Spring poundage question

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ChasMack

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I was thinking about getting a SS guide rod for my SD9 and the come with springs 16lb,19 and 21lb. Galloway said that the S&W SD9 comes with a 16lb, but that19lb would be the upper limit. Is the different poundage to accommodate hot loads or light loads? The 16lb factory spring comes with both SD 9mm and the 40.
 
Most recoil springs in semi-autos are designed to store some of the force of the moving slide during recoil to strip off the next round and chamber it properly. Managing recoil is an incidental and secondary function.

IF the recoil spring is too strong, and the round isn't potent enough, the gun won't be able to fully cycle -- in some cases, it may not even be able to grab the next round.

If the spring is too weak, and the round is stout, the gun will likely cycle, but you'll find the spent cases going into orbit.

There is a small possibility of damage either way, even if the gun does function -- if the spring is too light or too stout -- but most gun designs are pretty stout and not that easily damaged. (Some folks are concerned about frame damage, but you hear about it on forums like this MORE often than you actually see it in the real world.)

You might be able to get a "recoil calibration kit" from Wolff with a variety of weights. It costs a bit more, but you'll always be ready if you change ammo or find the current recoil spring isn't doing the job when you use a different load.

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