We produce custom springs and wireforms. We do not stock standard parts.
We produce custom springs and wireforms. We do not stock standard parts.
Every successful firearm—whether a handgun, rifle, or shotgun—relies on precision-engineered springs. These components control energy, motion, and timing in the most critical areas of a firearm’s operation. From recoil systems to trigger mechanisms, a well-made spring directly impacts reliability, safety, and shooter confidence. At Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc., we provide custom spring manufacturing and design assistance for firearm applications that demand exceptional quality and consistency.
Springs manage force, absorb recoil, and control movement in almost every function of a firearm. Recoil springs return the slide or bolt to battery; hammer or mainsprings drive firing mechanisms; sear and trigger springs maintain engagement forces; magazine springs feed ammunition; and extractor or ejector springs ensure proper cycling. Each type has unique performance requirements—strength, flexibility, fatigue resistance, corrosion protection, and dimensional precision.
Designing a spring for a firearm requires balancing force, space, and fatigue life. Key parameters include wire diameter, coil diameter, free length, total and active coils, spring rate, and maximum deflection. Torsion springs add torque angle and leg configuration. The geometry determines how the spring will behave under load, and small adjustments can change feel, reliability, and cycling speed. Our engineers provide manufacturing insight to help OEM designers refine spring geometry for better performance and manufacturability.
Choosing the right material is essential to durability and performance. Common materials include chrome-silicon for high-stress recoil springs, stainless steel for corrosion-resistant trigger or magazine springs, and chrome-vanadium for hammer and sear springs that undergo repetitive impact. In specialized firearms or harsh conditions, high-fatigue alloys or shaped wire may be used. Each alloy offers different tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and corrosion protection. All material certifications at Ace Wire Spring are verified to meet ISO 9001:2015 standards, ensuring consistency and traceability.
Precision firearm springs are produced using advanced CNC coiling and wire-forming equipment to ensure tight tolerances and repeatable geometry. After coiling, springs are heat-treated to relieve internal stress and stabilize mechanical properties. Shot-peening strengthens the surface by introducing beneficial compressive stress, dramatically improving fatigue life—essential for springs that cycle thousands of times under heavy loads. Grinding creates flat ends for compression springs, while setting locks in dimensional stability. Finishing processes such as passivation, zinc, or phosphate coating provide corrosion protection and smoother operation.
Quality assurance is critical in firearm manufacturing, where consistency affects both safety and function. Springs undergo dimensional checks, load testing, and visual inspection to ensure compliance with drawings and tolerances. Fatigue testing may be performed on springs used in semi-automatic or automatic systems. Surface finishes are verified for uniform coverage and adhesion. At Ace Wire Spring, every process—coiling, heat treatment, inspection, and packaging—is documented under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system.
With decades of experience working alongside firearm manufacturers and distributors, Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. understands that perfecting a spring often takes several iterations before production. Our prototype capabilities allow quick testing and refinement of spring geometry, torque, and material selection before committing to a full run. This flexibility helps customers validate function, reduce lead time, and ensure consistent firearm performance. Every step—from prototype to production—is supported by our ISO 9001:2015-certified, ITAR-registered manufacturing process and over 85 years of industry expertise.
While Ace Wire Spring does not design firearm springs from scratch, our team provides valuable design assistance to help manufacturers optimize part geometry and material selection. This includes recommendations on wire size, pitch, or stress levels based on decades of manufacturing experience. Our approach ensures that every spring we produce aligns with the customer’s intent, performance expectations, and compliance requirements.
Because firearm environments vary—from precision target shooting to defense and tactical conditions—surface finishing must match the application. Common finishes include black oxide for a non-reflective, corrosion-resistant coating; phosphate for wear resistance; nickel or zinc plating for corrosion protection; and stainless steel passivation for long-term durability. Coating choice affects not only longevity but also friction characteristics and visual appearance.
Applications and Firearm Spring Types
Firearm engineers must consider spring rate, preload, travel limits, and solid height during the design phase. Overstressing a spring leads to fatigue failure; under sizing it causes inconsistent cycling. Selecting materials with the right tensile strength, maintaining proper surface finish, and allowing space for free length are key to achieving optimal performance. Partnering with an experienced manufacturer ensures these variables are balanced correctly.
Choosing a domestic spring manufacturer ensures quality, traceability, and short lead times. Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc., located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has more than 85 years of experience producing custom compression, extension, torsion springs, and wire forms for military defense, aerospace, and firearm industries. Our combination of CNC technology, skilled craftsmanship, and certified processes ensures reliability from prototype through production.
• ISO 9001:2015 certified and ITAR registered for defense and firearm manufacturing.
• Made in the USA using locally sourced materials.
• Advanced CNC coiling and forming equipment for precision control.
• Expert engineering assistance for manufacturability and consistency.
• Proven track record supplying OEM firearm and defense suppliers.
When reliability, precision, and compliance matter, trust Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. for firearm spring manufacturing. Our team can assist with material selection, manufacturability reviews, and prototype-to-production support. Contact us today to discuss your firearm spring application or request a custom manufacturing quote.
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