Click Here To Visit The Bullseye-L Home Page
45 ACP Recoil Springs
Return to Bullseye Reloading Page
TWD74@aol.com
Subject: Selecting.45 recoil spring?
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:31:50 -0500 (EST)
To find the proper recoil spring I start with a set of springs of known rating, either new or I check them on my spring tester. I check the rating of the spring in my gun, then change springs going up one pound at a time until I start getting functioning problems. I then back off one pound to the one that worked OK and shoot a lot of ammo through the gun until I'm happy that I will not have any problems. I always know what the rating of the spring is in my gun and carry a spare and the next two lower in case I start having problems in a match. If I have problems, I can drop down one pound at a time.
As far as buffers go, I've heard good and bad things about them. I personally use one but cut it in half(thickness) so it doesn't change the tension of the spring too much. If I use a full buffer, I can't pull the slide back and let it go to chamber a round because the slide won't go back far enough. I hope this helps you.
Bob Joyce
"Michael E. Lawrence" lawrence@downcity.net
Subject: Selecting.45 recoil spring?
Date: ed, 31 Mar 1999 22:14:40 -0500
A not very scientific, but very effective method is to find the spring that puts your empties about 4-5 feet to your right and slightly behind your hip. I set up many IPSC guns like this and never had a failure to feed/eject or a broken frame.
Mike
masaki@hits.net
Subject: Selecting.45 recoil spring?
Date:Wed, 31 Mar 1999 20:42:01 -0500 (EST)
I normally use a heavier spring first than go down to where it cycles good without jamming. A too heavy spring will not cycle your slide. My idea of a perfect spring is when you hold the pistol with a limp wrist and sometimes it locks back the slide and sometimes it closes. Now shoot a magazine of rounds with a lock wrist and feel the slide function and the slide stays open on the last round. That tells you that your ammo and spring is working together and not battering the frame.
A recoil buffer adds poundage to the above spring. When the buffer gets old and starts to shred it might cause jamming of the gun.
Ed
"Dave Salyer" ncfc.4sy@public.nt.js.cn
Subject: Selecting .45 recoil spring?
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 1999 09:57:47 +0800
Ed,
The CP Buff from Gil Hebard doesn't swell with gun oil, nor shred. On the long Wolff springs it is a good idea to cut 3 coils off to make room for the CP Buff. This way the spring doesn't close on itself and warp the spring, or knock the end out of the recoil spring plug.
I agree with your way of selecting the poundage, except I like to be sure it will lock open in all (cold) weather with a limp wrist.
Dave
Ted Drott drott@ibm.net
Subject: Selecting.45 recoil spring?
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 1999 21:49:20 -0500
Strictly my opinion, if your cases land about 2 ft to the right of your right foot, your spring is probably about correct. That's land, not end-up, they will spin and roll some distance. If this is a stock 1911 with iron sights, usually, most will work down to 3.5 Bullseye with a stock 16# spring. Once you put a dot scope on the slide, a 13# spring, with an extended ejector installed is about right.
I had a 18# spring in my hardball pistol for a while, didn't like it and replaced it with a factory 16#.
I see no reason for recoil buffers. If you want those bits and pieces of broken up rubber floating about it your action, o.k., but I don't think you need the buffer.
I was in Air Force Basic Training the summer of 1948 in San Antonio, TX, Lackland AF Base. We went to the range twice to shoot 50 rounds of 230gr hardball out of 1911's that were made during WWII. It took about 30 minutes to shoot the 50 rounds and another Airman stepped up to shoot. About 100 rounds an hour, 800 rounds a day, day after day, went thru those WWII 1911's. I guess a few of them broke parts and needed repair, but the frames sure had lasted a long time. I bet the goverment cut the frames of these pistols in to small pieces after the Beretta was adopted.
Still this is only my opinion, I wouldn't argue with anyone over it.
Ted
"Hurst, Steve" sfh2@cdc.gov
Subject: Selecting.45 recoil spring?
Date: Thu, 1 Apr 1999 07:46:38 -0500
I want my brass to land 3 to 6 feet away.
I always use recoil buffers. With target loads they may not be necessary, they last 1000 to 2000 rounds. With heavy loads or hardball I think they are mandatory and should be checked every time you clean the gun. I had a Colt hardball gun spread the front frame rails, buffers are cheap protection.
Steve