Can I install the S&W52 recoil spring in 1911?

I was trying to shoot my 1911 in .38spl today and had some cycling and feeding problems. It seems like the recoil spring is too heavy for my standard load (2.7gr BE/148gr HBWC) which works very well in my S&W 52. So I'm wondering if it is possible to install one of the M52 springs in 1911? Are they the same or similar diameter and length?
If not, does anyone know the proper spring weight for 1911 38spl guns?

Here is a handy recoil calculator. I punched in some WAG numbers and compared recoil. I compared a 200 gr bullet and a 148 gr bullet both traveling at 700 fps and came up with a ratio that says the spring would have to be about 2/3 of the 11 lb spring I would use in my 1911 with the 200 gr load. I don't think the 52 spring would work but I only have a model 39 to test it with. Hope the calculator helps.

Len
http://www.handloads.com/calc/recoil.asp

Stick with the springs designed for the 1911. You can get individual springs or a recoil spring pack from Wolff Springs, not that expensive compared to having to repair a 1911.

I just compared some of my 1911 Wolff recoil springs to springs for my Model 52: Inside diameter of the 52 springs is smaller and probably will not fit over a 1911 guide rod; wire used for the 1911 springs is larger vs the 52; distance between coils is greater for the 52 springs vs 1911.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto%20Pistols/COLT/1911%20GOV'T%20PISTOL/cID1/mID1/dID1

My 5" 1911 38's all like 10lb springs.

Gus

3 gun Gus wrote:My 5" 1911 38's all like 10lb springs.

Gus

Gus, is the guide rod on a 1911 38 the same diameter as a .45 1911? Just curious.

Yep.

Gus

I guess I will just order the spring pack from Wolff and experiment a little. I'm not even sure if the spring is an issue - when I fire a round, the slide travels back far enough to cock the hammer but does not extract and eject the case. it only ejects it when I rack the slide manually. The spring that came with the gun feels really light, more or less the same as my 9 lb wad gun spring, but it is a bit shorter.

Hey Javaduke, if your 1911 has a shock buff in it remove and try it without the buff.  Similar problem and that fixed it.    NMBUZZ