Which recoil spring for a 1911?

[em9sredbeam]

I think I need a new recoil spring for my taurus pt1911 alr. Which one and from where should I get one?

Whats the difference in brands? Is there a kit that has both 16 and 18.5 pound springs? what brand should I get it in?

[redcliff]

A 16lb Wolff recoil spring for a Colt 1911 5" Government Model should work fine. Some people like a little extra power in the spring and go with 18.5. They're relatively inexpensive if you want to try both. Midway, Brownells or direct from Wolff are some possible sources, or you may find one locally at a good gun shop.

[MongooseV8]

It might also depend on what ammo you are shooting and how tight your slide is. If you are shooting hotter stuff or have a tight slide maybe tryout an 18.5 spring like redcliff said.

[m1match]

for a 5" 1911 shooting factory standard loads, I also use 16 lb Wolff springs, which is the stock spring weight. I've tried 18.5 lb. springs, and although it might not be intuitive, the 18.5 lb spring increases the muzzle jump and perceived recoil.

[msand951]

I purchased and installed this kit. I use the 18.5 lbs spring .

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/787003/wilson-combat-custom-tune-spring-kit-1911-government

I noticed my recoil was less when I used my 18 lbs spring, but I shoot my cast reloads. I'll have to try a 16.

[golfrj]

Bear in mind that a Recoil Spring works in BOTH directions, IF you use a heavy spring with standard loads the spring is not compressed enough to allow the slide to go fully back AND batters the gun needlessly going back Forward.. I agree that 16# is standard, and some Very Knowledgeable 1911 people use 14# with target type ammo... JMHO

[msand951]

My gun would sometimes not close the slide all the way down when I used my cast boolits. I think its because I size them up .001 than my bore. I reload them with 4.7 titegroup 230 gr. cone tip boolit. Maybe this is just my guess my stock spring was weak. But so far with the 18 I have not had an issue. If the OP uses factory ammo and for the price of springs Maybe you should buy a couple and see which one works better with the ammo you use .

[Colt]

I use 15# in my full size Colt (use standard factory 230 gr. ammo) with no problems whatsoever. However, 16# is standard.