Spring weight

[Isom 3840]

In the OMV's, is there any way you can tell/measure the mainspring weight, so you'll know what spring (pounds) you have ??
Isom

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Not really. Those springs are calculated to be a certain strength when compressed to a certain length. No specifications have ever been printed as far as I know to allow for testing and very few would have the test equipment anyway.
Order a spring set from Wolf and compare them.

 

[Hondo44]

You might get that info from Powers Custom. I suspect they've weighed and figured them out.

 

[Isom 3840]

Thanks for all the info, will try Powers.
Isom

 

[NewportNewsMike]

I have tried for years to figure out 1) what various "pounds" rating on various springs meant (pounds to compress a certain distance? to compress fully? or what?) 2) a way to measure springs I had in the parts box.

I have no solutions to offer as to determining actual "weight" - but I have away to compare two different springs against each other.

Take a threaded rod small enough to insert through the middle of both springs, and install both springs on the rod with a washer in between. Next add a washer and bolt on each end so that you end up with parts in the following order: nut / washer / spring / washer / spring / washer / nut.

Using wrenches, tighten the nuts until one spring compresses fully - of the two springs, the first one to fully compress is the weaker of the two.

If you have a set of known weight springs (like a kit from Wolff or similar) you can determine "this spring is heavier / lighter than the X pound one".

Even if you have no "reference" springs, you can determine which of your springs is heavier /lighter of the bunch or the one you are using now.

 

[Hondo44]

Clever!!

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Very clever, never thought to do that and I'm always changing out springs

 

[Isom 3840]

Some new info:
Spoke with a tech. from Wolff springs, (Power Custom's line was busy). "ALL" of their OMV springs, no matter what the weight,,, is measured compressed to 1.453". The New Mod Vaquero's are measured to 1.330" ,,,,,, I figured someone would ask Nice people at Wolff. Before I found this out, I was told to get a tube that the spring fit in, about an inch longer, put the spring in it, mark where the top of the spring was and an inch down. Cut a slot or drill some small holes down the side so you can see when you get to the mark. Get a rod that fit the tube and push the spring down on a scale (bathroom??). Wouldn't know the exact weight, but could tell which one was heavier or lighter. Now that we know the distance, just put your mark from the bottom. All is well in Rugerville !!
Later,
Isom

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

NewportNewsMike , Great idea my friend!!

 

[Hondo44]

Some new info:
Spoke with a tech. from Wolff springs, (Power Custom's line was busy). "ALL" of their OMV springs, no matter what the weight,,, is measured compressed to 1.453". The New Mod Vaquero's are measured to 1.330" ,,,,,, I figured someone would ask Nice people at Wolff. Before I found this out, I was told to get a tube that the spring fit in, about an inch longer, put the spring in it, mark where the top of the spring was and an inch down. Cut a slot or drill some small holes down the side so you can see when you get to the mark. Get a rod that fit the tube and push the spring down on a scale (bathroom??). Wouldn't know the exact weight, but could tell which one was heavier or lighter. Now that we know the distance, just put your mark from the bottom. All is well in Rugerville !!
Later,
Isom

Thx Isom,

That makes perfect sense, kind of a "Why didn't I think of that?" They are measured to the fully cocked compressed length, duh. The shorter length of 1.330" for the New Vaqueros is because of the internal lock. This would also apply to the NM flat tops which have the locks and all alloy grip frame NMs which have the lock, some no longer do. Current production New Vaqueros no longer have the lock so you would use the 1.453" length.

 

[Isom 3840]

Hondo 44,
I called Ruger before I called Wolff,,,, here's part of conversation:
Me:I'm trying to find out at what distance/measurement do you measure your springs to get it's weight??
Ruger: Sir that's propriotary information, we can't give that out.
Me: pause,,, pause (what)???
Me:Ok, well what's your stock weight for the OMV? (just to see if he'd tell me)
Ruger: I don't know sir.
I couldn't believe it.
Me: Told him thank you for your "help"
Ruger" You're welcome sir
Wellll,,,, he was polite. I couldn't believe it (shaking my head,,smiling)

 

[Hondo44]

Isom,

Thx for the additional info. Very interesting. I think he probably had not idea of the answer to your 1st question and admittedly didn't know the 2nd answer. The "proprietary info" answer sounds like a cop out when they don't want to look it up. Everybody's too busy I guess. At least Wolff helped out. I like their springs as well.