This is NOT just another 1911 thread

[Bushwack44]

I'm looking for another 1911 (in 45ACP) and need some input.

Went to the range today w/ my Sig 1911. I decided to see what the range had to offer regarding rentals for a side-by-side comparison. They didn't have a Colt Government XSE or a Kimber TLE II available (its between these two which I'd choose to buy) but they had a Springfield Mil-Spec. I rented the Mil-Spec and after emptying a couple mags w/ the same factory ammo in both my Sig and the SA, I noticed the recoil on the SA was more manageable. Accuracy was nearly equal between the two but it was less tiring shooting the Mil-Spec.

I know these are two different 1911s but I didn't expect lighter recoil from the SA. Which got me thinking...could the lighter recoil be due to there is no front checkering on the SA (the Sig has checkering)? I know there may be other factors (i.e. weight of spring) but both guns weigh only one ounce apart. I was on the fence between choosing a Kimber Stainless TLE II (w/ front checkering) and the Colt XSE (which doesn't have front checkering) but after my experience w/ the SA, I'm leaning towards the Colt (or maybe a Kimber w/o front checkering).

Does anyone have any experience shooting a 1911 side by side with and without front checkering and notice whether there is a difference in recoil? I know my grip feels more firm w/ my Sig (w/ front checkering) but accuracy was nearly equal w/ both pistols. Unfortunately, I can't find either the Kimber or Colt available to rent so whichever I purchase will be a blind buy.

I'm not interested so much whether you're a Colt or Kimber fan (that's for another thread) but whether front checkering plays a factor regarding recoil (and accuracy).

[avcrew]

It is possible that the SA that you shot had a heavier recoil spring. Lighter springs will tend to be more snappy because the slide is hammering into the frame harder.

Two other things that can help felt recoil in a 1911 are rubber recoil inserts that install at the front of the slide, and Pearce finger groove inserts, which work with your existing grips.

[keenkeen]

Precived recoil is impacted by a lot of factors. Front strap checkering may have some very small relationship for you but it is a very minimal factor, IMO.

[J-cat]

It is possible that the SA that you shot had a heavier recoil spring. Lighter springs will tend to be more snappy because the slide is hammering into the frame harder.

Two other things that can help felt recoil in a 1911 are rubber recoil inserts that install at the front of the slide, and Pearce finger groove inserts, which work with your existing grips.

Wrong. Lighter recoil spring, lighter recoil. The SA prolly had a well worn recoil spring, now lighter in weight, and that's why it kicked less.

[cannon]

I don't feel a difference in recoil between between my 45's with or without checkering.

[Rhyyke]

Between steel framed 1911s, the only variable in recoil seems to be related to the age of the recoil spring. I've shot my Kimber Custom II, Springfield Loaded and Ruger SR1911 back to back to back and that is the apparent difference.

[Steve_In_29]

Different grips will also affect perceived recoil.

[5ZS]

Another theory: the 28+# mainspring that Springfield uses may slow down the slide movement.

[RR.44]

Wrong. Lighter recoil spring, lighter recoil. The SA prolly had a well worn recoil spring, now lighter in weight, and that's why it kicked less.

^^^^This^^^^

[stormvet]

As far as recoil and accuracy are concerned, front strap checkering or not means absolutely nothing to me.

[LA Gun]

Among the three you've mentioned, I cant say enough about the Kimber TLE. I had a TLE and sold it, regretted it and bought a TLE RL. I'm not going to incur the rather of fellow readers by mentioning by name the $2000 guns of mine it shoots as well as (not better, but just as well) but will say one's been sold and the other rarely sees daylight out side the safe. The TLE's are great guns.

[avcrew]

Wrong. Lighter recoil spring, lighter recoil. The SA prolly had a well worn recoil spring, now lighter in weight, and that's why it kicked less.

A 1911 with a weakened or lightened recoil spring will have a slide that moves backwards with less resistance. Less resistance equals higher velocity. A slide moving backward with higher velocity will hit the frame faster and harder. This can be perceived as felt recoil.

If I am incorrect, then please elaborate as to why you disagree.

[wamphyri13]

I'm with avcrew on this one.
Ryan

[jonzer77]

Another theory: the 28+# mainspring that Springfield uses may slow down the slide movement.

Is it that heavy?

Does the Springfield GI model use a flat radius fps? That would lower the felt recoil as well.

[Galli1565]

Get the Colt