Coonan Recoil Spring Replacement

Coonan Recoil Spring

The standard Coonan recoil spring is either a 24 lb. or 22 lb. spring.
The standard Colt recoil spring is 16 lbs. The Coonan pistols are
sprung to function with Federal 125 gr. and 158 gr. JACKETED bullets.
Federal 158 gr. LEAD semi-wads' generally require a softer spring - 18
or 20 lb; sometimes 16 lb. Federal 110 gr. loads generally prefer the16lb. range.
When hand loading, it is generally better to load lighter than factory
loads and spring accordingly. When using mild target loads and lead
bullets, you can go as low as 12 lbs. and still maintain reliable GUN/MAGAZINE function.
We have used springs as light as 8 lbs. but this requires very careful attention to detail.
Springs to use:
We recommend Wolff springs - either constant or variable pitch - standard, extra power, or reduced power springs suitable for use in 5" Government Model pistols.

YOU MUST CHECK THE LENGTH OF THE SPRING BEFORE USING !!!!!
They generally require 2 coils to be removed (cut) before using. To
determine the proper spring length, proceed as follows:
1. Remove magazine and un-load pistol.
2. Depress Recoil Spring Plug, turn Barrel Bushing to allow Recoil
Spring Plug to be removed, and release tension on the
Plug/Spring assembly.
3. With Spring tension removed, pull the Slide back to its rearward
limit. Make sure that the Recoil Spring Plug TUNNEL (on the
bottom of the Slide where the Plug fits into) is making solid
contact with the Recoil Spring Absorber (that thing at the other
end of the Spring with a tube/shaft and butt plate)
AND that the Recoil Spring Absorber is making contact with the Frame.
4. Using a pencil, make a mark on the Frame right below the end of the
Slide. This is the maximum Recoil Stroke- NOT the max Spring length!
5.   Install the "new" Recoil Spring and re-assemble.
6.   With the new or different Spring installed, pull the Slide
backwards to its rearward limit and note the position of the end
of the Slide and the pencil mark on the frame; it should be exactly the
same position as before. If it looks a little short (Slide
doesn't go back as far), clip one or two coils off the Spring and
repeat the test until the mark on the Frame aligns with the end of the Slide.
7.    Now, clip an extra coil off the Spring. This will ensure that the
Spring will not go "solid". Ideally, the Spring should
be trimmed to one or two coils short of "solid".
Notes: 1. You clip coils from the OPEN end of the Spring.
            2. If the end of the Slide goes BEYOND the mark on the
Frame, get help immediately, sell all your guns, and buy
GOLF CLUBS!!!!
             3. GOOD LUCK!!!! - Dan