Ok, i picked up my m&p .40 compact yesterday, couldn't wait any longer, so now i have two m&p's for idpa. I will guess that the compact will probably be a little jumpy for a timed event, but we will see.
Which brings me to my question, while i don't have problem with my full size coming back down to target, has anybody done any spring work on theirs to bring it back to target sooner, and if so, have you notced any improvement in times? thanks, blue

Ok, i picked up my m&p .40 compact yesterday, couldn't wait any longer, so now i have two m&p's for idpa. I will guess that the compact will probably be a little jumpy for a timed event, but we will see.
Which brings me to my question, while i don't have problem with my full size coming back down to target, has anybody done any spring work on theirs to bring it back to target sooner, and if so, have you notced any improvement in times? thanks, blue

I use the M&P and former S&W 99 in 9mm. Have not had any issues with getting back on target.

I don't understand how spring work would get the gun back on target.
A caliber change would surely do it though.

Bob

rbert, go to www.gunsprings.com it will explain it better than i can, you can change the "percieved" recoil by changing springs, thus bringing you back to target faster. blue

BULLFEATHERS!! The spring must match the ammo for proper operation of the pistol, not your personal comfort if you want it reliable.

The .40 is the stepchild of IDPA (overpowered for SSP), and the best way to make it competitive is to use reduced loads, which will require an entirely different (lighter) recoil spring. The reduced spring will be unsuitable for full loads. Or you could have gotten a 9mm to start with.

IDPA Match Director

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Science plus Art

Sorry, but a heavier spring will slow down the slide, reduces the sharpness of the recoil, muzzle flip too. You can go to extremes of course which will cause functioning problems. If you don't know which spring, they sell the mulitple spring weight packs to try until you find the one that fits the situation. Even if you don't agree, doesn't change that fact that it works. been there done that..

blue,

Where should I look to find that info?

Bob

rbert, simply go to that website, clck on the word wollf, after that you can look at the bottom of the page for the type of firearm you are interested in. I would take the time to read all the info on their site, that should help you understand about the use of different springs. Hope that helps, blue

OK, let's close the communications gap here. While a heavier spring wil spread the recoil over a longer time and slightly reduce the perception (not the actual), this is NOT the way to make a .40 recover faster in IDPA. It is like rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship: not important. Also, it often increases the tendency to misfeed with limp wrist.

What is important is that a standard .40 S&W cartridge has a power factor about 175, and SSP division in IDPA only requires 125. Therefore, unless reduced loads are used (with the necessary much lighter recoil spring) the .40 shooter is still at a considerable disadvantage.

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Science plus Art

okfco5, i believe the word i used was "percieved" recoil. There are a number of ways to change how a pistol reacts to recoil, or percieved recoil, and yes simply going to a lighter load is one of those, as well as maybe just adding a rubber grip.

However, changing srings is also one way. I don't care if it's real or percieved that i feel, so long as it helps me.

I shoot in an area that is perhaps more relaxed in our shooting, as long as all safty factors are obeyed.

I have found in my 60+ years that there are two types of people, those who who say you can't do something, and those who help you do what you are trying to do. My condolences to those who compete in your district. blue

No need to resort to offensive language. Yes, it is perfectly legal to use full-powered .40 S&W in IDPA/SSP.
However, your question was how to reduce muzzle flip and recovery time.
Go ahead and try both and you will see what I mean. Adjusting springs while sticking with the full power loads will give you at most 5% reducing in impulse perception, while using the 125 power factor loads instead of 175 power factor loads will give about 30% reduction in both actual and perceived recoil. If you don't know what power factor is, it is explained in the IDPA rules.
http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp
Good luck and good shooting.

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Science plus Art

Yes, you are correct that a lighter load will allow you back on target sooner. However, all my pistols are used for hunting as well, and as such i practice with what i hunt with.


While we are all competive at our range, we are also a group who believe that making it fun for the shooters will bring more shooters to our area, and we do get shooters from all over the state simply because we are a fun place to "play". Add to this a beautiful setting in the mountains with camping, next to a river and you have a hard place to beat.

I understand that most ranges are set up strictly for competition and thats fine. We simply like to make it as pleasent as possible while we beat the pants off of you, that way you will come back, so we can do it again. blue