Wilson Combat recommended spring weight ranges are as follows:
| Caliber/Barrel length | Recommended Recoil Spring Weight Range |
| .45 ACP 5” | 15-18.5# |
| .45 ACP 4.25” | 17-20# |
| .45 ACP 4” | 18-22# |
| 9mm 5” | 10-12# |
What is the weight of a 5 inch 1911 spring?
Back in the day, there was only one spring for the 5-inch 1911 pistol…and it wasn’t identified by “pounds.” Neither was it the now-accepted standard 16 pound spring. Sometime in the last 30 years, 16 pounds came to be standard, and everybody accepted that figure…because it was close enough for gub’mint work.
What size mainspring do I need for my 1911?
In addition, different calibers of 1911 guns may have different requirements for the proper mainspring weight. A general rule of thumb, is a 5" 1911 .45acp should fire and eject the brass and average of 3 - 6 ft. away from the gun, over and slightly behind the right shoulder when fired by a right handed shooter.
What is the weight of a Colt Commander spring?
It’s also become widely accepted that the Commander and Combat Commander “standard” spring is 18 pounds, despite the fact that after testing many hundereds of new pistols over nearly 25 years, I have yet to find a Colt Commander with a spring that tests at 18 pounds. Nor have I been able to find a Colt Government Model spring that tests at 16.
What affects the slide velocity of a 1911 slide?
The power of the ammo used also has a great affect on the slide velocity, and which mainspring is best to use. In addition, different calibers of 1911 guns may have different requirements for the proper mainspring weight.
How much does a 1911 frame weigh?
The original 1911 Officer graces the scales at 2.1 pounds, though lightweight versions have been made available weighing just 24 ounces (1.5 pounds).
How many springs does a 1911 have?
.45 ACP 8 Round 1911 & 7 Round Officers 45 ACP models have a standard factory magazine capacity of 8 rounds and the Officers Model is 7 rounds.
What does recoil spring weight mean?
4:486:21Importance of Different Pistol Recoil Spring Weights - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey will find that weight that allows them to have less felt recoil. While getting their shots onMoreThey will find that weight that allows them to have less felt recoil. While getting their shots on target faster. Their sights on target faster with avoiding that dip.
What does the mainspring in a 1911 do?
Description / 1911 Main Spring As noted, the 1911 main spring is akin to a hammer spring. It is the spring that keeps the hammer under tension and forces the hammer forward after a trigger pull.
What is the standard recoil spring for 1911 Commander?
17# to 18.5#45 ACP. On most Government (5") size guns, we suggest you use a 17# to 18.5# spring for standard factory ammunition (2,000 rounds). If you plan on having an extended shooting session using hot or +P ammo, then opt for the 20# spring.
What is a sear spring 1911?
0:456:181911 Sear Spring Adjustment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe next is the sear spring which catches the sear. So if you want the guns become more reliable theMoreThe next is the sear spring which catches the sear. So if you want the guns become more reliable the more tensions that's heat that's here so that can be bent forward.
What happens if recoil spring is too light?
It has been proven that too light a recoil spring can cause inconsistent lock-up, which can result in reduced accuracy. Remember, for any semi-auto to be accurate, the barrel must lock-up consistently, shot to shot. The correct recoil spring will ensure a positive lock-up.
Is a heavier handgun better?
A full-size pistol is easier to shoot and carries more rounds, but is heavier and harder – if not impossible for some people – to carry concealed. For shooters sensitive to recoil, there are only a few sure-fire ways to mitigate it. Quality grips help, to be certain. Weight, though, is the most reliable.
What is the Glock factory recoil spring weight?
Current production factory Glock springs are 16 pounds. Early, non-captive versions of the 17 and 17L have recoil springs of 19 pounds. Recoil springs fit over a pistol's guide rod and control how the pistol's slide functions. In general, heavy loads need heavy springs and lighter loads need lighter springs.
What is the 1911 mainspring housing?
