1911 govt recoil spring

[akjunkie]

Curious what everyone prefers and why.
Factory 16lb? 18.5lb overkill?

[davidb]

16.5, 18 if I'm putting in a lighter mainspring for whatever reason

[bernieb90]

I use a 17lb with 19lb mainspring.

[Kowan]

16 lb unless I'm using hotter loads. Then the 18 lb recoil spring to slow the slide down.

[davidb]

I spoke to John Jardine (the guy that makes the Valtro 1911 that sells for $8.8k in the classifieds) and he said 18.5# was the way to go.

Did he mention what weight mainspring is being used though? An 18.5# recoil paired with the standard 23# main is going to be way over sprung for anything but hot loads

[Kowan]

Les Baer comes with 18 lb recoil springs.
Unless you are using light target loads, the 18 lb has no problems with factory rated ammo or reloads up to include the hotter rounds.

[JTROKS]

An 18 lb for the more modern 185 - 200 grain JHPs that's pushing SAAMI pressures.

[Friesland]

"I spoke to John Jardine and he said 18.5# was the way to go."

When my used Kimber Super Match needed some work Jardine installed the 18.5 spring (however, it wasn't a run of the mill spring). Jardine even took the Super Match to the range and made sure it ran very well.

[Calif Hunter]

I run the 16 lb spring as I use standard loads, and replace it as recommended.

[akjunkie]

I'm looking @ Wolff springs.

Conventional vs. Variable. Which is better?

[Big Data]

Anyone know what spring a stock series 70 Gold Cup uses? I believe it's setup for target loads. With a heavier spring is it okay with standard loads?

[Dutch Henry]

Anyone know what spring a stock series 70 Gold Cup uses? I believe it's setup for target loads. With a heavier spring is it okay with standard loads?

Mine came with two recoil springs. One is about 13-13.5 pounds and one is 16 pounds. I shoot 230 grain hardball, so I use an 18.5# Wolff Spring in all 1911 Government pistols. Never had a problem.

[Big Data]

Thanks guys, I'll get a 18.5# Wolff spring.