Change spring to use different ammo?

Rick W. · 09-12-2017, 11:28 PM

Changing the recoil spring in a semi auto pistol obviously can change the characteristics of said pistol with its ammo of the day.

Examples of such might be the Colt Gold Cup in 45acp or the new Coonan 357mag/38 special; either will shoot mild target loads with the respective extra spring. The springs are environment orientated, so use the right spring with the right load sorta speak. Some battering may occur if the hotter load is used with the lighter spring. The tape test can help with a visual if one chooses to do so, the other is the feel in the hand during firing.

Do you prefer the PPU over the Fiocchi? Personal preference can be in the mix more than just availability.

Springs of three weights are available from the GunSprings outfit. They come in 36,38,40 lb rates for the Luger last time I looked.

If you have never changed a recoil spring in a Luger, it is not all that easy to the new guy(or old guy like me). Takes some strength on the user's part, and of course, use the safety glasses anytime with springs. Eyes are precious. The change out of a Luger recoil spring is more difficult than the Colt or Coonan mentioned above because of its design. I suspect there are notes on this forum about the recoil spring change out procedures for the Luger in general.

You might make up your own Luger recoil spring tool, a modified awl basically or purchase one already done up. The tool will give you leverage over the old pair of pliers. allen wrench, and brute strength routines we all did at younger times of life.

Running with some ammo and not with other ammo, does not always equate to ammo relative strength, length, etc or recoil spring ability. Sometimes other parameters are in the mix such as rail fit of the recoiling mechanism to the receiver interior. So guess I am saying, changing out the spring to a lower rate is not always going to do it for you. The pistol will let you know with its shooting characteristics. Experience...........comes with doing..

Just some things to ponder.

09-12-2017, 11:28 PM	#3
Rick W. User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 339 Thanks: 81 Thanked 359 Times in 198 Posts	Changing the recoil spring in a semi auto pistol obviously can change the characteristics of said pistol with its ammo of the day. Examples of such might be the Colt Gold Cup in 45acp or the new Coonan 357mag/38 special; either will shoot mild target loads with the respective extra spring. The springs are environment orientated, so use the right spring with the right load sorta speak. Some battering may occur if the hotter load is used with the lighter spring. The tape test can help with a visual if one chooses to do so, the other is the feel in the hand during firing. Do you prefer the PPU over the Fiocchi? Personal preference can be in the mix more than just availability. Springs of three weights are available from the GunSprings outfit. They come in 36,38,40 lb rates for the Luger last time I looked. If you have never changed a recoil spring in a Luger, it is not all that easy to the new guy(or old guy like me). Takes some strength on the user's part, and of course, use the safety glasses anytime with springs. Eyes are precious. The change out of a Luger recoil spring is more difficult than the Colt or Coonan mentioned above because of its design. I suspect there are notes on this forum about the recoil spring change out procedures for the Luger in general. You might make up your own Luger recoil spring tool, a modified awl basically or purchase one already done up. The tool will give you leverage over the old pair of pliers. allen wrench, and brute strength routines we all did at younger times of life. Running with some ammo and not with other ammo, does not always equate to ammo relative strength, length, etc or recoil spring ability. Sometimes other parameters are in the mix such as rail fit of the recoiling mechanism to the receiver interior. So guess I am saying, changing out the spring to a lower rate is not always going to do it for you. The pistol will let you know with its shooting characteristics. Experience...........comes with doing.. Just some things to ponder.