1911 Recoil Buffers

[Japsican]

Anyone use Recoil Buffers on their 1911's? I've heard some mixed reviews, what do you guys think?

[Ryoushi]

I used CP Buffers in my Mil Spec. No problems, no worries.

[Sugarfoot47]

Never had a problem with reliability with any brand of buffer. Only thing was when the slide locked back and I wanted to manually release the slide by tugging back on it a little the buffer wouldn't allow me to bring it back enough to disengage the slide stop. This is on my stock Colt Series 70 so I don't know if this happens to anybody else's .45.

[rorschach]

I run Wilson Shok-buffs in all my 1911's except the Springfield UltraCompact, and SW1911. I was told not to use buffers in officers size 1911's, and for some reason the SW1911's slide will not lock back with the buffer.

[xrMike]

I use them on mine; it softens up the recoil a little. No problems of any kind.

I can always tell when the recoil spring needs changing too, by how fast it cuts up the buffer. When the spring is bad a new buffer will get all chewed up in just a couple hundred rounds.

[Fjold]

I've been using them for 20+ years in full size 1911 style pistols with no issues.

[NRAhighpowershooter]

I've been using them for 20+ years in full size 1911 style pistols with no issues.

Ditto here... Wilson Shok-buffs

[bwiese]

I don't add 'pimpgoods' to my guns. If these were good/useful I believe some mfgrs would've included them in the actual sold retail product.

Wanna stop battering with hot loads? Use a heavier spring.

My FAL smith told me to stay away from 'em too.

[Mute]

I've been shooting 1911's for 25+ years and have never found a need for buffs. However, if you decide to use them, CP buffs seems to be the most durable based on the people I know who uses buffs.

[BigMac]

I like them but would not use one on a defensive gun.. They do wear out and if it comes apart during a gunfight it could be bad..

On a target gun, why not protect the frame from a soft spring beating..

[10K2HVN]

I had one in my Operator. After about 600~700 rounds, in rapid-fire, it dislodged and jammed up my gun. I was pro-buffer up until about then, because it did take a bit off the edge in recoil.

[Pokey]

I don't use them for some of the reasons above and also have had problems clearing a live round (failure to fire) although those were all during training.

[Japsican]

Hmmm...

I think Im going to try some out, what harm could it do? I only shoot at the range, and they arent that expensive, so if they dont work out in my pistol I can just toss 'em...

[AzusaShoots]

. If these were good/useful I believe some mfgrs would've included them in the actual sold retail product.

.

My PII Super-Tac came with one from the factory.

[ohsmily]

If you use them in a 1911 that you would ever consider or find yourself using in a defensive situation, do the following:

1 - test-fire it with the buffer installed for at least 500 rounds (preferably 1000) and make sure some of that ammo is ammunition you would use for defense (make sure it works reliably).

2 - make sure to change the buffer every 1000 rounds to reduce the risk of it breaking up inside at the wrong time during firing.

3 - do not use them in any of the "sub-compact" or "micro-compact" 1911's. The shock buffers shorten the recoil travel which is required to eject and then pick up the new round from the magazine. This rearward travel is already shorted in a micro compact. Those pistols are more finicky and usually don't work with shock buffers reliably.