Posted: 3/29/2005 4:19:44 AM EDT
| O.K. whats the purpose for heavier recoil springs in a 1911. I wanted to pick up a couple extra but I'm not sure what to get. My springfield manual says 16lbs is what my milspec has. Should I get a couple 17's, 18's, or just get a couple more 16's. I don't really understand what they're for unless it's for shooting +p ammo. By the way, does anyone know how hot the military loading is in .45? Or is it a standard pressure? |
|
Current military is standard pressure. Regarding springs, heavier is for heavy loads. Almost everyone goes to 18lb. springs for standard loads, and I used to do it all the time. The rationale is that your gun will batter itself less and recoil less. The same people would probably say that you don't need a recoil buffer. Here's my opinion, as unpopular as it will likely be. The factory standard spring is 16.5 lbs. That is what the gun is designed for. A heavier spring can compromise reliability in marginally reliable guns, though this does not happen often. This means even an 18 lb. spring will slow things down a little, which means nothing in most guns, but is bad in a marginally reliable gun. Here's where the real problem lies, and again, it's a little one. When you fire the gun, it initially has 1.5 lbs. more spring weight to overcome. This causes slightly more recoil, since the gun becomes more snappy. The common misconception is that the gun will recoil less, and most people think this is so. Simple physics dictates the opposite. Imagine it like driving in a 4 wheel drive. Real heavy springs mean less damage to the suspension, but a much heavier, bone jarring ride. Tool light of springs or shocks, and you're bouncing all over the place. There is an optimum wieght, and Mr. Browning got it right with 16.5 lbs. I have a friend who puts nothing but 20 lb. springs in his guns, and cannot figure why they will not function. Put a 16.5 in there, and they function great. The point is, 16.5 lbs. is perfect. 18lb, will probably be fine, but why do it? If you simply take an initial measurement of your 16.5 lb (or 16 in your case) spring, and replace it when it gets shorter, then you will be fine. I'm not saying 18 lb. springs are horrible, but to me, they fall into the category of full length guide rods and recoil buffers. They really don't accomplish anything, and they sometimes make situations worse. That's just my $0.02 worth. I'm sure many will disagree, so bring on the flames. 
|
I agree with your science. The harder spring would have more pressure on the hand when the slide comes back, thus making more recoil. Well regardless of if everyone flames you or not, I thank you for your input. You have been a big help. I'm going shooting sunday and I should have my new grips by then. I'm going to be concentrating on a scope I put on my AR but I'm going to bring the 1911 and shoot a few groups off the bench for further inspection of POI. I didn't order that rear sight (millet mkII) yet but I probably will after this weekend. You da man! 
|
|
My run of thumb is to shoot the pistol and see what distance you are getting with the brass ejections on the ammo being shot (each type will be different). On a lowered port, tuned ejector, I like to see the brass land about 5'-7' away. I have some loads that require an 18.5 lb spring, while other loads that require a 13 lb spring. The only way you will know what spring to use is to shoot the pistol/ ammo, and spring accordingly. As long as you are not limp wrist'g the pistol, let the ejection distance of the spent cases direct you in the spring decision, and not what your buddy may be running in his pistol. |