Should the oversize EGW FPS be used in a 9mm 1911?

[Mylhouse]

Can the same oversized firing pin stop benefits for 45acp also be realized in 9mm 1911s? Of course, the 9mm 1911 has little recoil to start with, but is it a good idea to install one?

Thanks

[Greg Derr]

I think you answered your own question. You could try it, but may have function issues.

[Mylhouse]

I did? :lh:

[twin oaks]

The oversized FPS is designed to be fitted to a pistol to PRIMARILY alleviate clocking of the extractor. That it has a squared bottom is another issue. For .45s, it is generally agreed upon here that a smaller radius on it reduces recoil. That is not to say that you couldn't fit the FPS to your pistol AND create a radius that functions well for 9mm. It's all mechanical advantage at work here. By having a smaller radius, more recoil is transferred to the mainspring via the hammer and hammer strut as the recoil cocks the pistol during the recoil cycle. The larger radius transfers less of the recoil by sliding over the hammer more easily. Though I don't profess to know the correct radius for a 9mm, one could easily experiment with the radii to find one that both reduces the shock of the recoil and allow correct functioning of the pistol.

[twin oaks]

Of course, you should also realize that a 1911 set up for 9mm will have different spring rates than a .45. Because of this, the benefits of a small radiused FPS may translate directly across the calibers.

[RickB]

I have one on my Super .38, which is loaded exclusively with 130- and 135-grain bullets @ 1000fps. With an 11# recoil spring, never a malfunction.

[kel]

If you have function issues with the small radius FPS just drop down the recoil spring until the slide cycle like it does without the small radius FPS.