0:046:49Accessorize Your 1911: Mainspring Housing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst up is the mainspring housing the mainspring housing is an easily installed part that can beMoreFirst up is the mainspring housing the mainspring housing is an easily installed part that can be added to your 1911 to alter the feel and look of the pistol.
How does a 1911 grip safety work?
0:101:101911-22 -- Safety function. Explained by the Browning team. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSafety kated at the rear of the pistol. This lever must be depressed to allow the gun to fire if youMoreSafety kated at the rear of the pistol. This lever must be depressed to allow the gun to fire if you don't have the gun gripped. And ready to fire the trigger cannot be pulled.
What does the mainspring do?
A mainspring is a spiral torsion spring of metal ribbon—commonly spring steel—used as a power source in mechanical watches, some clocks, and other clockwork mechanisms. Winding the timepiece, by turning a knob or key, stores energy in the mainspring by twisting the spiral tighter.
Cyberius
Looking for advice on what recoil spring weight to use in my mostly stock 1911 with a 5" bbl. (stock barrel, bushing and slide)
cking
All I can advise on is factory hardball 230gr. Used to use just 16/18# springs. Then somebody said you'll like you gun more is you drop to a 12.5#. So I tried it and yes the gun was quicker. More snap but recoil recovery seems faster.
How much does a Colt Commander spring weigh?
It’s also become widely accepted that the Commander and Combat Commander “standard” spring is 18 pounds, despite the fact that after testing many hundereds of new pistols over nearly 25 years, I have yet to find a Colt Commander with a spring that tests at 18 pounds.
What does a stronger spring mean?
A stronger spring means slower rearward, and faster forward. Faster forward….faster than necessary…increases momentum and impact when the slide slams home. That places more impact stress on the lower lug feet…the slidestop crosspin…and the holes in the frame that the pin mounts in.
Why is overspringing a pistol important?
Overspringing also makes the pistol more grip sensitive. That is…more prone to limp-wrist failures to eject unless the gun is gripped firmly. A properly sprung pistol should function when cradled in the hand, barely supported with the thumb and index finger, with maybe the pinky lightly keeping the butt stable.
When did Colt introduce the Commander Model?
In 1949 , Colt introduced the Commander Model. It appeared to be no more than a Government Model with a short slide and barrel…but there are other subtle differences that aren’t apparent to the untrained eye. Most notably, the rails and impact abutment are machined .100 inch further rearward.
How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
I am pretty new to the 1911, been shooting this SA RO for about a year. It still has (I think) the original (#16?) Recoil spring. I have found best accuracy with a Brazos 185 and 4.0 BE, but it won't lock the slide back, and occasionally fails to eject.
Re: How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
I suppose a scientific approach could be calculated but for me I just let the brass tell me. I want the brass to make it to my net. Not fly over the top or dribble out under the pistol. If your brass is shooting across the range and smacking the shooter 3 lanes over then add spring.
Re: How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
That's about where they land now with that load, so maybe the 15 will be the ticket. Sounds like I might be stressing about beating up the gun for not much reason.
Re: How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
Psween wrote: That's about where they land now with that load, so maybe the 15 will be the ticket. Sounds like I might be stressing about beating up the gun for not much reason.
Re: How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
3.6 BE with 200 gr Brazos SWC functioned perfectly in my new RO. Interesting that yours is having an issue - not the same load but doesn’t sound that far off.
Re: How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
Psween wrote: I am pretty new to the 1911, been shooting this SA RO for about a year. It still has (I think) the original (#16?) Recoil spring. I have found best accuracy with a Brazos 185 and 4.0 BE, but it won't lock the slide back, and occasionally fails to eject.
Re: How to get correct recoil spring weight for 1911
I was taught by several gunsmiths that there's no exact math when it comes to selecting the correct spring tension. You should either start with the lightest spring and work your way up until the gun stops cycling reliably and has multiple FTEs and FTFs, then back up one.
