Full size 1911 springs

[alanwk]

I have a Springfield 1911-A1 Mil-Spec 45mm. The recoil spring factory spec is 16lb. My question is how much lighter can I take this safely? Thanks

[FeuerFrei]

For shooting 45acp you should keep it right there @16#. Standard spec.
Otherwise you run the risk of it trying to beat itself to death.

[CifaldiPrecision]

[divingin]

Depends on the ammo you run.

Bullseye shooters often use reduced loads and will use a lighter spring to maintain slide travel with the reduced recoil impulse. You can go as low as 7 lbs (lightest spring I've seen), but will need a really light load to keep from battering the frame, and may have problems with the slide not having enough forward push to chamber rounds.

Choosing a spring for light loads is, as far as I know, a lot of trial and error. I prefer to go the other way, and work up a load that suits whatever spring I have in the pistol.

[Tarmy]

There is a reason for the factory recommendation...

Go ahead and order a few different springs and try them. See what works for you and your shooter.

Curious...What is your goal of using a lighter spring?

[Colt]

[jmatt511]

All of my 5" 1911s wear 18.5# Wolff recoil springs. Never had an issue with cycling, feeding or ejecting. But I do what I want.

[newbie1234]

Hahaha, same here I bought the "Adjustment/Calibration spring set" from Wolff, couple springs with difference weight. And never install it. And don't remember where I keep it

[ThatFishGuy]

I've run 14lbs recoil spring on a full-size 45acp, and had no issues. I also don't use +p ammo in that gun, and alot of loads that go through it are just enough to make major so nothing crazy. They're easy enough to swap you can just try a few, but like others have stated, figure out what your goal is.

[newbie1234]

I've run 14lbs recoil spring on a full-size 45acp, and had no issues. I also don't use +p ammo in that gun, and alot of loads that go through it are just enough to make major so nothing crazy. They're easy enough to swap you can just try a few, but like others have stated, figure out what your goal is.

The popular 45ACP ammo run from 185gr to 300gr (200gr and 230gr are the most popular), what kind of ammo weight you shoot with 14# recoil spring ? Any advantage with 14# recoil spring ? I had the Calibrate Recoil Spring Set but never install (if it works then don't fix it )

[CifaldiPrecision]