1911 recoil spring

Craig0ry

Craig0ry

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Hey guys, I usually just try and figure this stuff out on my own but never ran into this issue before. I could use some help, I think I need a new recoil spring for my kimber, I bought it brand new about 6 years ago, always babied it but I have shot ALOT of rounds out of it, I couldn't even ballpark a # if I tried, lately I've been noticing it's been having some issues that it never used to have, a ftf maybe every 50-100 rounds, and maybe even a stovepipe somewhere along the way. Anyways I think it's the recoil spring that needs replacing, if you think it might be something else Iam all ears.

So I need suggestions for an aftermarket spring, it's a full length 1911 with full length guide rod, thanks in advance.

Also on a side note is there a way I can figure out the manufacture year of my hi power with the serial #?
 
Humm, stovepipes aren't usually caused by a weakening recoil spring (IIRC) and could be attributed to several things:

- Recoil spring too heavy for ammo used
- Ammo too light for weight or recoil spring
- Extractor tension too lose or hook worn
- Ejector worn
- Limpwristing

If you find you're getting a lot of failiure-to-feed issues and the slide not going into battery, could be a sign the spring needs replacing. Regardless, it's an inexpensive part to replace.

What's the average lifespan of a recoil spring? 3-4K rounds?
 
Most kimber comes with a 18lbs spring. Personnaly I find it way too strong so I use a 16lbs. Replace it every 5,000 rounds. Wolff makes good springs BTW.
 
6 years with the same load as same shooting style, so that's cuts out a few of them, like I said maybe a stovepipe, definetly not an occurring issue like the ftf. Which makes me think it's the recoil spring, although replacing the extractor wouldn't hurt either,
 
h ttp://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/recoil-parts/recoil-springs/1911-auto-chrome-silicon-recoil-spring-prod24563.aspx?avs|Manufacturer_1=WOLFF
 
Antoine22 said:
Most kimber comes with a 18lbs spring. Personnaly I find it way too strong so I use a 16lbs. Replace it every 5,000 rounds. Wolff makes good springs BTW.
Click to expand...

really? i was told that it was 16 and 18 and 22 for the pro and ultra models. are we talking government 1911s??
 
Standard is indeed 16pounds and that is appropriate for 230 grain ball. Going to a heavier weight should only be necessary with over powered ammo. Target 1911s for bullseye shooting regularly run 10lb springs unless they are carrying an optical sight on the slide.
 
Check your mags too, might be the feed lips on one or two are getting flared and letting the top round lift up on the eject cycle and interfer with the case being ejected.
 
General rule of thumb with 1911's is change it every 5k or every couple of years.

In you're case I'd also suggest fresh mag springs from McCormick or Wilson.

Whole deal might cost you $25 with $10 shipping ( ** only use US Post for shipping from Brownells. UPS sucks with their fee's ). Cheap insurance to keep you're baby runnin smooth.
 
If it was mine I'd probably look first at the mags, unless the slide feels really noticeably weak. Although I do agree with replacing the recoil spring every 5000 rounds.

I have seen .45 1911s with good geometry feed ball with really dead recoil springs; that's why I'd start with the mags. OTOH recoil springs are cheap and it's probably time to swap yours anyway.
 
If you're buying a new recoil spring, I'd suggest buying several (as others have said they're cheap). Also ditch the full length guide rod and purchase a GI-style setup while ordering springs. You probably won't notice the difference other than the GI style is much more user-friendly.

GI-spec is 16-16.5# spring iirc. Buy a handful of Wolff springs, and change them out regularly (even as often as 1k). Inexpensive way to ensure your pistol runs. I know mags can be an issue if they are old/surplus but in my limited experience most of my trouble with 1911's has been traced back to a recoil spring. Poor running pistols for me have often been cured by this simple swap. Accept what works and burn 230 gr ball ammo with a fresh recoil spring.

Just my opinion of course, take it or leave it.
 
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