Well I went to the gun show the other day and found a factory return spring at least I hope it is. Anyway I was wondering why the springs are different in lengths . My spring is the grayer looking one that I sand blasted due to corrosion on it and the other spring (the shorter one ) is the one I got at the gun show off a S12 return spring guide . The shorter spring hasn't been cut at all . My original spring (longer one)is out of my S 12 that I got NIB in 2007. I have probably got over a few hundred rounds on that spring. If you guys got any answers to why the springs are different length please comment.