1911 Recoil Spring Ratings

[fourarmed]

I have always wondered how they determined the ratings of recoil springs. Spring constants are correctly given as force/distance, i.e. lbs/in., yet all you ever see are 18.5 lb, 16 lb, etc. Does anybody know how they are actually rated? I have been thinking about building something to measure the spring constant in compression. Has anybody done that?

[wv109323]

The 1911 recoil spring is rated in the pounds of force needed to compress the spring to a determined length. That length is somewhere around 1 11/16" ( the length of full recoil in the 1911 design). Forget about spring rates and preloads and travel distance.
Yes I have a set of produce scales and some PVC fittings along with a phillips screwdriver that I use to measure the "poundage" of my recoil springs.
If you want a couple of digital pictures PM me.

[Dutchman]

Mechanical force gauge:

https://www.google.com/search?num=30&hl=en&safe=off&q=mechanical%20force%20gauge&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=FSowUe2hNc7JqQGH64CwBA&biw=1120&bih=572&sei=GCowUYKSIIPQqwH27YGwBg


Dillon force gauge:

https://www.google.com/search?num=30&hl=en&safe=off&q=dillon%20force%20gauge&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=dykwUc2oOI28qQGAroDoBg&biw=1120&bih=572&sei=eikwUc73O8mkqgHm44GACQ

[MtGun44]

Here you go:

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=92961

Bill

[fourarmed]

Thanks, guys. I looked at the description at Brownell's website, and found the 1.625" measurement, but they were talking about the amount of energy stored in the spring. After teaching physics for 40 years, I don't know why it still surprises me when people who should know better confuse force and energy.

[Bren R.]

After teaching physics for 40 years, I don't know why it still surprises me when people who should know better confuse force and energy.

...and mass versus weight. Magazine vs clip.

Bren R.

[MtGun44]

Fourarmed,

I know what you mean, never ceases to amaze.

Bill