Spring Shrinkage?

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Frank at S&W was kind enough to send me some new recoil spacers (I call em buffers) and recoil spring for my 22S. I had never thought of needing to change out the recoil spring but since Frank was offering I said sure. I was surprised to see that the new spring was significantly longer... or my old one wore out? Can a spring like this actually lose that much length, or maybe new springs made longer?

[OKFC05]

I don't have a 22S, but for a 1911, when the recoil spring gets 3/8" shorter, out it goes. I keep a new one on hand to compare.

[srgvaz]

Originally Posted by OKFC05

I don't have a 22S, but for a 1911, when the recoil spring gets 3/8" shorter, out it goes. I keep a new one on hand to compare.

+1
Same here...

[Pisgah]

Every new spring "takes a set" when first installed. If you put that new spring in, then took it out again two weeks from now and compared it with another new spring, it would then be shorter, too -- but it would not get appreciably shorter than its "set" length through the rest of its useable life.

[Forrest r]

The firing pin spring/striker in older rifles always amazed me. When comparing the new one with the old spring before installing it, I'd wonder how the old spring ever worked.

Springs are a cheap & easy to replace.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Thanks guys.