I shoot a 148 gn WC with 2.8 gn BE, great load very accurate.
Lately I have felt that the slide was coming back pretty hard.
I ordered a Woolf "calibration pack, and put in the factory 8#
"variable" spring. Gun feels better,I think the SW spring was the original one. My question is...what is meant by "variable"?
Is the Woolf spring able to handle heavier loads? not that I am
going that way, but I dont know what this term means.
Maybe I should call Woolf and ask them? I am thinking of trying the 9# spring with my loads, has anyone used that heavier spring with the 2.8 BE load?

Variable means the spring varies from one end to the other. It is supposed to let the slide move easier the first few mm. I tried them, but see little point with light springs.

__________________
Science plus Art

Hello,
I don't believe variable can be accomplished by just one spring, just as there spring packs, of different weight springs, by changing only the length does not make a great deal of sense to me. I purchased my 52-2 used, and have yet to change the recoil spring, but all feels good when I shoot.
Back to variable, they would need to change the coil per inch, so that the first part collapsed faster than the second part, from what I saw of there springs, they looked like standard springs to me.

There are a few ways you can change the rate of compression for a spring. As noted, changing the number of turns per inch over one or more sections of the spring would do it, but another less conspicuous method is to vary the heat treatment and tempering of sections the spring, leaving one end softer and the remainder stiffer. You would have to ask Wolfe to be sure and they probably won't tell you.

__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

From Wolff Gunsprings website

"1. What is the difference between conventional and variable recoil springs?

The difference is both physical and operational. With a conventional spring, all the coils are spaced equally apart, except for the closed ends. In a variable recoil spring the space varies between coils with less space between coils at one end and more space between coils at the other end.

The way the two springs store energy is also different. For example if a conventional recoil spring is compressed 1/2", it might store 1 pound of energy. For every additional 1/2" this spring is compressed it would then store 1 additional pound of energy. When a variable recoil spring is compressed 1/2", it might store 1/4 pound of energy. The next half inch of compression might store 1/2 pound, the next half inch might store 3/4 pound and so on. In other words, a conventional spring stores energy on a straight line and a variable spring stores energy on a curve. If both springs are rated at 16 pounds, they will both store 16 pounds when compressed to the same working length, but the way they get to 16 pounds is different."

That makes sense.

__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

Speaking of 52's, I picked one up yesterday:

IMGP1212W.jpg

__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!

THANKS to all for the replies! Nice gun Tom S !

If you can actually feel your slide coming back pretty hard compared to what it was previously it may be your load has increased a few tenths of a grain.(just be aware of scales).

The true purpose of a recoil spring is to fully drive the slide all the way into battery.(there is a give and take there).

Now that I have my disclaimer(powder charge) out of the way.

A quality standard 8# recoil spring is all that is needed for the M52 to function properly.(I use Wolff).
If it does not, then look elsewhere within the load development or magazine or pistol.

All of us M52 owners/shooters have the best out of the box factory precision pistol ever produced.(my honest opinion only).

Treat it that way with your most careful loads, the best lubrication and shoot the hell out of it into the X ring

Clarence

__________________
B.E.Master in&outdoor
D.R.#99

M-19 5, ALWAYS check my powder when loading. I have a Lee powder measure that makes me think my scale is broken! 2.8 EVERY throw.
Going with the Woolf 8# variable now, gun feels better. I lube the hell out
of it and TRY to stay in the X ring. Gun outshoots me.

You are truly blessed with having a volume thrower dispense that accurately by weight.

You are better off with the standard 8# recoil spring cause it keeps the slide and barrel into battery longer before the slide moves back and the barrel lug disengages from the locking position which will reduce felt recoil.

No need to lube the hell out of it, a good quality grease in the slide/frame rail like shooters choice will keep it slick and running.

As far as the X ring

__________________
B.E.Master in&outdoor
D.R.#99