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I own a Springfield Loaded A-1 with a two piece full length guide rod. I just received my Wilson Combat flat wire recoil kit (flat wire recoil spring, guide rod and plastic shock buffer). I took it to the range after installing the kit and ran it without the plastic shock buffer. It didn't seem to hamper the pistols performance. My question is will this harm my pistol long term? Second I noticed it was almost as if I could feel the pistol slapping back into battery after each shot. I can't tell if this is bad or good being as I'm a newbie to the 1911 platform.
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Welcome to Calguns.
Well, the standard 1911 doesn't need a recoil buffer. I'm unfamiliar with the Wilson kit though, maybe you should ask them. What do you mean by "slapping back into battery after each shot"? -
The shock buff is not mandatory, you can run with it or without.
I have one installed on my TRP, have not tried it yet. But also installed one on my 4" Kimber Super Carry Pro HD, it runs great with it. The main reason I went with it on the Kimber is that it allows me to disasemble the gun without a tool.
The flat wire does have a different feel then a round wire, at first it may seem abrasive or scratchy(I know, but hard to explane) but that seems to be gone know after I've fired a few hundred rounds with it.
I bought the full size kit, just to give it a go and see what it's like. It does not have as many advantages as the 4" kit.Im a warmonger baby, I got blood in my eyes and I'm looking at you.Comment
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Did you order the kit for 5"/Government model?
What is the weight of the recoil spring?
Am I correc by assuming you are shooting full power factory loads?The wise man said just find your place
In the eye of the storm
Seek the roses along the way
Just beware of the thorns... K. MeineComment
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My TRP came with a shock buff (not SOP, I think, from Springfield). It doesn't hamper function at all as I literally have never had a stoppage of any kind from the first shot I took. This is from +P 230gr HST's to light target 200gr LSWC's. Having said that, when it starts cracking, I probably won't replace it as every 1911 I have ever owned prior never needed one.
On the flat spring, I have no experience as I have only run them on my Glocks. I probably have a lifetime supply of various round wire 1911's recoil springs, so I may never get a chance to try a flat spring, before I run out of time...
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."Comment
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@stormvet oh ok that's good to know. It doesn't feel bad just different. @Jtroks I ordered the 5in govt kit and I'm shooting 230gr hardballComment
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I just ordered the TRP operator 3/4in rail not sure if that has some kind of shok buffer in the guide rodMy TRP came with a shock buff (not SOP, I think, from Springfield). It doesn't hamper function at all as I literally have never had a stoppage of any kind from the first shot I took. This is from +P 230gr HST's to light target 200gr LSWC's. Having said that, when it starts cracking, I probably won't replace it as every 1911 I have ever owned prior never needed one.
On the flat spring, I have no experience as I have only run them on my Glocks. I probably have a lifetime supply of various round wire 1911's recoil springs, so I may never get a chance to try a flat spring, before I run out of time...
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Probably won't have a buff, I have never heard of anyone else having one.
You are really going to love that gun, very jealous here. Many complain about the checkering on the front strap, you will definitely feel it, but I really like it. It gives me a great sense of security that if I find myself in a spot with my palms sweating big time, the gun is still going to be planted in my grip.
Have fun.When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."Comment
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Oh I see. Could be that your new spring is rated at a higher weight. Typical recoil springs are 16 lbs, and a lot of modern 1911s come with 18 lb springs. Could also be that your old spring was worn out. In either case, you're fine.
If you want to, every few thousand rounds, inspect the barrel feet (the two protrutions under the barrel, on either side of the barrel link) for signs of battering. Also look at the corresponding area of the slide stop pin for wear.Comment
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The flat wire does have a different feel then round wire, at first it may not seem as smooth but after using it for a while you don't notice it or it smooths out.
The science behind it seems solid, the jury is still out on the full size gun.
But I am sold on it for my 4" 1911s.Im a warmonger baby, I got blood in my eyes and I'm looking at you.Comment
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Well it seems the issue is the new guide rod doesn't sit flush
below is the original guide rod. The fit is much better. 
thanks for all the help.
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