New recoil spring? - The Firearms Forum

ARB · 08-31-2009, 11:38 AM

I've read on here quite a bit that after 1500 rnds. of ammo, it is probably time to get a new recoil spring for 1911's with a four inch barrel. I'm sure that at some point I have surpassed that number. Is this something I should remedy in the near future? I haven't noticed any problems, then again, I don't want to start having jams at inopportune moments. Also, I only ever see springs for the five inch models. Can you please recommend where to get a quality spring in this size?

Shooter45 · 08-31-2009, 12:42 PM

Get Wolff Springs from www.brownells.com . They are available for the make and model 1911 you own. I have gone thru as many as 3000 rounds without a spring change with a range pistol. A personal defense pistol is a different animal. I recommend a recoil spring change every 1500 to 2000 rounds in a full size 1911. And no more than 1500 rounds thru an Officers model for reliability reasons.

ARB · 08-31-2009, 01:51 PM

Checked out the website. What pound spring would you recommend? I do not fire +P ammo.

Shooter45 · 08-31-2009, 03:11 PM

The 22# varible power spring is recommended.

Bill DeShivs · 08-31-2009, 11:01 PM

I have never seen a 1911 recoil spring "wear out" after 1500 rounds. Does the gun work properly? If it does, the spring is fine.

Hammerslagger · 09-01-2009, 09:36 AM

If a spring still meets specifications, it is not worn out!

Springs are instantly damaged by being over compressed, stretched, or torqued beyond the yield point of the material from which they are made. The harder you stress things the quicker they wear out. Many of the parts of a firearm (including the barrel) are actually springs. Normal loading and cycling wears a well designed and made spring very slowly but progressively.

Yes, Wolf makes excellent springs from superior steel alloys, that were not commonly encountered 70 years ago.

There has always been room for 8 rounds in a 1911 magazine. The problem was over compressing the spring. Improvements in spring technology allow 8 shot capacity today vs 7 shots when the 1911 was designed. {I still carry a 1911 "cocked and locked" with 7 total rounds, for better reliability, and because I do not plan on missing a lot, or having to exceed Alvin York's record of six determined men in one fight.}

ARB · 09-01-2009, 10:08 AM

What is the difference betwwen the Wolf and the Ed Brown? I know Ed makes a fine 1911.

Shooter45 · 09-01-2009, 10:13 AM

Brown and most other builders sell springs made by Wolff.

ARB · 09-01-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter45

Brown and most other builders sell springs made by Wolff.

AHHHH...thanks, good to know.

08-31-2009, 11:38 AM	#1
ARB Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 1,184	New recoil spring? I've read on here quite a bit that after 1500 rnds. of ammo, it is probably time to get a new recoil spring for 1911's with a four inch barrel. I'm sure that at some point I have surpassed that number. Is this something I should remedy in the near future? I haven't noticed any problems, then again, I don't want to start having jams at inopportune moments. Also, I only ever see springs for the five inch models. Can you please recommend where to get a quality spring in this size? -->

08-31-2009, 12:42 PM	#2
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Re: New recoil spring? Get Wolff Springs from www.brownells.com . They are available for the make and model 1911 you own. I have gone thru as many as 3000 rounds without a spring change with a range pistol. A personal defense pistol is a different animal. I recommend a recoil spring change every 1500 to 2000 rounds in a full size 1911. And no more than 1500 rounds thru an Officers model for reliability reasons.

08-31-2009, 01:51 PM	#3
ARB Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 1,184	Re: New recoil spring? Checked out the website. What pound spring would you recommend? I do not fire +P ammo.

08-31-2009, 03:11 PM	#4
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Re: New recoil spring? The 22# varible power spring is recommended.

08-31-2009, 11:01 PM	#5
Bill DeShivs Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Contributor Posts: 1,478	Re: New recoil spring? I have never seen a 1911 recoil spring "wear out" after 1500 rounds. Does the gun work properly? If it does, the spring is fine. __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

09-01-2009, 09:36 AM	#6
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: New recoil spring? If a spring still meets specifications, it is not worn out! Springs are instantly damaged by being over compressed, stretched, or torqued beyond the yield point of the material from which they are made. The harder you stress things the quicker they wear out. Many of the parts of a firearm (including the barrel) are actually springs. Normal loading and cycling wears a well designed and made spring very slowly but progressively. Yes, Wolf makes excellent springs from superior steel alloys, that were not commonly encountered 70 years ago. There has always been room for 8 rounds in a 1911 magazine. The problem was over compressing the spring. Improvements in spring technology allow 8 shot capacity today vs 7 shots when the 1911 was designed. {I still carry a 1911 "cocked and locked" with 7 total rounds, for better reliability, and because I do not plan on missing a lot, or having to exceed Alvin York's record of six determined men in one fight.}

09-01-2009, 10:08 AM	#7
ARB Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mid Missouri Posts: 1,184	Re: New recoil spring? What is the difference betwwen the Wolf and the Ed Brown? I know Ed makes a fine 1911.

09-01-2009, 10:13 AM	#8
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,790	Re: New recoil spring? Brown and most other builders sell springs made by Wolff.