrap?

 

[mete]

I suppose you might re-heat treat the spring btu unless you know how to do it properly it's a waste of time.

 

[Jim Watson]

I got WAY better things to do than learn how to retemper wire springs.
Looks like the scrap can. Maybe I can take them to the recycler along with aluminum cans.

 

[1911Tuner]

Springs

If you're a high-volume shooter, you can extend the useful life of recoil springs. Just remove the plug and let'em completely relax except when they're in use. Seems to add about 10-12% of life. On some of my seldom-used pistols, I also let the mainsprings relax. Seems to help.

 

[BBBBill]

The late Bob Day used old 1911 mag springs for filler rod while welding on 1911s.... I wouldn't suggest that today. Better options are available.