Can different recoil Spring weights affect accuracy?

Inquiring minds want to know....

That's a good question, since the recoil, main, a balance between the sear spring leaves are all interdependent. There is also the matter of lockup and stop pin friction.  

 I have my theory (but it's truely an art )but I don't build many guns. Our board of distinguished smiths will surely comment further

Recoil spring needs to be strong enough to hold it in battery well. That’s why springs lighter than 10 lb can be troublesome on 45’s. If it’s not held in battery reliably accuracy can suffer.

Dr.Don wrote:Recoil spring needs to be strong enough to hold it in battery well. That’s why springs lighter than 10 lb can be troublesome on 45’s. If it’s not held in battery reliably accuracy can suffer.

Bingo +1 what Doc said! It the bouncing effect

Greetings,

Long ago, I was testing a 1911 45 ACP with 230 Match Ball in the Random Rest.

I was getting groups 2" wide by 6" tall at 50 yards.

Replaced the recoil spring with a stiffer one and groups became 2" x 2".

Theory is the slide was moving back and the barrel link pulling the barrel down too soon.

With the heavier spring, the gun functioned fine.

Cheers,

Dave

The heavier the better and regular springs not variable. I found a big difference in accuracy between #10 and #12 when I was running slide mounted scopes. I would only run #10s in winter. 

I also write the weight of the spring on a piece tape and put it on the inside of the grip panel so I know what spring I am running. When not in use I tag them. 

I change my recoil springs every 3000 rounds.