Ejected Casings and Throw Distance

[ExNavyInHouston]

Let me set this up. I started researching recoil springs and steel guide rods recently. In doing so I went to the Wolfe Spring FAQ and saw that you are doing well if you are ejecting your casing around 3-6 feet.

I recently started shooting IDPA (International Defense Pistol Assoc) locally here in Houston, TX. In an effort to be a good sport I often “man the broom” (old Navy habits die hard) to sweep casings between shooters to keep the area equal for all shooters. As I watch the shooters go through their rounds I have noticed some their guns are throwing casings 10-20 feet through the air.

Now my question is: Is there a sub-culture of gun enthusiasts who purposely go with springs to get this reaction? Sort of like guys down at the lake who try to get the biggest Rooster Tail behind their boat. Or do they have real problems with their guns?

I just figured it was a “gun personality” trait, but then after reading Wolfe’s Advice I am confused how some of these guys are shooting competitively this way or better yet, why?

[greyhoundx]

My Glock 32 has always thrown out the spent shells 10 to 20 feet (lots of energy), with the factory recoil rod/spring assembly or the steel one with factory srpings. Can't speak for others but 3 to 6 feet might be OK for a 9mm??? Not the .357 SIG :)

[ExNavyInHouston]

When I shoot IDPA I am using my G19 and I am getting 3-6 feet from 9mm Blazers.

Now that you say that most of these Bionic Casings are from 40s and 45s.

But the Wolfe page made no difference from calibers.

Here is the wording that started all this:

3. How heavy should my recoil spring be? What weight recoil spring should I use with a particular load?

These are two very hard questions to answer in exact terms and in most cases an exact answer is not possible. There are many factors which influence the correct weight recoil spring to use. These factors include the particular ammunition brand and load, individual pistol characteristics, individual shooting styles and your individual, subjective feeling of how the gun shoots and should feel. In general terms, the heaviest recoil spring that will allow the pistol to function reliably is the best choice - tempered by the above factors. If your casings are hitting the ground in the 3 to 6 foot range, then the recoil spring is approximately correct. If you are ejecting beyond the 6-8 foot range, then a heavier recoil spring is generally required. If your casings are ejecting less than 3 feet a lighter recoil spring may be needed to assure proper functioning. Taking these factors into consideration, it then comes down to how the gun feels and performs when shooting - in your judgment. Using too light a recoil spring can result in damage to the pistol and possible injury to you.


Charles

[WalterGA]

Those guys are using lighter springs, in order to increase their slide speed. They're improving their splits. They have no concern about frame battering and longevity.

I prefer heavier springs, slowing the slide speed, rather than increasing. However, I don't play the shoot'em up games.

[ExNavyInHouston]

Walter, thanks. I figured they were tinkering.

But I must say you should consider the shoot em' up games. They are a lot of fun and I know I have improved my skills immensely since I started.

Of course just like any group dynamic you will meets all types. So far I can break it down to a few personality types:

The Regular Joe – he is the guy you like and would drink coffee with, for he is there to shoot cause it is his hobby and he sees the advantage to shooting in simulated scenarios that mimic real life (sort of – in real life those targets move and are a wee bit more aggressive – haha).

The Beginner – This is me. I am new, but eager. I run to help sweep the casings, and I sometimes am carry my broom with me as I go up and tape targets. Every time it is my turn I am thinking way too much instead of trusting my instincts – that makes me slow. I am fairly accurate, but don’t have the strategy down yet because I have turned it into a “game” yet.

The Gamer – This guy only is there to feed his inner need to conquer all others in battle. He does whatever it takes to beat his fellow man. Whether it is tricking out his equipment (although from what I understand IDPA was invented to get away from IPSC style gamers), or shooting for speed and doesn’t care about accuracy because he can live with the “points down” number because his course time is super fast. This guy has totally left the scope of the sport. It is to mimic what you would do if the “poop hit the fan” and you encountered a bad guy and how would you “think” out your actions in a short amount of time. In other words, stop the threat before he stops you.

The Show Off – This is a “Gamer” on steroids. He is a gamer but happens to know everything there is to know in the Universe about guns and shooting. He is the one most likely to break the “180-Rule” to the ceiling as he blows the smoke from his barrel before reholstering. This guy is not a guy you would drink coffee with, and you can learn nothing from him like you might a “Gamer” because you spend most of your time fantasizing he was one of those Cardboard Target you try so hard to see light through its center mass and head from 9mm – 45 acp holes created in your zeal. Hehe!

Seriously Walter, thanks always for your advice.

[WalterGA]

ExNavy: I'm not opposed to shootem-up games, just live in a small town that's 60 miles or so away from the nearest range that offers IDPA, etc.

I might give GSSF a try, but that's not really like the stuff that you do.