45 auto recoil spring

[tahoe2]

Buddy of mine asked me to return his 1911 .45 back to standard military specs . Does anybody know the standard #lb rate for regular power hardball loads? I hve been told 13# and 16# and just wanted to know which was correct? Thanks ! :confused:

[KyJim]

16.5 pounds is the normal interpretation of the original specs. Some may go up or down a half pound. The original specs were about number of coils in spring and diameter of metal.

[tahoe2]

thanks, appreciate the info !

[45Gunner]

The 1911 was originally designed for use with a 16 lb. spring. However, I have found most of mine seem to cycle better with a heavier spring.

And as long as we are on the subject, most 1911's should have their recoil and firing pin springs changed at some pre-determined interval. Some of my 1911's can go as much as 5000 rounds before I begin to notice that it is need of a spring change while others go only 1500 to 2000 rounds.

If you use your gun both for range practice and carry, I would recommend that you determine a schedule and change the springs on that schedule before they start showing the signs of wear. I just ordered springs for a few of my guns...the prices have gone up recently and the most expensive springs were $8.99. A relatively small price to pay to keep a gun functioning in top performance.

[Aguila Blanca]

The original M1911 was specified to use a 14-pound recoil spring. The Ordnance Department changed that to a 16-pound somewhere between the two world wars, I believe. What is currently accepted as "the standard" is a 16-pound recoil spring for a full-size (5-inch) 1911.

If you buy your recoil spring from Wolff (or a Wolff spring from Brownells), it'll come with a new firing pin spring.

[BigJimP]

It makes a difference on what ammo he is running thru the gun as well ...when picking a spring .../ 16 #'s is the norm if you're shooting 230gr RN ....but not if he's shooting 185gr ...( assuming he's talking about .45 acp caliber ) ....

I run all of my 5" guns in .45 acp - where I shoot 230gr RN all the time - with 16 lb springs ...( whether its a high end custom gun or not ).

12.5 lb or 13 lb springs are the norm on a 5" gun chambered in 9mm ...