Recoil spring strength for military 1911

[Guest tymekeeper]

I've received a 1911 that was built with mil. surplus parts on an Essex frame about 25 years ago.  Over the years several pieces went missing including the recoil spring.  I'm in the process of re-assembling it and would like to know the spring strength for the military issue.  Also, since there are several strengths available, is there a better choice than the original issue.  I welcome all suggestions.  My intended use is plinking and home defense. 

[MacGyver]

16# was standard.

[Krull]

I upgraded mine to a #18 because it had a issue every now and then locking the slide back when shooting 240.  I dropped in a wilson combat #18 and no issues anymore.  I think i paid 6 bucks for the spring. My Gold Cup Trophy came with 12  I lost the 16 before i could install it.  I think the 16 would do just fine with any round. But as stated above 16 was original spring strength on the government size model.  I have 18 in all of my 1911's now, wolf or wilson combat will work fine.

Edited March 14, 2013 by Krull

[Jonnin]

below 15 are for target handloads, not commercial ammo, for the most part.  There may be exceptions to that, but in general you don't want the 10's and 12s to shoot defense ammo....

[Dolomite_supafly]

A 1911 needs the recoil spring replaced every 1,000 rounds or so. Believe it or not but the spring will shorten about an inch in that time. A lot of malfunctions can be attributed to a weak recoil spring.

Anytime I buy a 1911 I swap the recoil spring because most people don't no matter how many rounds down range. It is cheap insurance.

Dolomite

[Guest tymekeeper]

Great education today, thanks to each of you.  I had no idea a recoil spring would shorten......and although I'm just a casual shooter I have easily put 20 boxes through my other 1911s over the past 5-6 years.  Looks like I'm in the market for several 18 lb springs. 

 

Dolomite, do you know a reasonable source for springs in the Knoxville area?  I'm sure I can find them online but I like to shop locally when practical.

[Dolomite_supafly]

Look on Ebay. I buy them all the time for under $7 shipped.

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=1911+recoil+spring&_frs=1

 

Dolomite

[j2flan]

http://www.americanclassic1911forum.com/forumsii/showthread.php?78-Spring-Things-Recoil-and-the-1911&s=7a8a69a2b7994

 here is an intresting read on 1911 recoil springs.

Recoil springs do take a "set" but that dosen`t change their work rate. Hope this helps some.