Spring recommendation

[Thunderjet]

Just purchased a EAA Elite Match 10mm and plan on loading the rounds on the warm side.
Which springs would you guys recommend?

[Retired Squid]

I would check to see what your stock weight is first, then increase by 1 or 2 pound weights till you hit the weight the rounds are hitting ground at about 10-12 feet from you.

Problem with the Tanfoglio guns is they were not built for heavy loads (about only ammo available in Europe is light target stuff) and have a problem cracking frames under heavy loads. If you increase recoil spring weight you also increase return force, sometimes called return slap and that might be the cause of them cracking frames. The importer is EAA and they have had a terrible rep in past for warranty service.

[Thunderjet]

I would check to see what your stock weight is first, then increase by 1 or 2 pound weights till you hit the weight the rounds are hitting ground at about 10-12 feet from you.

How can you tell what the stock weight is?

[Intercooler]

   Oooo... bad info alert.

  Never a cracked Match or Limited frame/slide that I have ever seen (cheaper models and rounded slide yes).
  You can cut down the ejector like I did (see Gunsmithing section) to .300"-.320" to lessen the brass distance but it's still a stretch getting 10'-12' with real 10mm ammo. My numbers are posted in there about 30'- 40' with the hot stuff. It now goes 12'-20' with the mod and a 22lb spring.


  I did tests with an 11lb. spring @ 800lb loads and it didn't kill it. The proper spring for it is a 20lb unless you are shooting 700-800lb loads which would need a 22lb.

Here is what was installed:

Standard Size Models
    Factory Rating: 14 Lb. - 9mm, .45 ACP, Super .38 and 10mm
    Factory Rating: 12 Lb. - .40 S&W all models except CZ
    Factory Rating: 16 Lb. - .40 S&W - CZ Only
    Factory Rating: 13 Lb. - CZ 97 .45 ACP   (14-16 Lb springs suggested for hardball in CZ97)

[Retired Squid]

I do know that about 6 or 7 years ago there were a couple guys reporting damaged frame with hot loads in their Match EAA's, but other then that last one I heard about was Hunter that failed. I think the wonder models are still have trouble once in a while from too hot of loads used. I sometimes wonder if some of these guys are just trying to blow up a gun with some of their loads they claim to load and shoot on regular basis.

[Intercooler]

  One other piece you should add is a Henning Cone guide-rod. I have it in three of mine but the Hunter uses a different setup that does the same thing. Today while shooting Armscor 180's my brass was all to the immediate right about 10' out of the Pro. Cutting that ejector pays off!

[Thunderjet]

Thanks Intercooler. One final question, when you are mentioning loads and pounds I am guessing you are referring to the foot pounds of energy the loads are generating?

[Intercooler]

Correct.  Only a couple go 800lbs and why a 20lb spring basically works for the entire range.

[Thunderjet]

  One other piece you should add is a Henning Cone guide-rod. I have it in three of mine but the Hunter uses a different setup that does the same thing. Today while shooting Armscor 180's my brass was all to the immediate right about 10' out of the Pro. Cutting that ejector pays off!

Visited Hennings website, what would the correct part number be for the Witness Match?
Thanks

[Intercooler]

Guide Rod?

Guide Rod
Comes in different lengths depending on your model. The new Henning ConeFit Guiderod (top picture) features a new way of sitting in the frame that saves the frame from damage. For more info, read full article.

Henning Polished Guide Rod - Long Slide Custom (Gold V8, Limited, Match) OAL = 4.2"
Price: $39.95
Qty:

[Thunderjet]

Thanks, you been a wealth of valuable information.

[Intercooler]

  No problem. I bought mine new and kept it for a little over 2 years putting thousands of upper 10mm rounds through it. You should add a Henning flat bottom firing pin block with that rod ($25). I have one in all four of my EAA pistols. Coupled with the increased spring you have done all possible for it to survive. Cutting the ejector is about the last mod to complete the setup.... Oh.... and a Hogue wraparound grip. That was my setup!

[Intercooler]

Dawson Precision also makes a new design front fiber-optic front sight people have been raving about. Super simple install too!