1911 Pistol Parts Wearout

[Hamsta]

I just got into 1911 pistols (45, 9mm and 10mm) and have a question about parts wearout vs. round count.

I have good quality 1911's (Ruger, Colt, Dan Wesson) and I keep hearing about needing to replace recoil springs at 5,000 rounds or 10,000 rounds etc. I am planning on round counts over 10,000 over the next couple years.

Just wondering what users with high 1911 round counts are experiencing in wearout of 1911 recoil springs or other parts (like extractors).

Also, where are you getting replacement worn parts? Will US companies ship parts to Canada?

 

[4n2t0]

You're going to get some of the following responses:

1) Every 3K - 5K.

2) Every 10K.

3) Once a year.

4) When the ejection pattern becomes noticeably irregular.

5) When the gun starts to fail.

6) Compare the used spring to a brand new spring and when it's 2-3 coils shorter than the new one replace it.

Choose whatever method makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

I have over 20K through one of my SR9's and I still haven't changed the recoil spring (YMMV).

You can buy certain parts, from certain retailers, in the US (e.g. Brownells).

 

[Hamsta]

Interesting. I suspect over 20K rounds is typical without a recoil spring failure.

Wonder if anyone has every had a spring actually fracture instead of shortening.

Also, what is the round count experience in 1911's regarding extractors and firing pins (and firing pin strings)?

 

[4n2t0]

Extractors are unpredictable. I've had extractors break within a few thousand rounds. Unless compromised in some way firing pins rarely break (but it can/does happen). I wouldn't worry about firing pin spring, replace it when you encounter a problem.

This is the best way I can sum it up for you. I have some basic spare parts for the guns I shoot a lot. Make yourself a small spare parts kit. If you're going to compete a spare gun is best.

 

[Antoine22]

My current 1911 is a trp operator with approximately 20,000 to 30,000 rounds down the pipe. So far I had to replace 2 recoil springs, a broken firing pin spring and a broken extractor. There is a hairline crack on the rear sight. That will need to be replaced as well. The breach face show some pitting. Besides that, all is good.

 

[Hamsta]

My current 1911 is a trp operator with approximately 20,000 to 30,000 rounds down the pipe. So far I had to replace 2 recoil springs, a broken firing pin spring and a broken extractor. There is a hairline crack on the rear sight. That will need to be replaced as well. The breach face show some pitting. Besides that, all is good.

I am curious as to the exact failure in the recoil springs. Did they simply loose tension and allow the slide to slam back too hard, or did they actually break at some point in the coil.

Also, what was the nature of the break in the extractor?

 

[Antoine22]

I am curious as to the exact failure in the recoil springs. Did they simply loose tension and allow the slide to slam back too hard, or did they actually break at some point in the coil.

Also, what was the nature of the break in the extractor?

Never broke a recoil spring, I replace them when they feel weaker. As for extractor, it broke without any warning. Thankfully, the Wilson combat was a drop in replacement.