Spring Replacement

[4string]

What is the benefit of changing the spring in a 1911 to a lighter or a heavier spring.

My Kimber 9mm has a stock 12 pound from the factory. From what I understand a lighter spring is harder on the frame, but easier for sight realignment and a heavier frame is easier on the frame but can cause extraction and ejection problems.

Am I correct in my thinking and if so, I still don't see the benefit.

Thanks in advance.

 

[prproulx]

The goal is to have a spring that allows reliable cycling while lessening the wear on the frame.
If your kimber works 100%, then don't worry. You can experiment all you want with springs but what's the point if you can't trust your gun to fire when you want it to?
There are buffers you can get to cushion the slide/frame contact.

 

[daBear]

If you are a reloader it also allows you to use a lighter load and still cycle reliably with a lighter spring or if you like heavier the reverse applies. Some like to tune their guns to their specific loads...
Cheers
dB

 

[foxbat]

If you are a reloader it also allows you to use a lighter load and still cycle reliably with a lighter spring or if you like heavier the reverse applies. Some like to tune their guns to their specific loads...
Cheers
dB

+2.
This is the only legitimate reason for using a different (from stock) weight spring.
Don't let 'experts' tell you that you can 'save wear and tear' by using other springs...your gun was designed to function with the spring it came with...
All you'll accomplish is to turn your 'pistole' into a FTF, FTE pain in the ass!