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Which gun brand has less spring tension in the slide?
My friend who is a female is in the market for a gun. I'm trying to convince her to lean towards a 40 caliber. She needs something with less spring tension when locking the slide to the rear, any suggestions?
@ Russ in Nova,
I was pushing her away from the .45 but not opposed to the 9mm. She wants it for home protection mainly and occasional recreational shooting. We're both prior military and worked as SF (the USAF MP equivalent) she has extensive training with the M9 and M4. She came over and I showed her my .45 XDM and .40 XD Sub compact, she likes the size of the subcompact, but was turned on to the size of the .45 round. I'd rather she got a smaller caliber so if she goes with a compact or subcompact she would be able to hold more rounds. She can handle the recoil, she just has a hard time with locking the slide to the rear on the .45 and would rather have less spring tension just on the slide, the trigger pull is no problem for her either
4 Answers
- Russ in NOVALv 77 years agoFavorite Answer
A couple of thoughts based on things I have inferred from your question:
It sounds like she has had difficulties in the past. I might be easier to make recommendations based on what she has tried and had difficulties in the past.
It sounds like she has issues with arm strength. In that case I would absolutely not recommend a .40 S&W chambered firearm due to the increased recoil. Unless she has a lot experience shooting, I would recommend a 9mm Luger chambered firearm. Best balance in ammo cost, recoil, and defensive capability. The only thing .40 has is possibly a marginally increased defensive capability, but at the expense of recoil and cost, which can reduce practice and competence with the firearm.
As far as dealing with slide tension, a couple of thoughts:
Check Wolff Springs for the factory standard spring weights on different makes and models: http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto%20Pistols/cID1
The bigger the slide, the easier it is to grab and get good leverage on. For example, I find it easier to work the slide on my 1911 with a 16lb spring than my CZ 9mm with 14lb spring.
Best bet is for her to go to the gun shop and try to work the slide herself before she buys.
- ?Lv 57 years ago
Russ in NOVA had some very good advice.
What is she using it for? Has she considered a revolver?
I have found with a few guns that a couple of hundred rounds are required to break them in a bit, which includes making the slide tension a bit more bearable. I would also steer you away from the .40 S&W. That's a snappy round, and the recoil might be a bit much for her.
Go to the gun store with her and rack a few slides. Especially 9mm or .380.
- JeffLv 77 years ago
Why .40 SW?
With today's ammo there is no compelling reason not to pick 9x19
Most semi auto recoil springs take about 15 pounds ( ball park) effort to overcome
Learning the proper way to operate a slide is not hard
Roll the off hand over the slide... Grasp with thumb and fingers ... The trick is to power the pistol forward with the trigger hand. Grasping the end of the slide with the thumb in a pinch is " Hollywood " but not what any reputable firearms trainer would teach her.
My women students have been successful with everything from PPk Walthers to 1911's-
- AndyLv 77 years ago
Most .40's have stout recoil springs. She needs to go try them out. I would recommend a 9mm or a .45 over a .40. Technique can play an important part in the ability to rack a slide. I have a Browning High Power .40 that my wife couldn't rack the slide on till I showed her a different technique than she was using.
