1911 - use of shock buffers

Cerdan

Cerdan

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Would anyone recommend using these? I just got my first 1911 and I was told they reduce parts fatigue...

Also, what's a "special HD recoil spring"? (high density?)

The buffer installation instructions say: "remove existing recoil spring from recoil spring guide ... slide SHOK-BUFF poly fiber buffer on recoil spring guide ... install special HD recoil spring as usual."

Does the use of these buffers require installation of a special spring? What'll happen if I use the original recoil spring?
 
The buffers just stop metal to metal contact between the front of the slide and the frame where it hits during recoil. HD probably refers to heavy-duty or a heavier weight spring.
The buffers have been known to affect cycling in commander length 1911's.
I would instal the buffer and shoot it. If you see a lot of contact with the plastic, you may want to use a heavier spring.
If it works fine, you're good to go. If you geta lot of stove-pipes, it's possible the spring is too stiff among other things.
What's it for?
 
Just to make sure we're on the same page here, I'm talking about the blue thing pictured here:

Buff.jpg


I'm using it on a 5" SW1911... What's a stove-pipe?
 
Yes I know! A stove pipe is when the spent cartridge is pulled out of the chamber but gets stuck in the ejection port. In other words the slide did not cycle back enough or with enough force to cleanly eject the empty cartridge.
This can also be caused by ejector or extractor problems. Try it with the buffer in and if it functions okay then be happy and shoot it!
stovepipe.jpg
 
There's no harm in trying it.

The buffer will reduce the slide travel and the slide stop may not release as designed. Only you can decide if this is something you can live with. Without a buffer the slide stop will release as designed - just as JMB intended.

One doesn't need a buffer.
 
So the consensus seems to be "it isn't necessary but there's no harm in trying".

Thanks guys! I'd still like to hear the opinion of people who use'em and who find there's a benefit to using them, if there are any...
 
I use them as well and have had no problems with them, I use a regular recoil spring. I can send you one no cost to try in your gun if you want, just PM me.

Edit, that's a one time offer, I'm not sending a buffer out to every one curious about them.
 
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That's a mighty generous offer recce, thank you, but I already have one, I just haven't tried it yet. The main thing I was wondering is if I really needed another recoil spring, as specified in the installation instructions.
 
I use the buffs and they work perfectly.

I like the idea of the whole thing.

However, they work in my guns, but not in all guns. My buddy's Para SSP would do what Rebel described in post #11 above because of the slightly restricted rearward slide travel.

THIS IS NO JOKE because the slide stop's operation depends on enough slide travel - if this is restricted, you could end up with the slide staying open after your last shot, but hanging by a thread in that the slide stop may be engaged just enough to hold it open at the moment - with a danger that it could snap shut at any time without you wanting it to - even with a loaded mag in the gun etc.

I use the buffs with normal springs.

Use common sense and be safe.
 
Cerdan said:
Would anyone recommend using these? I just got my first 1911 and I was told they reduce parts fatigue...

Also, what's a "special HD recoil spring"? (high density?)

The buffer installation instructions say: "remove existing recoil spring from recoil spring guide ... slide SHOK-BUFF poly fiber buffer on recoil spring guide ... install special HD recoil spring as usual."

Does the use of these buffers require installation of a special spring? What'll happen if I use the original recoil spring?
Click to expand...

My 5" Wilson CQB came with one and I continue to use them in that pistol. Every 1000 rounds I have to replace it because it starts to separate. I tried one in my Kimber with various recoil springs and it wouldn't cycle properly so out it went. It's trail and error to see if it will work in your pistol.
 
hmmm, so apparently my 1911 has a buffer. I'm having some cycling problems but I think it may have to do with WinClean.... :( Unfortunately, winclean is all that's available to me here.
buffer.jpg
 
Shock-buffs

cueball said:
If you match your recoil spring to your load there is minimal effect from slide to frame contact:D
cueball
Click to expand...

Cueball has it right. At one time, using a weak spring and buffs was an attempt to speed up the slide cycle time. A lot of guns got beat-up in the process and it did'nt work.

240
 
medicstimpy said:
Only thing wrong with them is they tend to wear out and break apart at the worst possible times. Ie in IPSC guns at a match or those in the US using them for defense guns.

I tried one and it didn't make enough of a difference to justify the trouble of buying them, putting them in and wondering if they will break and jam during a match.
Click to expand...

That was one of my concerns as well: when they shatter, do they shatter into a thousand pieces...?

Thanks all, I'll definitely shoot it avec and sans buffer to see what difference it makes.
 
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