Interesting info on spring weights for 1911 guys (per Ed Brown technician)

[jcaoloveshine]

Just got off the phone with a technical guy at Ed Brown (got transferred via customer service), and I might be repeating known info here, but it was news to me that Ed Brown runs 16.5lb standard recoil springs with 19lb mainsprings in their 5" guns. I asked specifically about the Special Forces, but turns out it's their standard combination.

I've always heard it's standard to use a 16/23 combination, but apparently this allows them to get a lighter trigger pull. He also said it wasn't necessary to go higher on the mainspring, unless you wanted a heavier trigger.

Very interesting, since I'm going to run a 16.5lb/21lb combination in my Baer TRS.

What spring combinations do you guys use? I feel like guys either use a 16 or 18lb spring in their 1911s when shooting full to +P loads, and only competition guys go lower.

[Brandon04GT]

I always thought that Ed Browns came with 18.5lb recoil springs...

Anyway, I run 17/21 on my 5" and 20/21 on my 4"

[DArBad]

My Kimber Custom II runs on 16 lbs recoil and 21 lbs mainspring.

[bernieb90]

I run a 17/19 and it works very well. Hilton Yam recommends the 17/19 combination. This allows for a good trigger pull while slowing down the slide slightly, and improving feeding without battering the barrel lugs.

[Brandon04GT]

I was under the impression that roughly speaking, Springfields with their titanium firing pin would in theory need a heavier mainspring than a 1911 with a steel firing pin. Anyone know if this is basically true?

As in a 19# mainspring in a Springfield mad lead to light primer strikes more so than a 1911 with a steel pin?

[jcaoloveshine]

Brandon, the Ed Brown guy actually mentioned that Springfields are known for running springs heavier than milspec recommendations. I didn't ask why, but you are probably right...probably has to do with their firing pin spring.

[1BigPea]

I'm PPTing a S&W 1911 this weekend so I'm interested in this as well. Does anyone here know what the stock spring weights are?

It's Model: S&W 1911 - SKU: 108282


Thanks.

[bernieb90]

I run a Wolf 19# in both my Springfields, and have never had an issue. I replaced the firing pin return spring with the Wolf spring as well. Perhaps it may be an issue with military amm with hard primers, but so far with commercial factory, and reloads I have not had a single failure in 2000+ rounds in 2 different pistols.

[Brandon04GT]

Brandon, the Ed Brown guy actually mentioned that Springfields are known for running springs heavier than milspec recommendations. I didn't ask why, but you are probably right...probably has to do with their firing pin spring.

Well I know the factory SA's with the ILS MSH come with 28# mainsprings but I think it's probably pretty overkill...even a 23# might be. I was gonna run 19# but right now i'm just sticking with 21# and it seems to be working well.

[bernieb90]

The ILS spring looks it came from the suspension on a truck. I don't really see the need for it, but like I said I have no issues with the 19# springs in the SA guns with Ti firing pins. 21# is a good safe bet if you are concerned. a 17/21 setup should be pretty well balanced as far as trigger pull, and reliability goes.

[Mute]

16.5/23 is standard, although quite a few gunsmiths change the 23# to a 19.

[Dutch Henry]

Colt Gold Cup came with a 16# recoil spring. I shoot hardball and use an 18.5# Wolff and standard G.C. mainspring. Good combination IMO.

[JTROKS]

My Springfield Armory 1911 is 10/19. It's a 9mm and strictly for competition and range. I run stock on my Sig 1911 TTT and 18/23 for my Colt 1991A1 commander.

[Cuda440]

I replaced the springs in my raptor with a Wilson "tune up" kit. It was cheap and included all the springs I needed- a 21lb main, 18.5lb recoil, and an "extra power" firing pin spring. It also includes a 10lb recoil spring for use with light loads.

With the 18.5 and 21 combo, it seems to work just fine.

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

[luckystrike]

I have a 18lb spring with factory mainspring. I went with 18lb so I could get the reliability factor up just a bit (not to mention saving my barrel lugs), the reason I have factory weight mainspring is because I dont want a heavier trigger with a heavier spring and I dont want to risk light primer strikes with a lighter mainspring.