Extensively Lightened Slide Steel Guns

[DougCarden]

I have one steel gun with a cone comp that I have been using a 9lb recoil spring and a 17lb mainspring. The slide weight is around 10.5 oz. I thought this was the shizzle, and that is the way the smith set it up for 130ish PF loads.

I borrowed a buddy's SS steel gun that has even more weight out of the slide(bushing comp). I shot my 100PF 88gr steel load in it and the gun didnt move, it tracked neutral, and I cut about 5 tenths of my time in some drills.

I of course tried that recoil spring in my gun and WOW, the gun was neutral and flat, incredible. When I asked him what the spring was he told me it was a 5lb Wolff....

I looked over his gun and knowing that he has a Crapload of rounds through the gun I checked the barrel lugs, the slide, etc. Everything is tight.

Of course I have a Wolff spring kit on the way to try in my gun, but how low is too low to keep the barrel from damaging the slide/frame etc. I am thinking about putting a 19lb mainspring to even it out, but I do realize that all I am doing with the recoil spring is bringing the slide forward. Just trying to learn more about this balancing act, so I appreciate any help!

Thanks,

DougC

Edited February 15, 2007 by DougC

[outerlimits]

I have one steel gun with a cone comp that I have been using a 9lb recoil spring and a 17lb mainspring. The slide weight is around 10.5 oz. I thought this was the shizzle, and that is the way the smith set it up for 130ish PF loads.

I borrowed a buddy's SS steel gun that has even more weight out of the slide(bushing comp). I shot my 100PF 88gr steel load in it and the gun didnt move, it tracked neutral, and I cut about 5 tenths of my time in some drills.

I of course tried that recoil spring in my gun and WOW, the gun was neutral and flat, incredible. When I asked him what the spring was he told me it was a 5lb Wolff....

I looked over his gun and knowing that he has a Crapload of rounds through the gun I checked the barrel lugs, the slide, etc. Everything is tight.

Of course I have a Wolff spring kit on the way to try in my gun, but how low is too low to keep the barrel from damaging the slide/frame etc. I am thinking about putting a 19lb mainspring to even it out, but I do realize that all I am doing with the recoil spring is bringing the slide forward. Just trying to learn more about this balancing act, so I appreciate any help!

Thanks,

DougC

i've ran a 5lb recoil spring in my steel gun for many years-115 gr going 940 fps. only drawback is you may not have enuf weight to grab a round in a fully charged SS mag...so i used to only load 9 in the mag.

[uscbigdawg]

Since I run a 9# spring in my full power Open gun, I'd say you definitely need to drop the spring weight.

Just make sure you have enough UMPH to strip the round as Butch mentioned.

Rich