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Recoil Spring for 1911

BlokeyBlokey Member Posts: 284 ✭✭✭
edited December 2001 in Ask the Experts
I have a somewhat new Colt 1991A1 that I've recently started to shoot often. I would like it to last as long as possible so I've been shooting Federal 185 gr. FMJ-SWC ammo in it (probably the softest shooting commercial .45ACP load available). I'm concerned that these newer Colts are somewhat "soft" in the metallurgy dept. so I was wondering, should I use a slightly lower strength recoil spring to lessen frame battering with this ammo? The stock spring is 16# but Wolff offers springs down to 10#. I was thinking of using a 15#. Is that not enough to make a difference? About those recoil buffer pads; they go on the recoil spring guide between the spring and the guide? Do you think they help? Comments? Suggestions? Thanks in advance.
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Comments

  • gunny6gunny6 Member Posts: 61 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think you would want a heaver spring, rather than a lighter one..I use 18 lb. springs in all my full size pistols, work for me..up too you on the shock buffs, some like, some don`t..I would not put one in a regular carry gun..just my 2 cents...
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  • gunny6gunny6 Member Posts: 61 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Oh yea, I also would not worry about the soft steel you heard about..Colt`s are still forged..shoot and enjoy..
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  • oneshyoneshy Member Posts: 417 ✭
    edited November -1
    Keep track of rds. fired and change the 16lb. spring every 5000rd as a general rule. I use a nylon shock buffer on my Springfield just as an extra precaution. Don't know if it helps, but it doesn't hurt. There have been reports of some brands of buffers that break in the gun and lock-up the action. If you use it for self-defense perhaps you should not use one. I have fired hundreds of rds. with mine and never had any problems.
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  • BlokeyBlokey Member Posts: 284 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for your responses.I just read that in order to reduce frame battering, one should use the heaviest recoil spring that will still allow the pistol to function properly. I think that the stock 16# spring should be fine with the light load I described using. Since I don't carry this pistol, I'll use the recoil buffers too.
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  • cliffdropover1cliffdropover1 Member Posts: 136 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Heavy springs are for heavy loads. With the load you describe, just use the standard, 16 lb. spring and a shock buffer. It is the shock buffer's job to prevent the battering and they work.
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