GOV'T LENGTH 1911 RECOIL SPRING TESTER Reviews & Ratings

Recoil spring tester is a simple testing device that helps you quickly measure the compression strength of any Government-length 1911 recoil spring. Lets you easily check if your gun’s spring is getting weak, and you can identify the weight of any unmarked springs you may have lying around. No more worries about damaging the gun with a weak spring or accidentally installing a soft spring when you want to shoot +P ammunition. Recoil spring tester is compact enough to take to the range; fits easily in tool box or shooting bag.

SPECS: Hard polymer with steel components. Instructions included. Measures springs up to 26 lbs. spring weight. 2 AAA batteries which are required, are not included.

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3 Stars

Reviews Summary

Customers express mixed feelings about the GOV'T LENGTH 1911 RECOIL SPRING TESTER. While some found it easy to use and accurate for government-length springs, others faced issues with inconsistent readings, missing parts, and poor design. Overall, it's seen as a useful tool, provided expectations are set for its limitations.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Product Accuracy

60%

Many users cite issues with the accuracy of the tester, noting that repeated measurements yield inconsistent results. While some testers achieved expected readings, others reported discrepancies compared to calibrated springs, leading to disappointment.

Usability

50%

Reviews reflect a mixed experience regarding usability. Some users found the tool easy to handle and effective for their needs, while others encountered design flaws that made it difficult to use effectively, particularly with certain spring types.

Missing Parts

25%

Several customers reported receiving the tester without essential parts, like the adapter for larger screws. This missing component contributed to a frustrating experience for those who needed it to perform effectively.

Value for Money

40%

The product is considered a reasonable investment for casual users looking to test recoil springs. However, customers noted that those requiring high precision might need to look at more expensive alternatives.

Customer Support

20%

Feedback on customer support varies. Some users reached out regarding issues and shared their experiences with returns, indicating a possibility of support but also frustration with the product performance.

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Simple and works well

I tested all my 1911 recoil springs, including spares, and all of the springs for my friend's 1911s in about two hours, including disassembly and reassembly. Easy to use, repeatable, and you can read spring compression within a tenth of a pound. I would recommend this product for its intended use ... Government-length recoil springs.

Great Product, Helped me alot

This was a great help in sorting out my springs. When I needed to test main springs I determined the proper compressed length and put a piece of tape on the barrel using the 1.625 line as a reference. Worked Great. I even tested some Govt. Recoil springs that were brand new and they tested within 1/2 lb. of where they were supposed to be. I do understand that this is not a super precision spring checker and if a person needs that kind of accuracy then a high dollar spring tool can be purchased from an industrial supply house. However, they are very pricey and usually run more that the cost of a new gun.

OK but missing parts

Don't know who your supplier is but according to pics I have seen i am missing the adapter for the larger screw

by RICHARD R. on November 28, 2024

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Good idea... but...

Good idea ! Easy to use and to determine the length to be measure for each pistol. I checked different kind of recoil springs and systematically had a difference of approximately two to three pounds (less) when compared with supposedly Wolff calibrated springs or manufacture calibrated springs. Ill check (and/or change) the scale.

spring tester

All the springs I tested measured 25#'s+. Also, the readings wouldn't remain on the screen when pressure was released. I found it difficult to use. I plan to experiment some more with with it--but am disappointed so far!

I sent mine back

After waiting months for it to be in stock, I was extremely disappointed to find the readings were not repeatable. I measured Wolff and ISMI springs and the readings were all over the place. Measuring the same spring repeatedly, I never got a duplicate reading. Maybe the fact that the hook would not go into the hole all the way contributed. Really, the pull should have been in line.

Don't waste your money

Tester is only good to measure gov't model recoil spring tensions. There is only 1 witness mark to show 1.625" compression on the tube. Per Wolf Springs, spring commpression needs to be a mark at 1.625" for gov't models, another at 1.125" for commanders, and another at .700" for O.M. If you try to use the current witness mark, a new 18# commander spring only weighs about 13# Also the adapter is totaly useless. Instructions say test other springs (main / hammer springs) by pulling to current witness mark. The scale shows 6 brand new 23# hammer springs only weighing 12# I called the manufacturer and explained the problems. I'm returning my unit This may explain better what I'm talking about. http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=204458&highlight=recoil+spring+tester