1911 Recoil spring

Tank_Killer

Tank_Killer

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I own a Norinco 1911A1 and have run ~3000 Rounds through it. I have started to notice Stove pipes and stripping issues I never had, I have inspected my extractor and ejector and seem to be fine (I pull the firing pin out every ~500 rounds). Beginning to think my recoil spring is weak and causing me issues, just had some questions about a replacement. I use factory loaded ammunition, mostly Norinco and S&B, I am not a IPSC shooter and not concerned with firing more rounds off faster. I simply want what's most reliable.

Would 14 pound spring be a good place to start? Maybe 16?
I have seen variable (AKA PROGRESSIVE) springs around, how would this affect performance?

Any further advice would be appreciated.

thanks in advance.

TK
 
16# is standard on most 45s. if in doubt, order a calibration pack (check Brant Shooting Sports or Brownells) and pick the one that works best for your gun with your ammo of choice. i recommended 14# in the other thread as in my experience, it cycles both factory loads and hand loads reliably PLUS doesn't cause a muzzle dip when the slide returns.

as per progressives, no idea if they work as advertised or not.
 
It is hard to imagine that a spring can go bad but I had it happen on one of my 1911's, couldn't rack the slide all the way back it was like the spring was bunching up or something. I had a spare and it worked fine.
 
Some swear by variable recoil spring. Check out Brownells as they have kits with a variety of spring weights so you can see what works. Standard spring in 16 pounds.
Personally I am replacing mine with a variable recoil spring I should get this week. By the way they are Wolff - the best.
 
So I purchased some variable recoil springs and waiting for shipment. Just wondering which way I should put the spring in? the heavy or light end of the spring would go into the recoil spring plug? My guess is the light end. Can anyone confirm with certainty?

TK
 
New springs all around are a good idea, IMO, but...

If you're getting stovepipes, I'd wager that you're having ejection issues not related to the recoil spring.
 
hmm.. I have thought of putting a new ejector in, its always ejected in sporadic/weird directions (also bend the brass on ejection). I seen the "commander" style extended one online, most require some drilling it seemed.
 
It's been a while, and shot many rounds with my variable spring. All is well, my old spring must have been weak as all my ejection issues are gone.
 
TK, odd though it may be the usual way for springs to age is to work harden from frequent cycling and actually become STIFFER instead of weaker. Springs only become weaker if they are compressed beyond their elastic limit and deform. But with the sort of springs we use in our guns the more common mode of "wearing out" is to become stiffer. Which would also explain your stove pipes and failures to strip away a new round.

So assuming your gun came stock with a 16lb spring replacing the present spring with another 16 should restore your original performance. But really for your gun to notice the slight work hardening stiffness increase it suggests that it's on the ragged edge anyway. So a swap to a 14lb might not be a bad option. Perhaps a 14 lb along with a recoil buffer. The buffer being a "just in case" thing to aid in softening up any slide to frame impact.
 
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