RECOIL spring question

I have a 1911 and would like to know what weight recoil spring is for a new 1911?

Typical stock springs are 16lbs

If you buy a new Colt Gold Cup, they give you two springs; a 16 pound for factory loads and a 10 pound for wadcutter loads.  As stated in the previous post, everyone else uses a 16 pound spring.

Some folks like 18 pounds for shooting hardball too.

Wolf  Recoil Calibration Pak contains 1 each of seven different springs; 16½ lb., 15 lb., 14 lb., 13 lb., 11 lb., 10 lb. and 9 lb., plus three extra power firing pin springs.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/recoil-parts/recoil-springs/government-model-variable-power-recoil-spring-prod24868.aspx

You can cover all the bases and switch springs based on what ammo you're shooting.

Unfortunately, the "Pak" doesn't include the 18-1/2 pound spring, so you have to buy it separately.

Is the 18 1/2# for T-Rex loads?

Les Baer uses 18 pound springs for standard loads.

Well..................I decided to go ahead and purchase an 18 1/2 pound spring Wilson Combat 316G factory spring. I had previously purchased two Wolff springs a wad spring and a hardball spring. When I opened the package I could see right away that the Wilson spring was dramatically longer. Once I installed it in the pistol it was MUCH more difficult to retract the slide. 

Since I have owned this 1911 it has expertly ejected the brass right over my hear and well clear of the gun. I "was certain the gun cannot be the problem" so I slowly began reducing the loads finally settling on 4.1 grains of WST. But still mossing the brass catcher. Then I finally focused on the springs!

I have yet to test fire it, but I think I am on track to solve the problem.

Thanks, Andy

ejector and extractor determine the direction of ejection

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This has been worked on endlessly by various military gunsmiths to no avail.

What bullet are you using with the 4.1 WST load?

I see that I have been experimenting with several loads from 4.1 to 4.5 WST, it does not make any difference. I am shooting the 185 NOSLER JHP.

I assume you are using Iron Sights? 

Factory should be either 14 or 16 and should work with WST down to 3.8gn with 200gn LSWC above 50 degrees temperature on the range. 

You want the spring that provides the best reliability, does not allow the slide to slap against the frame and provides the best lockup. 

WST with JHP's should be in the 4.4 and above range. 4.1 may not print well too light.  

At 4.4 if you are having function problems it could be the magazines, extractor tension or limp wrist as your are new. I would start with the factory spring and see how it prints.

I have installed the new Wilson spring and tested it with 4.4 WST as I said. The pistol extracted and ejected the case with no problem, but the slide did not lock back. I next fired a factory hardball round. it worked perfectly. So I guess I will need to shop for a lighter spring.

Thanks, Andy

Bullseye loads all of the below items interplay with each other.
1) Recoil spring 10-16lb with 12-14lb probably the most common
2) Mainspring 17-21lb  with 19lb being a favorite, some guns come with 23-25lb springs
3) Large Radius Firing pin stop
2-3 above impact the initial slide speed the most.

Also check your reload crimp - might be too loose and you aren't getting a good burn.
- Dave

I think the crimp is probably not much of an issue.

By the way, when I disassembled the pistol I inspected the parts very carefully and discovered the recoil spring guide was beaten to death. The portion that is at the rearmost of the guide had been flattened out as if it had been used as a chisel.

ANDYZ28 wrote:I think the crimp is probably not much of an issue.

By the way, when I disassembled the pistol I inspected the parts very carefully and discovered the recoil spring guide was beaten to death. The portion that is at the rearmost of the guide had been flattened out as if it had been used as a chisel.

Looks like your gun needs gunsmithing