Spring tension check?

[jeffrefrig]

I’m trying to find out a way of testing spring tension. Does anyone have an idea? When we would put together gas line pressure regulators the main spring color was kinda important info. I have recently (today) seen the color coding mentioned.
Anyhow, I would like to know where I’m starting at to begin with.
The revolver I’m trying to destroy is a .357 magnum Zastava, surplus import version. This seems like a pretty decent gun, as it seems pretty solid, too, kinda Ruger-like. I just would like to make it work to my abilities without mucking it all up. I have searched/asked for any information on these revolvers but got nothing. New stocks would be nice but I don’t want to play pay & pray, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[JohnHL]

Jeff, you probably already know this, but I have found that the published "spring rate" was equal to amount of weight needed to compress the spring until the coils just touch.

I built a jig that was just a piece of angle iron, clamped in a vise, with a hole drilled in it.

I place the spring over the hole, put a rod through the spring, and hang weights on the rod.

Another method is to compress the spring, by hand, on a weight scale.

Again, the amount of weight need to bring the coils to just touching is the "spring rate'.

I hope this is helpful.

John