Checking springs for 1911 model

[OkieGentleman]

I did not check so I don't know if this is floating around or not. Three unmarked springs in a box for a 1911. How do you figure out what the strength(?) of a spring is. Also how do you "mark" a spring. You read about 17 lb and 19 lb value springs and how they affect the action of the weapon. They are mixed and unmarked how do you tell one from another.

 

[Jim Watson]

It won't tell you the load rating but if they are of the same brand you can weigh them. More spring steel, more spring tension. I had a bag of recoil springs ranked that way and it was good enough to pick springs to suit the loa

 

[10-96]

Just to touch on what Jim said- after you get past the weighing part, and if you feel that jives- you can add a touch of paint to color code them. Just don't lose your notes on the color codes, lest you'll have to start over.

 

[Hunter Customs]

SDM Fabricating offered a spring tester at one time.
I don't know if Scott is still doing them, I believe he has a web site.
You will have to do a search for it as I don't have the info on this computer.
Best Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

 

[OkieGentleman]

Spring testing

Thank You Gentlemen for you answers. I ran a google of "checking spring strength on 1911" and got all kinds of neat stuff including several jigs that can be home built. I should have thought of that earlier.