Shock buffers

2shots · December 16, 2000, 10:22 PM

After a lengthy layoff from semi-auto pistols, a Springfield A1 followed me home after an evening of trading and brown whiskey. The last time I enjoyed a 1911 was back in the late 70s so I'm a bit confused about shock buffers. Do these widgets really work? I'm not a competitive shooter and plan to run 200 and 230-grain loads through this new machine. I'd appreciate hearing your comments.

Charmedlyfe · December 17, 2000, 05:28 AM

In a word, YES!!! They cut down on frame battering during recoil. Helps to protect your weapon.

George Stringer · December 17, 2000, 09:13 AM

2shots, I agree with George. They do work however with some pistols their thickness can cause functional problems. You may end up experimenting with various makes until you get the thickness that will protect your frame and allow the pistol to function properly. George

Patrick Graham · December 17, 2000, 10:14 AM

I practice with shock buffers in my 1911's but If I carry one of my 1911's I take the shock buffer out. Every once in a while I'll get a jam or stove pipe that I can only attribute to shock buffer binding, can't prove it though. I never have any problems without the shock buffers.

Some shock buffers seem to last longer than others. Lately I've been using red shock buffers I got from Brownells, I believe the mfg was Hewett but I'm not sure. They seem to be fairly robust.

James K · December 17, 2000, 03:58 PM

The 1911 is designed to allow the slide to impact the frame, so the frame absorbs and returns some of the slide energy. In other words, the slide should actually "bounce" off the frame and recoil spring guide to insure a proper return to battery. This can be seen by observing that the slide returns to battery in firing faster than it does when released manually and coming forward only under spring pressure.

A buffer protects the frame, protection it does not need, but can slow the slide and cause malfunctions. Some buffers will work OK, but they can reduce reliability. In serious use, anyone wanting to save wear on the pistol at the possible cost of his own life has interesting priorities.

Jim

VictorLouis · December 17, 2000, 11:42 PM

from their guns while in his courses. He has apparently seen way too many lock up in the midst of firing due to broken down buffers.

SeaHaze · December 18, 2000, 11:21 PM

2shots,
I'd have to agree with Mr. Keenan on this one. I've been fiddle fartin' around with a Sprinco unit in my BHP .40 and trying to find a magic spring weight that'll make it work like I hoped it would. Can't seem to find the right combo. I'm coming to terms with having a $75.00 widget gathering dust. Live and learn.
I figure I'll shoot the damn thing 'till it breaks and then have it fixed.
Technique, practice, and a shot of adrenalin will keep the flip down and the front sight on target

Best,
SeaHaze

SeaHaze · December 18, 2000, 11:23 PM

2shots,
I'd have to agree with Mr. Keenen on this one. I've been fiddle fartin' around with a Sprinco unit in my BHP .40 and trying to find a magic spring weight that'll make it work like I hoped it would. Can't seem to find the right combo. I'm coming to terms with having a $75.00 widget gathering dust. Live and learn.
I figure I'll shoot the damn thing 'till it breaks and then have it fixed.
Technique, practice, and a shot of adrenalin will keep the flip down and the front sight on target

Best,
SeaHaze

**4V50 Gary** · December 18, 2000, 11:29 PM

Concur with Patrick & Jim. If you must have a shock buffer, it's for range use only. In defensive use, leave them out as they can break and disable your firearm.

2shots · December 19, 2000, 09:12 AM

I appreciate hearing your opinions. The buffer will remain in place for shooting paper and put away when I'm about with the Springfield. Thank you all.

LIProgun · December 20, 2000, 10:07 AM

Any part can break or wear out, including springs. With regular inspection and scheduled replacement, a shok-buff is no more likely to disable a gun than other such parts.

Are they necessary? No. But in an alloy-framed gun, especially with +P loads, I prefer to use a shok-buff. I would not use one on an Officer's ACP-length slide, but after thousands of rounds through a Commander length and Government length slide, I have never had a malfunction attributable to the presence of a shok-buff.

They are cheap enough, and easy enough, to replace before they become a potential liability.

RickB · December 20, 2000, 03:20 PM

I have them in all of my 1911's, even the .22, and have never had a problem with them. Of course, I've never let one come apart inside the gun, either. If I could attribute any malfunctions, etc. (I know someone who claims they will expand to the extent they'll crack the dust cover!?!?!?) to their presence, I'd stop using them, too.

Art Eatman · December 21, 2000, 01:25 AM

Some years back, I traded into a 1911, "Combat Government Model", whatever that means. I've run a few thousand rounds through it. Anyhow, I've cleaned up the sear, done all the usual BS. The recoil spring guide is some sort of patented after-market thingummy, with a little piston and spring dealie.

I finally brazed up the back of the trigger and filed, stoned and honed until there is little foreplay before sear engagement.

Took it out, yesterday, to test. Around the fourth or fifth magazine's worth, it didn't function "quite right". Didn't go fully into battery, or didn't fire. I thought maybe it was me, not holding tight, etc. Or, maybe some more stoning and honing--a tad more clearance.

Came back in the house, took it all apart for cleaning, and Lo! And Behold! The little buffer thingy is now in four pieces! It's no longer a unit; it's component parts and a broken piece.

Guess what's going back in when I reassemble it?

, Art

December 17, 2000, 11:42 PM	#6
VictorLouis Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2000 Location: Arizona Posts: 2,302	FWIW, John Farnam makes all student's remove them from their guns while in his courses. He has apparently seen way too many lock up in the midst of firing due to broken down buffers.

