1911 Govt Recoil Spring Buffer?

[Blitzburgh]

I recently purchased a 1911 Colt Govt, shot about 100 round through it and have taken it down today to give it a good cleaning.

Upon removing the slide I noticed what appears to be a rubber O-Ring around the back of the recoil spring - up against the recoil spring guide.

Is this a aftermarket buffer of some sort? (I didn't buy this gun new).

It's trashed and falling apart - do I need one in place to shoot this gun?

Add:

Ah Ha! I'm thinking it's something like this: http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct...tnumber=241631

[IPSICK]

Usually this is aftermarket and yes replace it. Don't need one in place but usually doesn't hurt to have one there.

[slick_711]

It doesn't hurt to have, they do ease wear on the gun every so *slightly.* The problem, is that as you noticed they get torn up and fall apart. If you clean the gun regularly and keep an eye on the buffer it's no problem, but if you run your gun dirty and forget about it, the darn things can fall apart and jam up the gun at inopportune moments while you are shooting. Not a real common occurence, but it is possible and I've had it happen to me once when I got my first 1911 and someone talked me into a baggie of the Ed Brown (or was it Wilson?) Shock Buffs

By no means do you *need* one in place. If you did JMB would have put one there. Just make sure if you do use one that you keep an eye on it and replace it regularly.

[ocspeedracer]

You don't need, it's a gimmick just like full length guide rods. Baer used them for a while and in his judgment they don't really do anything except deteriorate and possibly clog up your gun, he knows more than me.

[TMC]

I use the Wilson shock buffs in my guns. My SV in 40 has about 10,000 rounds on it with a 10lb recoil spring and the shock buff is still in good shape.

It helps if the rear of the recoil spring tunnel in the slide (the area that hammers the shock buff) is straight with no sharp edges.

[Black Majik]

Take it out and toss it in the trash. It works better there.

[pipboy]

I tried the shock buff and wouldnt mind keeping it in there if it didnt interfere with the normal operation of the pistol. With it installed, I was unable to put the slide in battery by racking it back. The shock buff forced me to press the slide catch which was a deal breaker.

[9mmepiphany]

It's OK for practice or if yours is just a range toy

For a working gun, it is a big no no.

When they do fall apart, they jam up the gun. The other thing is that it impedes racking the slide

[Blitzburgh]

Thanks Kids - I really appreciate the input.

In the trash it goes.

[IPSICK]

To each their own, never had a jam, failure, or malfunction in mine using the Wilson buffs.

[Chief-7700]

This is like which gun is better 1911 or a Glock, it all about what works for you! I run buffers in both my 1911's never had a problem.
1918 M1911 & SA TRP Operator .45ACP. Both guns get around a 750 rounds per month through them.
Chief