4516-1 Recoil Spring

[ColColt]

I've been considering getting a couple extra recoil springs for this model but they may not be readily available. Strange about this recoil spring. It has to be put on right of the pistol will malfunction. No idea why S&W designed the 4516-1 this way.

I was having problems and asked about it on the forum some years ago and was told to take the spring off and reverse it...that worked but was harder to get back on. Unlike all other 3rd Gen pistols this recoil spring can be put on backwards. Anyone know why this is? It's definitely tighter putting it on the proper way as it doesn't slide on easily.

 

[BMCM]

No, S&W did not design it that way...

The original factory S&W springs are closed coil and ground on each end and will go in the gun in any orientation.

Unfortunately the original S&W recoil springs have been out of production and unavailable for quite some time.

All the aftermarket single springs for those guns I have seen are cut down 1911 springs.

In a 1911, the recoil spring is open coil on one end and tight closed coil on the other. the tight coil is meant to secure the spring to the spring guide. Now in a standard 1911, strictly mechanically speaking, it doesn't much matter how the spring is oriented, it'll run either way.

Problems arise when a gun is fitted with a full length guide rod. Whether a 1911 or a 4516-1, now we need to see that the spring is oriented correctly.

When using one of these springs in a dash1 gun with the fat .290 full length guide rod. Check which end of the spring runs freely over the length of the guide rod. The free running end goes out front towards the muzzle and the tight end needs to shoved onto the guide rod first so it is towards the breech Otherwise the gun will malfunction.

Cheers
Bill

 

[ColColt]

In a 1911, the recoil spring is open coil on one end and tight closed coil on the other. the tight coil is meant to secure the spring to the spring guide. Now in a standard 1911, strictly mechanically speaking, it doesn't much matter how the spring is oriented, it'll run either way.

Is that in reference to a S&W 1911? I have what was called the "Billboard" 1911 and never noticed any problem with it although I never shot that one much.

It was you that pointed out to me the error of my ways on that 4516-1 spring and I have been forever grateful! I never knew it had to go on a certain way but made all the difference.

 

[BMCM]

When I mention 1911's I'm referring to guns faithful to Browning's design, mainly the Government Model or the GI 1911A1.

There are loads of guns on the market claiming the moniker of 1911 that stray pretty far from the original design.

Most of S&W's version of the 1911 use a full length recoil spring guide rod which differs from Browning's design.

Any pistol fitted with a full length guide rod, whether a 1911 pattern or your 4516, any pistol at all in fact, orientation of the recoil spring becomes a factor. Especially so when using aftermarket springs. Check for a tight end coil and if present orient it towards the breech. If that tight coil is installed towards the muzzle, it will drag on the guide rod and significantly slow slide velocity, the gun won't run.

Cheers
Bill

 

[ColColt]

My memory is coming back. I first posted about this back in 2018. That spring I had problems with was an aftermarket(Wolf) spring and not the original spring. I only swapped them out as I didn't know how many rounds had been run through that 4516-1 when I acquired it and wanted to change the spring. That's when problems arose. I still have the original S&W spring.