1911 Springs

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Hello Nutters. I'm curious about the main spring in 1911. What is the benefit of a heavy spring versus a lighter spring? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
 
A lighter mainspring will do two things change the weight of the trigger, less weight pressing on the sear, lighter trigger. Also it will alter how quickly the slide cycles, a lighter spring will allow the slide to open easier as there is less hammer pressure on the back of the slide.
 
Disadvantages of too light of a main spring are misfires as it doesnt hit the primer hard enough, and with less pressure on the sear more chance of it accidently disengaging such as a jolt from dropping the gun.
 
I think...

As the spent case is about to be ejected, a fresh round is being chambered under the ejecting case and seizes up the gun. I think jamming is the proper term. In any case, is this due to the main spring?
 
More likely the recoil spring would cause an issue like that. But I'd look to other things

Seeing as we are talking about springs. Would a lighter weight recoil spring due more harm then good. I know the gun i just bought is comming with both, the orginal owner changed out the 24lb spring to a 19lb for IPSC. Im wondering if that will damage the gun in the longterm.
 
they come issued with an 18 pound spring- that's set up properly for the 230 grain hardball or equivilent- i went to a 20, and that seems to suit my 200 grain swcs ok- a couple of pounds in either direction would be the way to go as far as relaibility is concerned- any more than that, and you don't understand the mechanics of the pistol or you're using "fringe loads"either extememly light or heavy
 
recoil spring 18-19 lbs for using factory ammo is the standard in 1911s
using a 20 lbs spring (I use a Wilson Combat) it's a better choice for sure
*the one you mentioned at 22-24 lbs will be recommended for hot reloads or a +P+ ammo
 
recoil spring 18-19 lbs for using factory ammo is the standard in 1911s
using a 20 lbs spring (I use a Wilson Combat) it's a better choice for sure
*the one you mentioned at 22-24 lbs will be recommended for hot reloads or a +P+ ammo

The guy that sold me it in the EE, told me he changed out the stock 28lb spring for a 19lb spring. So was he wrong and got the numbers mixed up?
 
recoil spring 18-19 lbs for using factory ammo is the standard in 1911s
using a 20 lbs spring (I use a Wilson Combat) it's a better choice for sure
*the one you mentioned at 22-24 lbs will be recommended for hot reloads or a +P+ ammo

do they even COME that heavy?- that's got to pound the heck out of the gun-28 lbs is the heaviest i've ever heard of now- maybe its a typo- 18 lbs
 
AFAIK there is no 28 lbs standard factory recoil spring in the today marketed 1911...maybe was a typo for 18 lbs.
Israel clone BUL 1911 comes with a 20 lbs factory installed...
the rest of today 1911 comes with 16-18 or even 19lbs depend on the manufacturer specifications
ex: my Kimber 1911 SSII comes with a factory 18lbs
 
No, factory is 18/19# for most .45's
I'm running a 12# in mine and have been for awhile, shooting major loads.
 
i'm running an old BOWLING PIN load- 5 inch gov't colt mk iv, series 70, 6.0 of 231, and a 200 grain swc- that's why i went to a 20 - that's right near the top end - which is 6.2-and no comp
 
No, factory is 18/19# for most .45's
I'm running a 12# in mine and have been for awhile, shooting major loads.

Ok i just re-read our messages to each other. He said the recoil spring now is a wolff 19lb, the stock he thought was 24lbs, but it could be 20.

Anyhow, there are no ill effects from using a lighter spring correct?
 
You're getting all your springs mixed up.

Factory recoil spring in a 5" Springfield 1911 is 16#

Factory mainspring in a Springfield is 28#.
This is heavier than the traditional 23# mainspring on all other 1911's due to the ILS system in the Springfield mainspring housing.

When I replaced my mainspring housing with an S&A magwell I installed a 23# mainspring with no adverse effects.

I have the exact same pistol.
Grips1.jpg
 
You're getting all your springs mixed up.

Factory recoil spring in a 5" Springfield 1911 is 16#

Factory mainspring in a Springfield is 28#.
This is heavier than the traditional 23# mainspring on all other 1911's due to the ILS system in the Springfield mainspring housing.

When I replaced my mainspring housing with an S&A magwell I installed a 23# mainspring with no adverse effects.

I have the exact same pistol.
Grips1.jpg

Have to say i dont know much about 1911's, why is there a mainspring? What does it do, i didnt have anything like that in my other guns, what do i do to maintain it etc... My new Springer is now at the post office, so im sure ill have questions once i get my hands on it.
 
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