1911 maintenance...

[threeperreaper]

Other than occasional lube and cleaning, I'll replace the recoil spring every 3-5k rounds (even though I'm sure they can go longer than that)

My question is,...

What else do y'all replace and at what intervals?

Extractor? Hammer spring? Etc etc etc

If you had a 1911 w/ 25,000 rounds through it, what would you assume would need to be replaced next (other than recoil spring) to keep it worthy of relying on?

[Fatcat]

Firing pin spring

[XDJYo]

Assuming normal magazine replacement/repair, I would also look at replacing the firing pin spring at the same interval as the recoil spring. They usually come together in a pack.

Aside from that, at that age, extractor, slide stop, leaf spring and the other slide stop/thumb safety spring.

I don't have that many rounds, but just some of what I've gleaned from the CG pages and the 1911 forums.

[MosinVirus]

Hammer spring and firing pin spring.
Probably every 2-3 recoil spring replacements.

EDIT: springs that have wider steps (space between coils) weaken faster. That is why flat wire springs are said to last longer - they have more coils and they are not spaced as wide apart - so the spring has to "work" less

All other parts I would just inspect and replace as necessary.

[tbc]

I would start with a 1911 rebuild kit.

[BigPimping]

Wow.......like a Italian car.

[JTROKS]

I had a 1911 widebody racegun that went through 50K+ of the old 175 power factor. The lockup was gettUng loose as the rifling shows. I had 1 extractor break (Caspian), cracked at least 4 FPS (Caspian and Wilson). Had to replace a slide stop once. Recoil spring had to be replaced at 3K-4K round count, so I lost count. Sear spring had to be retuned at least 3x to keep the trigger pull at just 2 lbs. it was getting lighter and registered to 1.5 lbs a couple of times. Never had a DQ with the 1.5 lb trigger but it would go off as soon as I put my finger on the trigger when approaching targets.

Mag springs and followers were replaced also.

[LowThudd]

Since Wolff sells recoil springs with HP firing pin springs included for only @$1 extra, I would just replace the firing pin spring at the same time. Just a little extra safety for an inertia driven firing pin.

[omega]

the WOLFF firing pin springs are way stiffer than standard factory FP springs

thats why I dont replace mine, why do they use such a stiff firing pin spring?

I wish they supplied a standard one instead.

[LowThudd]

the WOLFF firing pin springs are way stiffer than standard factory FP springs

thats why I dont replace mine, why do they use such a stiff firing pin spring?

I wish they supplied a standard one instead.

Two reasons. It makes the firearm drop safe, in the same way SA does to meet CA safety standards. And if you are running a stronger than normal recoil spring, it is possible for it to slam fire with a weak FP spring.

I am running a 23# recoil spring as I have converted to .45 Super(still shoots ACP fine). The slide return speed is MUCH higher. An HP FP spring is mandatory for the conversion.

[Nor*Cal]

Wow.......like a Italian car.

Care to elaborate?

Do you not maintain your beloved Glocks?

Based on what I've read, they recommend that you replace the recoil spring assembly every 7,500 rounds. And at 25,000 rounds you should have already replaced your slide lock spring and you're due to replace both your magazine catch spring and striker spring. Is this information not accurate?

[omega]

safety

Two reasons. It makes the firearm drop safe, in the same way SA does to meet CA safety standards. And if you are running a stronger than normal recoil spring, it is possible for it to slam fire with a weak FP spring.

I am running a 23# recoil spring as I have converted to .45 Super(still shoots ACP fine). The slide return speed is MUCH higher. An HP FP spring is mandatory for the conversion.

the standard firing pin spring works fine for my GI style M1911A1

having a stronger FP spring may interfere with a standard hammer spring and that might cause less reliable ignition

I dont want to change all my springs to stronger ones when it's not even necessary

[LowThudd]

So leave it.

You asked I answered. As long as the Main spring is up to par, there should be no problem with ignition and a HP FP spring. Use a standard A1 15# spring, 22# main spring and standard FP spring.

MANY people have no trouble with the many CA approved SA, Dan Wesson, RIA and other 70 series 1911s that use a heavy FP spring to make them drop safe. And have no trouble at all.

[BigPimping]

Care to elaborate?

Do you not maintain your beloved Glocks?

Based on what I've read, they recommend that you replace the recoil spring assembly every 7,500 rounds. And at 25,000 rounds you should have already replaced your slide lock spring and you're due to replace both your magazine catch spring and striker spring. Is this information not accurate?

Glock is like Acura. Runs forever as long as you change oil. I lube it and never have issues. Never replace slide. Never need to replace half that stuff.

1911...Sounds like a Jaguar or Maserati. Expensive and lots of maintenance required.

[timbo399]

Good info here. tagged for replacement parts order!