A question about recoil springs in semi auto pistols....

[Hokkmike]

What is the advantage of a captured recoil spring, such as in a Walther PPS or FnFiveseveN, versus a non-captured or separate spring such as in a SIG P-250 or P-238?

I know that it is easier to reassemble a pistol with a captured spring but that is all.

I do not know why some pistols use one type of spring over the other.

Any information you have or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks....

[john9001]

It is to prevent the non captured spring from springing across the room and hiding. They will do that, I know.

[Yoder]

My Glock 17 came with a captured spring. I popped the cap off the end and run it non-captured. That way I can swap out the spring for a different weight using the factory guide rod. It is more of a bitch putting it back together.

[Gunsnwater]

What is the advantage of a captured recoil spring, such as in a Walther PPS or FnFiveseveN, versus a non-captured or separate spring such as in a SIG P-250 or P-238?

I know that it is easier to reassemble a pistol with a captured spring but that is all.

I do not know why some pistols use one type of spring over the other.

Any information you have or thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks....

That's it. That's the whole reason.

[KCJones]

That's it. That's the whole reason.

God help me since I think I've never said this about a firearm before... But if that's it - no performance or reliability factor - then I really don't care.