Recoil spring weight in 1911's used in competition

[sbninja]

Hi all,

I am using this 1911 for "competition" and would like some input on lighter wieght recoil springs.

I went to the range last night with my Taurus PT1911, with my newly installed recoil spring. its a ISMI 12.5lb

I ran 150 rounds of standard factory amm 230gr FMJ .45.

All without any failures. I was able to get my sights back on target, much faster than with the heavier recoil springs. I tried a 16lb recoil spring - way too much recoil(muzzle rise). Also I tried a 14lb spring but it was a bit more muzzle rise than with the 12.5lb spring.

the gun consistantly was able to strip the first round off a full 8 round mag - Chip McCormick 8 round shooting star's. I am using this gun for IPSC/USPSA single stack.

Like stated above, everything runs just fine without any failures, and no "skid marks on the primers. I like the way it shoots now, so much faster abck on target.

What do you all think? any problems with this set up?

[niemi24s]

Just curious: How far do your spent cases go?

[jwenum]

Spring sounds too light to me..What are you shooting?wadcutters,fmj?I was under the impression that 15-16# was the norm..

[RickB]

I do like a lightish spring for competition, but never use hardball; sort of defeats the purpose of trying to reduce muzzle flip with a lighter spring while using ammo that creates a lot more muzzle flip than necessary. I wouldn't use a spring that light with full-power ammo, but if you like how the gun handles, and you're stuck with factory ammo, then it might be a good compromise.

[wjkuleck]

I would suggest a search of the forum for and review of 1911Tuner's discussions on firing pin stops. With a properly-radiused FPS, 16-pound action spring and 23-pound mainspring, "Tuner" suggests that perceived recoil can be minimized.

Regards,

Walt

[wichaka]

12-14lb springs won't do any damage using ball ammo. But I would stay away from +P stuff.

If you're still worried, install a 'buff in the system.

The original 1911 did not call for a certain weight, just a certain wire diameter and coils, which equals out to be a bit over 14lbs.

I understand that the industry has set the standard at 16lbs, but you'll notice a dramatic difference in control with a softer spring.

I run 14lb springs in all my guns.

[4000fps]

I have been using a 10lb spring in my comp. 45 for the last 2 years with no problems.

[niemi24s]

Hi 4000fps:I have been using a 10lb spring in my comp. 45 for the last 2 years with no problems.Just curious - what kind of ammunition are you using?

[log man]

12-14lb springs won't do any damage using ball ammo. But I would stay away from +P stuff.

If you're still worried, install a 'buff in the system.

The original 1911 did not call for a certain weight, just a certain wire diameter and coils, which equals out to be a bit over 14lbs.

I understand that the industry has set the standard at 16lbs, but you'll notice a dramatic difference in control with a softer spring.

I run 14lb springs in all my guns.
Well I agree in that the terminology that we use today is different than the specifications, but that is very understandable we may call it a 14# recoil spring but a 14# spring could be 2" long or 12" long so the specifications are more specific in that the wire size, coil diameter, number of coils, compressed length weight, at a specific amount of compression, at two points, so to say it didn't call for a specific weight, is ambiguous and misleading, as it was very specific. The archive drawings we have is all I've seen have you seen anything older?

http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr85/logpics/rspring.jpg

LOG

[wichaka]

Your drawing shows exactly what I stated, it's a tad over 14lbs...given it's at the +0.60lbs side of things.

I have seen that drawing, but have seen another that only had the wire specs, it did not have the weight specs as that one does.

But it makes my point, all 1911's these days are over sprung.

Folks try going back to the lighter springs, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the softer recoil you'll feel.

Add in a square or small radius firing pin stop, with a lighter spring and the gun will be more controllable.....even more with a softer spring.

[log man]

Your drawing shows exactly what I stated, it's a tad over 14lbs...given it's at the +0.60lbs side of things.

I have seen that drawing, but have seen another that only had the wire specs, it did not have the weight specs as that one does.

But it makes my point, all 1911's these days are over sprung.

Folks try going back to the lighter springs, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the softer recoil you'll feel.

Add in a square or small radius firing pin stop, with a lighter spring and the gun will be more controllable.....even more with a softer spring.
I concur and run 12# - 15 # depending other influences, slide weight etc. A lighter spring chambers smoother and that's better.

LOG

[4000fps]

Hi 4000fps:Just curious - what kind of ammunition are you using?

4.7gr of w231 with a laser cast 200gr lswc

[rekladan]

What about competition 1911s in 9mm? Minor power factor, I know, but they're still quite popular over here...

[RADPOP]

The lighter spring school of thought seems to make sense to me; take for instance, just before I got my new S&W 1911PC, I was shooting my Colt NMGC. After more than 2500 rounds, I changed to fresh/new springs of the same specs. It took a while for me to get back to my previous 1.75-2" groups @ 25 yds.(bulls eye NRA). Then one day after detail strip/ clean, I made an oops of putting the old/used spring back. Well, my groups tightened back up. then I realized that the old spring was in the gun, so I swapped it with the new spring and the groups opened up slightly making me concentrate harder.BTW i also use buffer pads.

[SKHESS]

Wow,I was about to start a new thread about this and there is already one going. I have a square firing pin stop and previously using a 16lbs ismi recoil spring and 23lbs mainspring,but after being told by numerous competition shooters to go lighter I finally tried it and noticed my double taps are a lot closer together with a 14lbs ismi spring and 23lbs mainspring. I was surprised!