Pistol storage

Zen900 · 08-21-2007, 12:24 AM

I have several semiauto pistols that I rarely shoot. Has anyone ever tried storing semiautos with the recoil spring removed so as to prevent spring deteriation over long periods? Is it worth the hassle to try this?

Falcon2 · 08-21-2007, 01:06 AM

l have a 1903 colt orglnal sprlng and lt stlLL flres rellably
Falcon2

Zen900 · 08-21-2007, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falcon2

l have a 1903 colt orglnal sprlng and lt stlLL flres rellably
Falcon2

I purchased two C&R pistols that ejected brass 35 ft. One pistol was 1954 the other was 1974. The recoil springs were shot. The springs were letting the slide slam into the frame.
Ive heard of guys changing springs at 1500 rounds.
Was curious about spring longevity. Some springs are made from better metal than others. The springs I replaced came from E Euro communist cold war countries.

just_a_car · 08-21-2007, 02:24 AM

For the most part, springs don't deteriorate from long-term compression. They deteriorate from either repeated stretching and compression or from over-stretching/compression. The metal can make a difference, as if it's too hard, it can be brittle, and if it's too soft, it can wear out quicker with use.

C&R guns a lot of times need replacement springs because they've had so many rounds fired through them, not because they've been stored for so long. Sometimes, though, it might just be that they were originally made with a low-weight spring so as to prevent stove-piping from the slide not going far enough back.

lefty o · 08-21-2007, 09:38 AM

springs will last forever if they are not being used. use is what kills them.

lefty o · 08-21-2007, 10:48 AM

even if the spring is left fully compressed, it will not have any ill effect on it.

08-21-2007, 12:24 AM	#1
Zen900 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 686 Trader Rating: (0)	Pistol storage I have several semiauto pistols that I rarely shoot. Has anyone ever tried storing semiautos with the recoil spring removed so as to prevent spring deteriation over long periods? Is it worth the hassle to try this?

08-21-2007, 02:24 AM	#4
just_a_car Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 3,422 Trader Rating: (0)	For the most part, springs don't deteriorate from long-term compression. They deteriorate from either repeated stretching and compression or from over-stretching/compression. The metal can make a difference, as if it's too hard, it can be brittle, and if it's too soft, it can wear out quicker with use. C&R guns a lot of times need replacement springs because they've had so many rounds fired through them, not because they've been stored for so long. Sometimes, though, it might just be that they were originally made with a low-weight spring so as to prevent stove-piping from the slide not going far enough back. __________________

08-21-2007, 01:06 AM	#2
Falcon2 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mich, Retired to Arizona Posts: 31 Trader Rating: (0)	l have a 1903 colt orglnal sprlng and lt stlLL flres rellably Falcon2

08-21-2007, 09:38 AM	#5
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,695 Trader Rating: (0)	springs will last forever if they are not being used. use is what kills them.

08-21-2007, 10:48 AM	#6
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 4,695 Trader Rating: (0)	even if the spring is left fully compressed, it will not have any ill effect on it.