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P226 Recoil Spring Calibration, Conventional vs Variable

5816 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by BGOd42, Mar 31, 2019

BGOd42

Discussion Starter · Mar 30, 2019

Greetings,

I just wanted to know your take and experiences with the following:
https://www.gunsprings.com/SIG-SAUER (SIGARMS)/P226/cID1/mID4/dID254#303

Basically, what I'm looking at is that the original orange recoil spring of the 9mm P226 is rated at 15lbs right? I understand going lighter means more reliable feeding since the slide could be open more, however, it's a SIG, so I don't really think that's necessary. Going heavier a bit may make that slide stay open more quickly. Going too heavy could most likely end up with feeding issues, but doesn't beat the frame as much and may not keep the gun shoot flatter? Additionally, the muzzle can probably dip down from too heavy of a load.
For a visual reference of what I'm referring to:

Now for conventional vs variable recoil springs. I believe conventional recoil springs are spaced equally, while variable recoil springs are spaced differently. Would the variable ones be better in terms of keeping the muzzle flat and/or protecting the frame with a higher lifespan? Also, I noticed that the variable spring weights are rated quite lower than the choices for conventional recoil springs. So, how would a 15lb conventional recoil spring behave differently compared to a 15lb variable recoil spring?

So for a first question, does everyone like running the original spring better for 125PF 9mm or a variation of a variable recoil spring from wolff. If variable, what weight?

Out of curiosity, does anyone run a shock buffer? I always thought that this wasn't particularly practiced with how the 226 was designed since it couldn't be really done (?)

Any input would be greatly be appreciated

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DansSIGs

· #2 · Mar 30, 2019

All dozen + SIG Classic P series pistols of mine have the twisted strand recoil springs in them since day one & will ONLY have the designated springs installed.

In 30+ years I have not had any issues with feeding/extraction,ejection,failing to fire in +90 to -50 degreeF temperatures in the Arctic.

I slap a set of Hogue rubber grip panels on each & run them like the German Engineered COMBAT pistol as they were designed.

Tupperware or other manufacturers pistols may operate better w/ progressive or overrated
+ spring rates.....
I wouldn't bet my life on either.....my SIG's work....ALL THE TIME.

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid

IF,it ain't broke,don't attempt to fix it!!

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BGOd42

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 30, 2019

DansSIGs said:
All dozen + SIG Classic P series pistols of mine have the twisted strand recoil springs in them since day one & will ONLY have the designated springs installed.

In 30+ years I have not had any issues with feeding/extraction,ejection,failing to fire in +90 to -50 degreeF temperatures in the Arctic.

I slap a set of Hogue rubber grip panels on each & run them like the German Engineered COMBAT pistol as they were designed.

Tupperware or other manufacturers pistols may operate better w/ progressive or overrated
+ spring rates.....
I wouldn't bet my life on either.....my SIG's work....ALL THE TIME.

K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Stupid

IF,it ain't broke,don't attempt to fix it!!

I believe wolff is the one making the triple coiled recoil springs of SIG. I'm not quite sure, but heard it somewhere here. It'll run flawlessly on stock, but I also am interested in learning if someone every fine tuned their ammo to their springs, especially in the competition setting.

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Willard

· #4 · Mar 30, 2019

BGOd42 said:
I believe wolff is the one making the triple coiled recoil springs of SIG. I'm not quite sure, but heard it somewhere here. It'll run flawlessly on stock, but I also am interested in learning if someone every fine tuned their ammo to their springs, especially in the competition setting.

Doubtful, more than likely, a European source, as they have been doing it for decades.

I realize that going to a lighter spring may seem a smart move, but it allows the barrel to unlock sooner, and may cause sticky extraction issues, by not giving the brass time to shrink from expansion during firing. It can also allow some frame/locking insert battering, if too light.

GGI has a slightly heavier spring, I believe "pink" for +P 9mm use, which is lighter than the green spring of the .357/.40/.45 persuasion.

