Recoil Spring Questions

[rhtwist]

Howdy,
I've read on the forum and on manufacturer's sites on what is considered a STANDARD recoil spring pressure. Would like your opinions for a 230 FMJ for a Gold Cup with the Wilson one piece guide rod and buffers. Also would there be a change for 230 JHPs? Would there be a difference if I did not have the quide rod. Trying to understand the variances from 16 to 18.5 lbs and what I need. Also what are the opinions on the manufacturers, I have used Wilson but am open to suggestion. Thanx
rhtwist

[stans]

Manufacturers are using lighter springs these days, no doubt so that the gun will function with any ammo from 185 target loads up to 230 grain full power loads. The U.S. Army and Colt as well as J.M. Browning recommended a 16 pound spring for bullets of 230 grains at a nominal 850 feet per second. I think 16 pounds is about right for most 1911's shooting this ammo and I prefer Wolff springs. If your gun is for defense, ditch the Wilson shock buffer, they do not hold up well and can come apart and tie up the gun. The best buffer out there is still CP Bullets' buffers. Much tougher and don't come apart as easily.

[lil toad]

I avoid buffers all together. Just another cure for a non-existent problem. Spring it correctly and you won't have a problem. You can change springs in a matter of seconds with a standard plug installed in your gun. Carry the gun with as heavy of a spring that works 100% reliable and put the lighter one in your range bag for target practice. Me personally, my handloads are at top velocity with factory loads ,that includes my target and competition loads. I don't lower the velocity to just barely make power factor.
As far as springs go, I shoot an 18 lb wolf in my five inch guns and a 20 lber in my 4 1/4 inch guns. That is pretty much factory standard and I haven't had a problem yet. Remember, problems arise when we try to make the gun do something that it wasn't designed for.

[wichaka]

Testing springs in the past that came in "factory" guns, showed that they had less than their advertised rate.

Colt 5" and the like guns tested out from high 14 to just over 15lbs. With 16lb being the stock advertised weight.
Commander type tested out to be from high 15 to mid 17lb range. With the stock being 18lbs.

I don't recommend putting anything heavier than what is advertised to be in there. When you change recoil spring weight, you also change the cycle timing of the gun a bit, as well as make the slide slam home harder on the slide stop pin.

The gun was orginally designed to run on 14lb springs, but was changed as per military specs.

Shok buffs in guns is for another thread, but if they are checked thoroughly at every cleaning, there should be no problem.

[rhtwist]

So far I'm leaning toward a 16 lbs and possibly removing the recoil pad. But will wait for more input. Thanks fellow enthusiasts.
rhtwist

[wichaka]

I also recommend Wolff springs, as they are the closest to their advertised rate than other spring makers.

[rhtwist]

I don't know if this is the correct forum to ask this but does anyone make an adapter for using full length mags in a short frame ie compact or officers model? In the past I've broken the slide release on an officers model by shoving a regular size mag during a match. Didn't notice until it would not stay open when empty. Is this an unusual occurence or should the slot in the mag have caught it? Just wondering??!?!!!?!
rhtwist

[swampertwo]

A&G makes a slip over grip extender that has a set screw to lock it in place to prevent what you've experienced. They are available from Brownells. They also make the compact grip slightly longer and, in my opinion, more comfortable.
Jeff

[rhtwist]

Thanks for the info! Will look into it.
rhtwist

[swampertwo]

Brownells part nr. is 075-000-005-cost 12.95
Jeff

[gottripletsNC]

I am in no way an expert and don't take it that way, but from what I have read on here, in magazines etc. the best thing is the standard designed for the gun. JMB didn't goof on this gun, how many guns can you say have had the run that the 1911 has had. None that I can ever remember except for the basic revolver, and it has changed many times in design. I have the same recoil spring in mine and have only had 3 stovepipes in 300 rounds, and I know that was the round itself. The lead had slid into the casing slightly on all of the 3 stovepipes I had. There are several what I call experts (although they may not think they are, or say they are) on this forum, some disagree and some agree to disagree, but its up to you decide what is right for you. I have asked several people on here for advice through PMs and have never had bad advice. Good luck on your decision.

Stock Barrel slightly throated
polished feed ramp
stock spring and guide rod

Absolutely no complaints on ANY ammo yet.