Para Ordance 1640 1911

[dearslayer]

Hi all. Just picked up this used 1911 yesterday so won't be trying it till I get the paper work for it and get it to the range however I noticed that pulling the slide back on this thing is extremely difficult. Not even close to any of the other pistols I have such as my Remington R1 1911. Not that I can't rack the side but I will admit it is difficult. So how can I make it easier to slide the action back without changing the functionality of the pistol. Are there specific springs for this specific unit I can replace? Arthritis doesn't help.

 

[ted_dent]

S

Hi all. Just picked up this used 1911 yesterday so won't be trying it till I get the paper work for it and get it to the range however I noticed that pulling the slide back on this thing is extremely difficult. Not even close to any of the other pistols I have such as my Remington R1 1911. Not that I can't rack the side but I will admit it is difficult. So how can I make it easier to slide the action back without changing the functionality of the pistol. Are there specific springs for this specific unit I can replace? Arthritis doesn't help.

Difficulty racking the slide is directly proportional to the weigh of the recoil spring. If the previous user was shooting very hot loads the recoil spring could be in the 18-20 pound range. Factory is 16 pounds. Light bullseye type loads might have a spring weight running as low as 10 pounds.
Springs are cheap so pick up a selection of springs (I suggest 16, 14 & 12 pounds) and try them with the load you commonly use. Start with the lightest spring & work your way up till you get reliable ejection. Remember as long as the empties travel 3-4 feet your ejection is satisfactory.
Also, your slide racking technique may need work. Rather than just pulling the slide back with your left hand, at the same time try pushing the frame forward with you right hand. This doubles the mechanical advantage and should make racking the slide easier.

 

[dearslayer]

Thanks for the suggestions. So are recoil springs interchangeable for different gun manufacturers or do they have to be make and model specific. I guess what I'm getting at is...will all model 1911 springs fit no matter who made the gun?

 

[G_Alan]

Wolff and Wilson combat make good replacement springs. Government model length is what your looking for for a 5".

 

[dearslayer]

Other than online, anyone know if there would be a source for such springs in the Cambridge/Kitchener Waterloo area? I've never ordered gun parts online so if you could provide a link to springs of various " lbs" it would be much appreciated. I also would like to replace the stainless barrel bushing as the original has some flaking on it.

 

[ted_dent]

Thanks for the suggestions. So are recoil springs interchangeable for different gun manufacturers or do they have to be make and model specific. I guess what I'm getting at is...will all model 1911 springs fit no matter who made the gun?

Recoil springs are interchangeable between virtually all government size 1911s.

Any reasonably stocked gun shop should have selection of 1911 recoil springs although ordering from Brownells or Wolff is relatively painless and for a low cost order like 3 or 4 recoil springs CBSA may not even charge the tax.
ht tps://www.brownells.com
ht tps://www.gunsprings.com

That bushing is probably nickel or chrome plated rather than stainless and you may have a problem finding a replacement. Also, the flaking plating may lodge between the barrel & bushing causing problems. If you want a replacement get one in stainless.

 

[dearslayer]

Just called my local gun shop and they are all out and would have to order some. They figured about an eight week turn around. Not sure how long it would take if I just ordered myself. I'll check out the links you provided. As for that bushing I may just lightly sand off the flaking and maybe try to polish it for now until I can get a new one. There's another gun shop closer to me and I'll also check with them but unfortunately they are not open till Wednesday.