1911 Main Spring Weight Selection?

[argonstrom]

How does one select the proper main spring weight? Is there a formula or other method by which to choose the correct version? When do other factors come into play, such as guide rod or not, buffer, etc, etc, etc...?

Thanks, folks.

[10x]

The main spring, also known as the hammer spring, standard weight is 23 lb.
With standard 45 ACP ammo, many use as light a 19 lb to get lower trigger pull weight without problems.

The recoil spring for a 45 ACP is standard at 16 lbs. A 1911 has a sweet spot from 16 to 18 1/2 lbs that works well. There is no reason to go above 16 lbs, unless you are using a lot of +P 45 ACP ammo.

Different calibers may require heavier recoils springs i.e. a 10mm requires a 23 lb recoil spring.
Shorter barrel versions, such as a Commander size, require a heavier recoil spring, 18 lbs.

Recoil spring guides have no effect on needed spring weight. just use standard length. The full length guides don't help anything.

Recoil buffers should not be used. These things cause problems and don't help anything. They can cause short cycling because of less distance that the slide can travel during recoil, buffers will mushroom and drag on the slide and prevent proper cycling or can breakup and jam a gun.

[SA Friday]

I use my 1911 for USPSA and for carry. I have a 12.5lb recoil spring on a full length guide rod, and I think a 17lb main spring. It could be as heavy as a 19lb, but I can't remember.

At the very least, a full length guiderod adds a couple of ounces of weight to the nose of the gun. For many, this helps with the timing for follow-up shots. Full length guide rods can also help the recoil spring to track through the slide cycle consistantly. They are not necessary, but like many alterations to firearms, help customize the gun to the shooter and the purpose. I run one in all of my 1911's and 2011's.

Recoil springs: If all you shoot is factory loads and your fair share of full power defensive rounds, the std weight spring is fine. If you shoot competition, or a lot of lower powered loads, a lighter recoil spring can help a lot. Once again, this has a lot to do with the timing of the gun's cycle to individual shooter. It takes some experimenting to figure out which one tracks best for you and your shooting. 16 and 18lb recoil springs cause the nose to dive at the end of the slide cycle for me, and this costs me time to get the sights back on track. So, I went lighter. Most of the competition shooters I know are running either a 14lb or a 12.5lb spring.

Recoil buffers: I know some that use them and some that don't. If the gun is made to run with a buffer, they can be really soft shooting, but most 1911's are not made to run them correctly with them. If you are unsure if your gun will run one, then you can test it, but almost all the guns I've seen made to run a buffer were high end 1911's or custom guns. I personnally don't run them, but have tried them and the do soften the recoil cycle. The hardness of the buffer will determine how long they will last. They have to be changed pretty often if you shoot a lot.

The mainspring is a different ballgame. There are a lot of variables involved: oversized firing pin, rebated firing pin, internal parts selections, hammer weight, etc... It all comes into play for reliable ignition and trigger weight. Best advise, leave the spring heavy unless you are going to either spend a lot of time experimenting and testing or take it to a good gunsmith and have them redo the trigger. I selected the second option, and have a 3lb reliable trigger that's nice and smooth now. This was in a Colt Govt 80 series (now converted to a 70 series).

[argonstrom]

Wow - thanks for the detailed responses! I do need to get in way more range time with my 1911 (a Thompson / Kahr Custom) before I start changing things up. Have any recommendations for it?

[10x]

You will be doing the right thing by getting more range time.
See how the gun works and how well you shoot it.
If something is not to your satisfaction then describe that in the forum.
There is a lot of help to be had from the forum.