1911-What changes occur with new recoil spring?

Ironbarr · February 24, 2001, 09:00 AM

I've just changed the recoil spring on my (not quite 1911) Llama .45 hoping to solve the last (would often not go to battery) in a string of aggravations requiring extractor and slide stop work. The new spring is a Wolf 18.5 lb. and has definite heavier resistance when racking than the old spring. I haven't fired it yet and am looking for info re what to expect in the way of operation, feel, and other "shooting" goodies. What I really want to know is - any safety considerations? Will there be any "surprises" ... like problems worse than before. I've been wondering about timing - would this change?

Appreciate your experience/advice.

Thanks.
-Andy

Jim V · February 24, 2001, 09:44 AM

in all my 1911's with no problems. Where your empties land may change. As to feel when firing, I can't tell the difference between the 16# factory spring and the 18.5# replacement.

Ironbarr · February 24, 2001, 10:08 AM

May I ask - why did you change springs?

Jim V · February 25, 2001, 01:28 PM

The 16# factory spring is/was sort of the middle ground that would work with both light target loads and, at the time heavy, 230 grain laods. I just like how my 1911's run wth the 18 1/5# springs. I've even fire USGI hardball using 22#+ recoil springs with no problems, all fed, fired and ejected. Heck, I've even used a 22# recoil spring with a Colt .22 conversion unit with no problems but I think that spring weight is not needed with non +P+, pedal to the metal loads.

Ironbarr · February 25, 2001, 01:39 PM

I'll be up to the farm in a day or two, so I'll give it a whirl. Hoping this will clear the last of the glitches - at least for a while.

Appreciate you input.
Thanks again.

-Andy

February 24, 2001, 09:44 AM	#2
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	I run Wolff 18 1/2# springs.... in all my 1911's with no problems. Where your empties land may change. As to feel when firing, I can't tell the difference between the 16# factory spring and the 18.5# replacement. __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

February 24, 2001, 10:08 AM	#3
Ironbarr Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2000 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,188	Thanks, Jim... May I ask - why did you change springs?

February 25, 2001, 01:28 PM	#4
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	Why did I change springs?>>> The 16# factory spring is/was sort of the middle ground that would work with both light target loads and, at the time heavy, 230 grain laods. I just like how my 1911's run wth the 18 1/5# springs. I've even fire USGI hardball using 22#+ recoil springs with no problems, all fed, fired and ejected. Heck, I've even used a 22# recoil spring with a Colt .22 conversion unit with no problems but I think that spring weight is not needed with non +P+, pedal to the metal loads. __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

February 25, 2001, 01:39 PM	#5
Ironbarr Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2000 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,188	Thanks, Jim. I'll be up to the farm in a day or two, so I'll give it a whirl. Hoping this will clear the last of the glitches - at least for a while. Appreciate you input. Thanks again. -Andy

February 24, 2001, 09:00 AM	#1
Ironbarr Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2000 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,188	I've just changed the recoil spring on my (not quite 1911) Llama .45 hoping to solve the last (would often not go to battery) in a string of aggravations requiring extractor and slide stop work. The new spring is a Wolf 18.5 lb. and has definite heavier resistance when racking than the old spring. I haven't fired it yet and am looking for info re what to expect in the way of operation, feel, and other "shooting" goodies. What I really want to know is - any safety considerations? Will there be any "surprises" ... like problems worse than before. I've been wondering about timing - would this change? Appreciate your experience/advice. Thanks. -Andy