P6 11/78 - German KF Proofed P220 - German P220 w/Folded Slide - German P220 frame w/Carry Slide - P220R ST - P220R-22-BAS-SAO + 5" Match Upper - P220R Carry - P220R SSS - P220R w/ST Slide - P220R - P225A1 Classic Carry - P226 KA Proofed - 9mm - P226 KB Proofed - 9mm - P226 2009 unrailed LEO in 9mm - P226BR-22-BAS-SAO + 9mm Elite upper - P226R Elite SAO w/9mm RX - P226R Combat-9mm - P226 Former LE Veteran-.40 S&W - P226R .357 Sig - P226R Elite .40 S&W - P228 KB proofed DA/SA 9mm - P228 DA/SA 9mm (1999 vintage) - P229 "AB" Prefix-.40 S&W - P229 "AD" Prefix-.40 S&W - P229 Legacy 9mm LE Veteran - P229 LE Veteran- changed to .357 Sig - P229R DAK .40 S&W converted to DA/SA in 9mm - P229R DA/SA .40 S&W - P229R ESE 9mm - P229 SAS .40 S&W DA/SA - P239-.40 S&W DA/SA - P239-.40 S&W DAO - P239-.40 S&W DAK - P239-.357 Sig DA/SA - P239-9mm DAK - P239-9mm DA/SA - M11A1 9mm --- Too Many Non-Sigs to list

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BGOd42

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 30, 2019

Willard said:
Doubtful, more than likely, a European source, as they have been doing it for decades.

I realize that going to a lighter spring may seem a smart move, but it allows the barrel to unlock sooner, and may cause sticky extraction issues, by not giving the brass time to shrink from expansion during firing. It can also allow some frame/locking insert battering, if too light.

GGI has a slightly heavier spring, I believe "pink" for +P 9mm use, which is lighter than the green spring of the .357/.40/.45 persuasion.

Yep, I found the pink springs to be too stiff for normal power factor loads, it's not gonna work well too with "cycle" loads.

I'm most likely going to go original weight springs, just was curious if there are people that changed weights or even if they went with the wolff alternative with the same weight and to see how that one compared to the OEM spring (which I believe to be also triple braided but without the orange paint).

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DansSIGs

· #6 · Mar 30, 2019 (Edited)

Here's a strange abnormality in a twisted wire P229 Lt Blue 357S/40SW recoil spring w/ solid recoil spring guide rod just received in a refurbished top end/lower parts kit-

I won't use it,since it will not function properly on an OEM SIG guide rod.

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Willard

· #7 · Mar 30, 2019

BGOd42 said:
Yep, I found the pink springs to be too stiff for normal power factor loads, it's not gonna work well too with "cycle" loads.

I'm most likely going to go original weight springs, just was curious if there are people that changed weights or even if they went with the wolff alternative with the same weight and to see how that one compared to the OEM spring (which I believe to be also triple braided but without the orange paint).

Gerry R, stated that he sometimes went lighter on a clients weapon to enhance reliability. That may be fine and dandy, as long as heavier loads aren't used with the lighter springs. Start a pound lower, and see how it fares, Wolff has "Calibration Paks" from 10# to 14#. It has been theorized that empty ejection should be about 6 feet, IIRC from a standing position. That was from back in the day with Bullseye competition, so your empties wouldn't bother the competitor to your right.

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BGOd42

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 31, 2019

Willard said:
Gerry R, stated that he sometimes went lighter on a clients weapon to enhance reliability. That may be fine and dandy, as long as heavier loads aren't used with the lighter springs. Start a pound lower, and see how it fares, Wolff has "Calibration Paks" from 10# to 14#. It has been theorized that empty ejection should be about 6 feet, IIRC from a standing position. That was from back in the day with Bullseye competition, so your empties wouldn't bother the competitor to your right.

Hmm, the calibration packs do seem tempting and it'll probably be the only "trial and error" option available. The only problem would just be finding the right balance between keeping frames from getting battered too hard and trying to keep that muzzle flip to a minimum while probably enhancing reliability. I don't really run lots of high pressure rounds, the highest would probably be just federal carry ammo, other than that it'd be the usual loads of FMJs and trying to meet the 125PF. Apart from those, cycle loads are typically lower at around 900+FPS for a 124gr.

Guess it's time to experiment unless someone already had and is willing to share their findings! :lol:

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