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Old 04-05-2012, 10:15 AM
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Jeff423 Jeff423 is offline
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Default 52-2 recoil springs

Should you use the heaviest spring that will function reliably or is there a disadvantage to a heavy spring? I'm currently using a 10lb. spring. The factory spring (8lb) seemed too light because the empties were being ejected further than I thought they should. With the 10lb spring they just barely clear the ejection port.
I think I remember a discussion about 1911's that said the heaviest spring was not always the best because it caused the action to cycle too rapidly.

Jeff
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Old 04-05-2012, 10:56 AM
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Default Hi Jeff

Hi Jeff,
There are a few variables to consider.
What is your load? I shoot a pretty stiff load for a 52 in mine and went to a heavier spring. At 3.5 WW231 it really comes to life. That is hotter than most loads for the 52. I wouldn't shoot it that hot, but it turns it in to a clover leafer at 25yards. Also, it is not that hot, just hotter than what most folks find that shoots good out of the 52.
How old is your 8# spring? Would a new 8# be all you need? If your gun has been shot quite a bit over the years and still has the original spring it might just need a new one.
A 10# spring is close to what most manufacturers put in 9mm 1911for factory ammo.
Hope this helps and good luck
Mike
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Old 04-05-2012, 11:20 AM
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Default

Thanks Mike,

My 52-2 has not been fired much. I got a good deal on it and replaced a well used 52-2. In my older gun I used 2.7 - 2.8 gr of Bullseye and it worked fine. After I got this gun it would not cycle reliably with that load. I had all sorts of problems, FTF, FTE, and the slide not locking open. I tried different mags, slide stops, etc. Finally a light clicked on and I tried 3gr. of BE - problem solved!
I had been down to a 7lb spring and now have worked my way up to the 10lb and it's still cycling. I will try going back to 2.8 but I have a couple of hundred loaded at 3.0.

Jeff
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