Recoil Spring Weight

I looked in the search function and read 3 previous threads on recoil springs and I also read the recent "Range Trip" thread. I realize there is no hard a fast absolute answer to the correct weight to be used.

I have my first ever 1911 on its way to me. It is a Hardball gun (with 18 1/2 lb spring for hardball) which I intend to also shoot wadcutter with. I will need a light spring if not shooting hardball-which will be most of the time. I will be shooting iron sights. I saw that Joe and Rob use a 10 lb recoil spring. I am assuming they are using a dot to shoot with. Will it make any difference to what weight recoil spring is needed if just shooting iron sights compared to a dot?

Come see us in the woods.
Jack

Jack,

The spring weight with a dot only matters if the dot is mounted on the slide. If you shoot a frame mounted dot it is the same as shooting one with iron sights. I have a 13# in my wad gun with a frame mounted dot shooting 3.8gr of Hercules Bullseye behind 200gr Star at the long line and 185gr Zero at the short line. I cant tell a difference in recoil between the two and to me the load is very nice to shoot. I think the guys shooting the 10# springs are using slide mounted dots. Ask around if you decide to shoot Bullseye powder because the new Alliant Bullseye I think is slightly different than the old Bullseye and you may need to up the powder charge a little.Good luck with your new .45 it's deffinately an adventure compared to that air pistol of yours. Scott

Jack,

If you gonna shoot opens - Bullseye Gear has springs in 1lb increments....If you gonna shoot 200gr with like 3.9 clays a 13-14 lb should do it ....If your gonna shoot 3.8 to 4.0 Bullseye 12-13 should work....I find Bullseye @ 4.0 grains shoots noticeable softer than clays ....Ive mounted a dot so I'm gonna try a 10-11 ....Bullseye gear has spring for like $6.89 I think

You want the heaviest weight spring that will lock the slide back after the last shot - most of the time. If the gun is functioning correctly and not throwing empty cases a mile - preferably right at your feet - you are using the right spring. My hard ball .45 has a 16# spring and functions fine with a 200 gr SWC over 4 gr of Bullseye.

12-13 should work fine

I certainly thank all of you for the replies. I had a feeling that having a dot mounted on the top would make a difference in the recoil spring weight. I will probably order three different weights and will have to try each starting with the heaviest and work my way down.

Scott-I am sorry you are having the lead problem. Yes, the 45 will be a new experience. You know I like the international shooting with the air pistol and free pistol. Greg Markowski, Emil Milev, and a couple of other fellows were after me to get a 22 to shoot standard and possibly rapid fire. I did pick up a 22. I reasoned that BE matches would be good training with the 22. Naturally everyone at the BE matches is after me to get a 45. It will be here tomorrow. A friend is going to load some ammo for me. I know that is my next step; reloading. I just need to find an extra 6 hours in a day.

Come see us in the woods.

Have fun with the .45 Jack, I just set up a Range Officer and have been enjoying it. I would make a suggestion as you are new to it as I am try some 185 or 200 lswc at like 3.8-4.0 of BE it shots very accurately and the recoil isnt bad ....not that target loads have alot of recoil but you as I have been shooting alot of AP and .22 ..the .45 is a whole different bird and I think it takes some getting used to I am just now getting slow fire scores in the low 80's and have been able to manage alittle timed fire....havent try any rapid yet.. Ive never shot a 230gr ball one handed may have to try it with my carry gun just to see how it feels.......again enjoy the new toy

Jack,

That is how this pistol shooting addiction works. One gun leads to the other which leads to another. I know a lot of guys that will only shoot "bullseye" but I like shooting them all. I bought a $150 barrel for my model 41 to shoot standard pistol. I used it twice and then HAD to buy a new Walther SSP. I think standard pistol is one of the funnest and got my masters classification in it a couple weeks ago. Right now I am turning a new Springfield Range Officer into a service pistol for "leg" matches and am anxious to see how it turns out. Who knows whats next... Scott

4.2 grains of bullseye under a 200 grain lead swc will run a ball gun as is.

I have a 22 lb spring in my ball gun and the 4.2 gr/lead swc runs it just fine.



Dave C.