The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Why do the spent shells of my 1911 hit me in the nose?

Anthony L · October 10, 1998, 05:12 PM

It depends on ammo but
for a standard .45 ACP (Im assuming)
stock Colt Government is 17 pounds.
An upgrade to 18.5 may help.

A Commander uses a heavier spring because the slide has less mass.
My Commander uses a 22 or 24 pound spring depending on the load.
Stock is 20# I believe.

Go to a range where you can watch your brass
eject. With a standard velocity load, brass should be shucked pretty close together somewhere from 3-6 feet away from you, IMHO.

Test your gun after installing any new spring.
Try WCWolff (not sure of website) stay away from variable power springs unless you have a compensator attached to your barrel.

Sounds like your spring is weak.
A semi-extended ejector may also alleviate the problem.

October 10, 1998, 05:12 PM	#4
Anthony L Member Join Date: October 8, 1998 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 34	It depends on ammo but for a standard .45 ACP (Im assuming) stock Colt Government is 17 pounds. An upgrade to 18.5 may help. A Commander uses a heavier spring because the slide has less mass. My Commander uses a 22 or 24 pound spring depending on the load. Stock is 20# I believe. Go to a range where you can watch your brass eject. With a standard velocity load, brass should be shucked pretty close together somewhere from 3-6 feet away from you, IMHO. Test your gun after installing any new spring. Try WCWolff (not sure of website) stay away from variable power springs unless you have a compensator attached to your barrel. Sounds like your spring is weak. A semi-extended ejector may also alleviate the problem.