1911 Barrel Recoil Buffer

6GunJustice

6GunJustice

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
BC
I recently noticed that my rubber barrel recoil buffer on my STI SPartan is ... well quite worn out. Just wondering how important this is. Can I shoot without one of these, or one that is beginning to fall apart? Will this damage my gun?

6Gun
 
I never saw any use for one in my 1911. I used to have one, but chucked it. If anything, sometimes it would interfere with the slide lock on empty.
 
Lot of the competition guys running light springs and shooting lots use them to help reduce wear.
If the springs are in good condition I wouldn't worry about it too much. If the buffer is getting beat up that might be an indication of spring being worn.
 
I tend to agree with tictactition. If the recoil spring is the proper spring rate and is set up with the proper pre-loading then a buffer should have precious little reason to be there. But the fact that your buffer got the snot kicked out of it suggests that your recoil spring is too weak for the ammo you're shooting. So I'd suggest replacing the spring as well. But I'd replace it with one that is one weight higher. If the spring won't quite let the slide lock back trim a half coil at a time off until you've removed two coils total. If it doesn't slide lock at some point during this testing then the next rate down spring is the one you need.

It's a bit of messing around but the slide and frame you same might just be your own. And best of all when it's done just right the recoil from the gun will actually be smoother in your hand since there is no last moment bashing of the slide into the frame.
 
Hmmm OK. It has only about 1-1500 rounds through it ... shooting reloads from a trusty source out of Maple Ridge. Does a spring wear out that quick? It has never NOT locked on the last round (is that what you are refering too?). Only ever had one issue ... FTF due to one cranky clip, otherwise it works flawlessly. Also, how do I determine which weight spring I currently have? Is it just a length thing i.e. get one 2 coils longer?

6Gun
 
I know the supplier you're talking about. And since he's a sponsor on CGN it's OK to mention Custom Reloading.

If the spring is a trifle soft there won't be any operating issues. It'll shoot and lock back just fine. But with every shot it slams the slide against the frame harder than it needs. And over time this can result in some broken parts or cracks in the slide or frame.

The only really good way to test all this is to buy a few recoil springs. Part of the problem is that even springs of the same weight but from different makers will actually be different. The weight rating is more a guideline unfortunately.

All of this concern is brought to mind strictly by the condition of the recoil buffer you found in the gun. The buffer is the "last defense" against hot ammo by providing a softer pad for the slide if needed. And apparently it WAS needed often enough that it beat up the old buffer.

Oddly enough when recoil springs get "worn" they do not typically get soft. Instead they toughen up due to a process called "work hardening". But if your gun is new and only has that many rounds through it then the spring still has lots of life left. But it would appear that you want to get one which is a little harder than what you have. The only way out of this predicament is to buy a few that are rated for what your gun SHOULD be using in stock form as well as one or two different brands that are one step harder. Or perhaps just buy the harder one(s) right off the bat and trim them as I suggested to get the gun to where it locks back reliably but no more than that.
 
Ok thanks a bunch Rider. I figured someone from BC would know John in MR - never had any issue with his reloads - good guy.

That's what I'll do - buy a couple extra springs (and maybe a new buffer), head to the range and do some testing. Any reason to hit the range is a good one!

Any suggestions as to the best place to buy 1911 parts in the lower mainland (with knowledgeable staff)?

6Gun
 
Peter at Rusty Wood Trading keeps a pretty good selection of parts around for the more common guns like 1911's. Google for "rusty wood trading" for a contact phone number. He's a one man show out of his home so call before driving. Located up in the heights of Mission.
 
BCRider said:
Peter at Rusty Wood Trading keeps a pretty good selection of parts around for the more common guns like 1911's. Google for "rusty wood trading" for a contact phone number. He's a one man show out of his home so call before driving. Located up in the heights of Mission.
Click to expand...

Perfect! That's exatcly what I was looking for. Thanks Rider.

6Gun
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom