mainspring housing change

ks_wayward_son · July 30, 2014, 09:03 PM

Ive decided to try a flat mainspring housing in lieu of the arched in my Springfield Armory Mil Spec. Primarily for the range. I know I want aluminum or steel...no polymer. Any recommendations for an inexpensive yet quality part? The mil spec is parkerized so I'd like to use a piece that matches in finish. I've searched Brownells, Midway, Numrich and Sarco.

gyvel · July 31, 2014, 09:29 AM

Just look around at any gun show. Plenty of original GI housings with the lanyard loop or aftermarket housings without.

Or you could try this link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colt-1911-Fl...item46244b2aa9

The only problem with some cheaper aftermarket housings I have encountered is that the hole (into which the hammer spring goes) at the bottom isn't drilled big enough to allow the housing retainer pin detent to securely lock the retainer pin. It's easy enough to cure by drilling it slightly bigger.

It's actually a relatively low-stressed part, which is why Colt gets away with using a plastic housing on some of their guns.

gyvel · July 31, 2014, 09:43 AM

Duplicate post. Deleted.

TATER · July 31, 2014, 10:51 AM

http://www.cdnnsports.com/m-spring-h...l#.U9pl0kikFNc

10-96 · August 1, 2014, 06:03 PM

You might also end up having to get a new hammer strut and a plunger cap retaining pin. The last SA I swapped MSH's on ended up having a shorter strut due to the internal lock. Or maybe it was longer- I don't exactly recall. but anyway, if things don't mesh up right- look for a GI type cheap replacement strut. I don't see a need to go with a light-weight, polished, high speed, cadillac version for just a strut.

July 30, 2014, 09:03 PM	#1
ks_wayward_son Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2007 Posts: 332	mainspring housing change Ive decided to try a flat mainspring housing in lieu of the arched in my Springfield Armory Mil Spec. Primarily for the range. I know I want aluminum or steel...no polymer. Any recommendations for an inexpensive yet quality part? The mil spec is parkerized so I'd like to use a piece that matches in finish. I've searched Brownells, Midway, Numrich and Sarco.

July 31, 2014, 09:29 AM	#2
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Just look around at any gun show. Plenty of original GI housings with the lanyard loop or aftermarket housings without. Or you could try this link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Colt-1911-Fl...item46244b2aa9 The only problem with some cheaper aftermarket housings I have encountered is that the hole (into which the hammer spring goes) at the bottom isn't drilled big enough to allow the housing retainer pin detent to securely lock the retainer pin. It's easy enough to cure by drilling it slightly bigger. It's actually a relatively low-stressed part, which is why Colt gets away with using a plastic housing on some of their guns. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE Last edited by gyvel; July 31, 2014 at 09:44 AM.

July 31, 2014, 09:43 AM	#3
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Duplicate post. Deleted. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

August 1, 2014, 06:03 PM	#5
10-96 Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Tx Panhandle Territory Posts: 4,160	You might also end up having to get a new hammer strut and a plunger cap retaining pin. The last SA I swapped MSH's on ended up having a shorter strut due to the internal lock. Or maybe it was longer- I don't exactly recall. but anyway, if things don't mesh up right- look for a GI type cheap replacement strut. I don't see a need to go with a light-weight, polished, high speed, cadillac version for just a strut. __________________ Rednecks... Keeping the woods critter-free since March 2, 1836. (TX Independence Day) I suspect a thing or two... because I've seen a thing or two.

July 31, 2014, 10:51 AM	#4
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	http://www.cdnnsports.com/m-spring-h...l#.U9pl0kikFNc