Glock Recoil Springs

[Bigstick]

I want to do some experimenting with both my G20 and G29. I'm currently running stock recoil springs. Any suggestions or guidelines when purchasing heavier springs for stout factory or hand loads?

[Pablo]

Can't help with the G29.

For the G20, a variety of makers exist, but only Wolff make 18 and 19 pound springs. A lot of people run 22# springs, but I find that WAY WAY too stout for my G20L even with super HOT ammo. But that's a Longslide. 20# maybe ideal for a reg G20. I found an 18# Wolff to be about right.

Between the makers, a 20 is not a 20 is not a 20# spring. They vary +/- 1# or so. Be aware of this. A Wolff 18# is like a 19 or 20 captive.

[sqlbullet]

Bigstick, we can address your question better if we understand the procedure and desired outcome of your experimenting.

[The_Shadow]

Here are some of my measurements for the G-20 Factory vs. Wolff Non captive setup

Glock 20Sf Factory spring test
It takes 5lb 3oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
Full retraction at 18lb 0oz at lock open

Glock 20SF spring test Wolff Gun Springs 22lb RSA installed
It takes 6lb 4oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
Full retraction at 22lb 9oz at lock open

22-Slightly over a pound difference 1lb 1oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
24-Slightly over a pound difference 2lb 3oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
22-Slightly over a 2 pound difference 2lb 9oz at lock open
24-Slightly over a 6 pound difference 6lb 1oz at lock open


Here are some of my measurements for the G-29 Factory vs. Wolff Non captive setup

Glock 29 spring test Wolff Gun Springs 21lb RSA installed
It takes 6lb 4oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
Full retraction at 21lb 3oz at lock open

Glock 29 spring test Wolff Gun Springs 23lb RSA installed
It takes 7lb 1oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
Full retraction at 23lb 5oz at lock open


Glock 29 Factory spring test
It takes 4lb 5oz to start the slide to move from the locked position
Full retraction at 16lb 10oz at lock open

What does to mean?
To me the additional spring pressure at in battery lock up helps to delay slide unlock by the few milliseconds that helps to keep the "smiles" from happening from early unlock, increasing unsupport of the case.  I could be wrong, but it is my reason for using the non captive recoil setups.

[Pablo]

Fascinating. Hard to beat real numbers. I could detect that difference.

I have Glockmeister and the other Glockstore guy springs (name escapes me) from 17-20-22-24#'s - I wonder how they measure? They feel lighter than the Wolff.

[cwlongshot]

I am a firm believer in lil heavier springs and WOLLF springs. They go in every carry gun I own.

BUT I dont see any advantage to the non captured over captured. I DO see the advantage to a captured over non... I also like to swap to a STS guide rod in my Glock... 

CW

[The_Shadow]

CW, the non captive springs are quicker to change out, I keep them in my range bag, when I am testing various loads.
Lighter impulse lighter spring weights - higher impulse heavier spring weights...As a handloader I test ammo sometimes where no data exist and in some cases exceed the printed data, so I want the advantage of the heavier springs.

That being said I have seen where some Glock factory springs and others, would just fall out when taking the slide off. 
With that said, could these loose fitting captured springs be allowing early unlocking at the crucial point of peak pressures, with the higher impulse ammo?

[Pablo]

Have you measured the spring force on Glockmeister and Glockstore  the other captive springs? Just curious.

[cwlongshot]

I can see that for sure, did not think of that...

I havent had the need to fine tune or just got lucky buying this weight or that weight spring...

CW

[DM1906]

CW, the non captive springs are quicker to change out, I keep them in my range bag, when I am testing various loads.
Lighter impulse lighter spring weights - higher impulse heavier spring weights...As a handloader I test ammo sometimes where no data exist and in some cases exceed the printed data, so I want the advantage of the heavier springs.

That being said I have seen where some Glock factory springs and others, would just fall out when taking the slide off. 
With that said, could these loose fitting captured springs be allowing early unlocking at the crucial point of peak pressures, with the higher impulse ammo?

Spring changes with non-captured are quicker, if you're using the same guide rod. Spring changes are quicker with captured, if you are changing the RSA (what I do). I use SS guide rods, and once assembled and weight verified, they stay assembled until the spring fails a test. I also use a 1/4" band of heat-shrink tubing at the base of the guide rod, colored to the weight for easy identification. I have several pistols within the same frame sizes, and it makes it easier to keep track of the spring changes and wear patterns.

[Pablo]

I also use a 1/4" band of heat-shrink tubing at the base of the guide rod, colored to the weight for easy identification.

That is a GRAND idea!!!!!! Thank you sir!!