December 18, 2000, 11:21 PM	#7
SeaHaze Member Join Date: October 4, 2000 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 23	2shots, I'd have to agree with Mr. Keenan on this one. I've been fiddle fartin' around with a Sprinco unit in my BHP .40 and trying to find a magic spring weight that'll make it work like I hoped it would. Can't seem to find the right combo. I'm coming to terms with having a $75.00 widget gathering dust. Live and learn. I figure I'll shoot the damn thing 'till it breaks and then have it fixed. Technique, practice, and a shot of adrenalin will keep the flip down and the front sight on target Best, SeaHaze __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin 1789 "The 2nd Amendment; it ain't about duck huntin'." bumper sticker I wish I had

December 18, 2000, 11:23 PM	#8
SeaHaze Member Join Date: October 4, 2000 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 23	2shots, I'd have to agree with Mr. Keenen on this one. I've been fiddle fartin' around with a Sprinco unit in my BHP .40 and trying to find a magic spring weight that'll make it work like I hoped it would. Can't seem to find the right combo. I'm coming to terms with having a $75.00 widget gathering dust. Live and learn. I figure I'll shoot the damn thing 'till it breaks and then have it fixed. Technique, practice, and a shot of adrenalin will keep the flip down and the front sight on target Best, SeaHaze __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin 1789 "The 2nd Amendment; it ain't about duck huntin'." bumper sticker I wish I had

December 20, 2000, 10:07 AM	#11
LIProgun Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2000 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Posts: 489	Any part can break or wear out, including springs. With regular inspection and scheduled replacement, a shok-buff is no more likely to disable a gun than other such parts. Are they necessary? No. But in an alloy-framed gun, especially with +P loads, I prefer to use a shok-buff. I would not use one on an Officer's ACP-length slide, but after thousands of rounds through a Commander length and Government length slide, I have never had a malfunction attributable to the presence of a shok-buff. They are cheap enough, and easy enough, to replace before they become a potential liability. __________________ MOLON LABE. - Leonidas of Sparta, 480 B.C.

December 21, 2000, 01:25 AM	#13
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Funny Y'all Should Mention This Some years back, I traded into a 1911, "Combat Government Model", whatever that means. I've run a few thousand rounds through it. Anyhow, I've cleaned up the sear, done all the usual BS. The recoil spring guide is some sort of patented after-market thingummy, with a little piston and spring dealie. I finally brazed up the back of the trigger and filed, stoned and honed until there is little foreplay before sear engagement. Took it out, yesterday, to test. Around the fourth or fifth magazine's worth, it didn't function "quite right". Didn't go fully into battery, or didn't fire. I thought maybe it was me, not holding tight, etc. Or, maybe some more stoning and honing--a tad more clearance. Came back in the house, took it all apart for cleaning, and Lo! And Behold! The little buffer thingy is now in four pieces! It's no longer a unit; it's component parts and a broken piece. Guess what's going back in when I reassemble it? , Art

December 16, 2000, 10:22 PM	#1
2shots Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 1999 Posts: 183	After a lengthy layoff from semi-auto pistols, a Springfield A1 followed me home after an evening of trading and brown whiskey. The last time I enjoyed a 1911 was back in the late 70s so I'm a bit confused about shock buffers. Do these widgets really work? I'm not a competitive shooter and plan to run 200 and 230-grain loads through this new machine. I'd appreciate hearing your comments.

December 17, 2000, 05:28 AM	#2
Charmedlyfe Junior member Join Date: October 11, 2000 Location: SC Posts: 799	In a word, YES!!! They cut down on frame battering during recoil. Helps to protect your weapon.

December 17, 2000, 09:13 AM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	2shots, I agree with George. They do work however with some pistols their thickness can cause functional problems. You may end up experimenting with various makes until you get the thickness that will protect your frame and allow the pistol to function properly. George

December 17, 2000, 10:14 AM	#4
Patrick Graham Junior member Join Date: January 18, 1999 Location: Kokomo, Indiana USA Posts: 674	I practice with shock buffers in my 1911's but If I carry one of my 1911's I take the shock buffer out. Every once in a while I'll get a jam or stove pipe that I can only attribute to shock buffer binding, can't prove it though. I never have any problems without the shock buffers. Some shock buffers seem to last longer than others. Lately I've been using red shock buffers I got from Brownells, I believe the mfg was Hewett but I'm not sure. They seem to be fairly robust.

December 17, 2000, 03:58 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	The 1911 is designed to allow the slide to impact the frame, so the frame absorbs and returns some of the slide energy. In other words, the slide should actually "bounce" off the frame and recoil spring guide to insure a proper return to battery. This can be seen by observing that the slide returns to battery in firing faster than it does when released manually and coming forward only under spring pressure. A buffer protects the frame, protection it does not need, but can slow the slide and cause malfunctions. Some buffers will work OK, but they can reduce reliability. In serious use, anyone wanting to save wear on the pistol at the possible cost of his own life has interesting priorities. Jim

December 18, 2000, 11:29 PM	#9
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	Concur with Patrick & Jim. If you must have a shock buffer, it's for range use only. In defensive use, leave them out as they can break and disable your firearm.

December 19, 2000, 09:12 AM	#10
2shots Senior Member Join Date: October 6, 1999 Posts: 183	I appreciate hearing your opinions. The buffer will remain in place for shooting paper and put away when I'm about with the Springfield. Thank you all.

December 20, 2000, 03:20 PM	#12
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I have them in all of my 1911's, even the .22, and have never had a problem with them. Of course, I've never let one come apart inside the gun, either. If I could attribute any malfunctions, etc. (I know someone who claims they will expand to the extent they'll crack the dust cover!?!?!?) to their presence, I'd stop using them, too.