1911 in .40 cal - The Firearms Forum

Nick081075 · 11-07-2012, 10:33 PM

I am having a heck of a time in finding answers to this question. I have a custom built 1911 (i.e mixed and matched parts) in .40 cal. I chose to go with .40 due to me getting as much federal 180 grain jhp i can get my hands on to shoot. I have read that the .40 is not the ideal selection for the 1911 due to its shorter casing, also that some 1911s do not like anything but military ball ammo. I have not had ample time to feed this beast enough ammo to complete what you would call a break in period, but this question will not get out of my head.

What strength recoil spring should be used (or is recommended) for a 180 grain federal JHP .40 cal in a full size gov't 1911?

I currently have a 18.5# recoil spring.

Info on the gun; Frame- Caspian recon frame with light rail
Slide; STI gov't length frame
Barrel; From numeric arms (i have no idea if they are the manufacturer, or just the distributer, the receipt does not say)
And the remaining parts are mixed and matched ranging from wilson combat to cylinder & slide.

Any help would be appreciated. thanks...

Alpo · 11-07-2012, 10:44 PM

According to Wolffe

http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto%...cID1/mID1/dID1

Colt factory recoil spring for a 40 Smith 1911 is 19 pounds.

11-07-2012, 10:33 PM	#1
Nick081075 Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 1	1911 in .40 cal I am having a heck of a time in finding answers to this question. I have a custom built 1911 (i.e mixed and matched parts) in .40 cal. I chose to go with .40 due to me getting as much federal 180 grain jhp i can get my hands on to shoot. I have read that the .40 is not the ideal selection for the 1911 due to its shorter casing, also that some 1911s do not like anything but military ball ammo. I have not had ample time to feed this beast enough ammo to complete what you would call a break in period, but this question will not get out of my head. What strength recoil spring should be used (or is recommended) for a 180 grain federal JHP .40 cal in a full size gov't 1911? I currently have a 18.5# recoil spring. Info on the gun; Frame- Caspian recon frame with light rail Slide; STI gov't length frame Barrel; From numeric arms (i have no idea if they are the manufacturer, or just the distributer, the receipt does not say) And the remaining parts are mixed and matched ranging from wilson combat to cylinder & slide. Any help would be appreciated. thanks... -->

11-07-2012, 10:44 PM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,662	Re: 1911 in .40 cal According to Wolffe http://www.gunsprings.com/Semi-Auto%...cID1/mID1/dID1 Colt factory recoil spring for a 40 Smith 1911 is 19 pounds. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.