Lightweight Commander Recoil Spring

[happyguy]

I know that Commanders come standard with 18# recoil springs, but I was wondering if those of you that have them use anything other than stock?

Regards,
Happyguy :)

[Rangegod]

If your loading light enough to have failures to cycle with the stock spring then a reduced power spring would be OK. Just remember there is a limit to how light. The recoil spring must be strong enough to strip a round from the magazine and return the gun to battery. Some think with the right spring you can feed primer powered rubber bullets. Not going to happen!

And remember to change springs back for full power ammo.

JAC

[Critter]

I would hang with the 18lb spring, try a variable rate to see if that makes a difference more to your liking, but above all else, keep them fresh in your lightweight, that frame is not as forgiving as a steel frame is to any battering that can take place from weak springs. You have a little gem there and the springs are cheap.

[Rangegod]

Once again, the only reason to go to a lighter recoil spring would be if the loads you are using are not powerful enough to completely cycle the action and eject the spent case (i.e. light target reloads). In this case a lighter spring (within reason) will allow the use of light (softball) target loads. This will cause no additional (maybe less) battering and ware to the gun as long as the new spring and load power combination does not increase slide velocity above its design norm. This is easy to check. Fire a few rounds of standard 230 ball and observe the distance your brass is ejected from the gun. If the ejection pattern of your new load and spring combination does not exceed this distance then slide velocity has not been increased. Enjoy your light recoil target practice without fear; just remember to return the stock spring prior to using full power ammo.

JAC

[happyguy]

Does anyone use a heavier spring in their Commander? If so, why?

Regards,
Happyguy

[TedG]

...in my LWT Commander because I shoot nothing but hardball. I don't have any problems. Never have had any problems. I've been using this set up since the 70s.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i90/TedG954/Colts/c212f0b1.jpg

[Mushinto]

In my experience, the shorter the slide under government length, the more you'll increase the chance of weak mag spring causing a malfunction if you are over sprung. However, there are other factors so if it works for you, then it works.

ML