CS40/CS45 Recoil Spring

[tobiasplayer]

I was hoping someone could help me out on the free recoil spring length for the CS40/CS45 as they share the same spring. I wanted to order one but they are on backorder for some time. If someone has a new or known good spring they could measure the length on would be very helpful. Thanks.

 

[TexasG]

CS40 Recoil Spring

Appears to be about 3.25 inches of the flat coil type. Color is green.

 

[tobiasplayer]

Great! Thanks for the info. Just out of wondering, was this a new spring? I am suspecting that mine is fatigued from being in the gun since new and has never been replaced. Thanks again!

 

[TexasG]

This spring is on my dirty, used, police trade-in 40CS that I bought a while back. Once cleaned - the recoil spring was still dark green, the barrel had pronounced wide and thick lands, and the wear on the frame slide was minimal. No reason to believe that this recoil is not stock size as it functions very well.

 

[tom 45]

CS45 recoil spring length...
New in bag from S&W... 3 5/8"
The one I took out is 3 1/4" and works flawlessly.

I do remember that when I put in the new spring and cycled the slide a couple of times it took a set but, I don't remember how much shorter it got.

 

[TexasG]

CS45 recoil spring length...
New in bag from S&W... 3 5/8"
The one I took out is 3 1/4" and works flawlessly.

I do remember that when I put in the new spring and cycled the slide a couple of times it took a set but, I don't remember how much shorter it got.

Makes sense - the recoil probably will get smaller and the coils shrink back when it sets

 

[Fastbolt]

I just measured 7 new green recoil springs (which are all I have left at the moment for new springs I keep on hand for my own CS45). They measured from 3 7/8" - 4".

A small amount of shortening (spring set) is expected and normal after the recoil spring has been installed in the gun.

I typically replace my recoil springs whenever they get to be at least 4 or more "coils" shorter than a new one ... or every couple of years ... or somewhere between 500-1000+ rounds. Just depends. (Sooner than later if I've been using +P loads in the little CS45, but now I save those for my larger .45's.)

That's just me, though. None of the shorter recoil springs I've replaced had been causing feeding or functioning issues, although feeding was "brisker" upon installing the new springs. I simply prefer to replace recoil & mag springs in the 3rd gen guns before they start to exhibit signs of having weakened to the point where they no longer provide for normal functioning. That single, short flat coil spring is asked to do a lot in the hard recoiling little CS series guns.

Nothing had changed in my last armorer recert regarding spring replacement. The normal recommendation is to replace the CS (and all 3rd gen) recoil springs either every 5 years or every 5000 rounds, whichever occurs first, and which seems a reasonably prudent and conservative recommendation. I tend to lean toward an even more conservative periodic replacement, though.

The springs are very reasonably priced, so I order a dozen or so at a time. (But then I probably shoot mine more than the average owner.)

Granted, I buy mine at a small discount as an armorer, but even paying the retail of $3.26 seems like a small cost to bear when measured against the cost of the ammo used during the service life of any recoil spring.

My mag springs seem to last a little longer before they get significantly shorter, meaning a bit closer to the normal recommendation for a replacement interval.

 

[TexasG]

I guess I should consider replacing mine. On the go/nogo I' say my pretty green 3.25 spring's shot..... I run it hard and it functions fine. You're the trained armorer and I respect your advice always.

The worst part is - I just completed an order with Wolf and I could've saved some shipping cost by including CS 40 recoil spring.

 

[Fastbolt]

Last time I spoke with the fine folks at Wolff they had no plans to make any flat coil recoil springs for the CS9/40/45's. You're best bet is probably to call S&W.

BTW, my personal preference to replace recoil springs sooner than the factory recommendation is just that ... my preference. (My guns. )

It's just that the .40 & .45 generate some respectable recoil forces in those little guns, with the .40 being harder on guns than the other 2 calibers ... and they have alloy frames instead of steel.

I sometimes wish they'd made at least some small runs of the CS guns using Scandium aluminum frames (like the 4040PD). Of course, they would have cost more.

 

[TexasG]

Last time I spoke with the fine folks at Wolff they had no plans to make any flat coil recoil springs for the CS9/40/45's. You're best bet is probably to call S&W.

BTW, my personal preference to replace recoil springs sooner than the factory recommendation is just that ... my preference. (My guns. )

It's just that the .40 & .45 generate some respectable recoil forces in those little guns, with the .40 being harder on guns than the other 2 calibers ... and they have alloy frames instead of steel.

I sometimes wish they'd made at least some small runs of the CS guns using Scandium aluminum frames (like the 4040PD). Of course, they would have cost more.

Oh yeah! - 4040PD-Scandium now that'd be nice. Thanks again I'll call S&W for the spring and maybe some other parts I've been looking for.