Wolf Springs?

[Dennis1209]

Howdy Gentleman / Ladies,

Have a little long winded question for y'all.

Last Monday I decided it was time to prepare for the regional IDPA match tomorrow, 10-6-2012. I don't really keep track of my round count shot through my guns but, I believe I was approaching around 1,000 rounds on my Kimber CDP II, 1911, .45, so time to change the recoil and firing pin spring. Even though it's a real pain changing both the large and small spring on the Kimber guide rod, no problem, I've several spares.

So... I venture down to my spare parts box and discover the only springs I have for it are extra power 21# springs for it, the factory springs are 18#. Oh WOW... I don't remember if I intentionally ordered extra power springs or not, or if I got an incorrect order? To late now, so I immediately got on the Internet and ordered a few 18# springs from Wolf.

After that I thought, "oh well" and got out the gloves, propane torch, Locktite, etc. and installed the extra power springs.

Today, at the last minute, I had the time and opportunity to shoot the gun and see if it cycled properly. No problem, works great, with the exception of... At my age, I had to use what I call the "monster" grip to rack the slide. Yes, three pounds made one heck of a difference racking the slide for me.

The problem becomes, last month at our monthly IDPA match it was raining and my hands, gun and everything was soaked. Several times my fingers / hand slipped off the slide trying to rack a round with the factory 18# recoil spring. Now I have the 21# and it's suppose to be a drencher again tomorrow morning, so... That finally leads my long winded question too... And I checked the Wolf website and didn't see a satisfactory answer.

If you're not shooting +P ammunition, what need or benefit is there using an extra power recoil spring? Would you suppose instead of changing it out around 1,000 rounds or so, you could get more out of it before replacement?

Thanks all...

[Guest Plainsman]

No, there is no benefit. Use the appropriate pound spring for your ammo. If your using heavy springs with light loads you get cycling problems, while using lighter springs with full power loads you'll batter things up pretty good.

The springs will wear at approximately the same rate. I change recoil springs/firing pin springs about every 2000 rounds or so.

[Dennis1209]

Thanks!

Learned my lesson. At the match yesterday when I racked the slide it would not strip off the first round and go into full battery. I had to nudge the slide forward a bit every magazine change. Other than that (losing added seconds) it worked fine.