Preferred 1911 Spring Rate

[Texas1911]

What's your preferred recoil spring rate on your 1911? I currently have the 16# factory spring, but I've been thinking of going to an 18# as I've had issues with FTF.

 

[Rio Vista Slim]

I use a 16 pound spring in my full size Colts, and the 18 pound springs in my Commanders. Since I shoot quite a bit, I always have new spares (Wolff springs) in case it's time for a change.

Sorry to hear about your FTF difficulties, Alan.

 

[HighVelocity]

16 1/2 lb Wolff variable rate spring in carry guns. 14lb Wolff Variable in game guns.

 

[R.Scott]

I like a wolff 17# in mine, go with a 18-18.5# if it's gonna see a lot of +p.

 

[LHB1]

I use Wolff 16# recoil springs in all of my Wilson 5" 1911's with no problems. Two guns now have 2500 rounds each and the others about half that many. All guns are running great. My range bag always contains at least one spare 16# Wolff spring. The last time I asked, Wilson was also using 16# Wolff recoil springs in their new 5" 1911's.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[chevydeerhunter]

I've got a 16 in mine now, but I'm switching to an 18 or 18.5 since my recoil buffer's taking a heck of a beating. Got one on order from Brownells.

 

[SIG_Fiend]

16# seems to be what most use generally for a stock .45 running factory ammo. Alan, the throating you are having done on your Kimber barrel, assuming everything gets done right, should help. From what I have learned, that little gap between the barrel throat and separate lower feed ramp is one of the major issues in FTF's with 1911's. It's possible something in this area was a bit rough out of the box. Watch that Wilson 1911 building video again as it has an excellent section on this. If you don't have it, I have a copy.

 

[Kaptain Kolache]

Wolff 18.5#

 

[Pappy]

Springs...

May I direct your attention to;

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=35606&page=1&pp=50

Numbers 42 and 46.

I'll take Mr. Tuner's word on it.....

 

[texaspartsman]

Alan Dugger at Sprinco Inc. is the spring guru

http://www.sprinco.com

makes recoil reducers and sells conventional springs right here in Austin
makes all the gun shows also
lot of top shooters use his stuff