1911’s in general, 9mm versions specifically

[Formidilosus]

@Formidilosus @RockAndSage

With all these new guns, would you guys be able to give a quick recommendation on tuning recoil spring weights for the 1911? Also thoughts on fixed vs variable spring rates?

My new-to-me colt comes with 2 nested recoil springs (unknown round count, but assumed low). Wilson combat and oem colt extractors tuned without any hiccups. Standard PMC and Winchester 230 fmj is ejecting consistently but about 20-30ft. My impression is slide velocity is excessive, and I’m considering getting the Wolff spring kit.

Am I on the right track? Would you approach differently?

45 auto? And what specific Colt?

 

[43.6N]

45 auto? And what specific Colt?

Yep.
Colt “competition series”
45 Auto


Here’s what I mean by “nested” recoil springs.

 

[Formidilosus]

Yep.
Colt “competition series”
45 Auto
View attachment 1013396

Here’s what I mean by “nested” recoil springs.
View attachment 1013397

Ok.


For all standard 5”, 45 auto 1911’s: Wolfe 18.5lb recoil spring, 23lb mainspring. That’s it. All the other stuff blah blah blah. That combo will prove over time with standard, full power 230gr 45 ammo to be the simplest, most reliable setup. A properly turned extracted, and Tripo Cobra mags, Wilson ETM, and Ed Brown mags- and you are on a good path.
I have done hellacious things with 1911’s to absurdly high round counts, and have consistently had the most reliable pistols everywhere I shoot- not just the most reliable 1911’s. Just do not have any issues with the above spring combinations.

 

[43.6N]

Ok.


For all standard 5”, 45 auto 1911’s: Wolfe 18.5lb recoil spring, 23lb mainspring. That’s it. All the other stuff blah blah blah. That combo will prove over time with standard, full power 230gr 45 ammo to be the simplest, most reliable setup. A properly turned extracted, and Tripo Cobra mags, Wilson ETM, and Ed Brown mags- and you are on a good path.
I have done hellacious things with 1911’s to absurdly high round counts, and have consistently had the most reliable pistols everywhere I shoot- not just the most reliable 1911’s. Just do not have any issues with the above spring combinations.

Thank you sir

 

[RockAndSage]

Ok.


For all standard 5”, 45 auto 1911’s: Wolfe 18.5lb recoil spring, 23lb mainspring. That’s it. All the other stuff blah blah blah. That combo will prove over time with standard, full power 230gr 45 ammo to be the simplest, most reliable setup. A properly turned extracted, and Tripo Cobra mags, Wilson ETM, and Ed Brown mags- and you are on a good path.
I have done hellacious things with 1911’s to absurdly high round counts, and have consistently had the most reliable pistols everywhere I shoot- not just the most reliable 1911’s. Just do not have any issues with the above spring combinations.

Any recommendations on a recoil/mainspring combo for a carry-comped 5"? Barrel is 4", overall slide comes to Gvn't length with the comp.

 

[Formidilosus]

Any recommendations on a recoil/mainspring combo for a carry-comped 5"? Barrel is 4", overall slide comes to Gvn't length with the comp.

No sir, haven’t done much with those.

 

[JohnJohnson]

Picked up my P211 yesterday and mounted the red dot on it. I have absolutely zero idea how to evaluate the feel of a 2011 but the amount of slide wiggle is so small it's almost imperceptible. The trigger weight from the factory comes in at 3.5# as well so not horrible. It'll be a week or two until I can shoot it unfortunately. We have a snowstorm that will be shutting down the whole region for a few days and then I'm back to work.

 

[nephewjephew]

Ok.


For all standard 5”, 45 auto 1911’s: Wolfe 18.5lb recoil spring, 23lb mainspring. That’s it. All the other stuff blah blah blah. That combo will prove over time with standard, full power 230gr 45 ammo to be the simplest, most reliable setup. A properly turned extracted, and Tripo Cobra mags, Wilson ETM, and Ed Brown mags- and you are on a good path.
I have done hellacious things with 1911’s to absurdly high round counts, and have consistently had the most reliable pistols everywhere I shoot- not just the most reliable 1911’s. Just do not have any issues with the above spring combinations.

Are there any 9mm 4.25” combos that you have found that work as well as the above?

 

[TitsMcGee]

Are there any 9mm 4.25” combos that you have found that work as well as the above?

I'm using 14ib recoil, and 17ib main for commander length 9mm. That's what the Engineer Armory guy on yt suggested.

 

[Gstew1930]

I'm using 14ib recoil, and 17ib main for commander length 9mm. That's what the Engineer Armory guy on yt suggested.

You have a great user name lol

 

[Formidilosus]

Are there any 9mm 4.25” combos that you have found that work as well as the above?

I don’t have nearly the use on commander 9mm’s. But, will have some heavy use this year.

 

[lak2004]

I'm cheap and just looking to get into a larger framed, plinking 1911. Any reason to spend $160 more for the tisas stingray over the plain Jane commander? What about the nightstalker vs either?

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

 

[JF_Idaho]

@lak2004

Government style sights suck

 

[lak2004]

@lak2004

Government style sights suck

I noticed the beaver tail was different also, not sure how that effects hand position and shooting though.

 

[JF_Idaho]

Beavertail can give you a slightly higher grip and protects better from slide/hammer bite.

Other than nostalgia (which a tisas doesn't really have) I would avoid GI style.

 

[lak2004]

This is worth repeating!

Sights on option #1 suck more than a creedmoor owner...

Well shit, I own a creedmoor, maybe I should get option #1 and keep sucking?

 

[TreeDog]

Finally caved and got one to try out

 

[JefeRey]

I'm cheap and just looking to get into a larger framed, plinking 1911. Any reason to spend $160 more for the tisas stingray over the plain Jane commander? What about the nightstalker vs either?

Sent from my SM-S931U using Tapatalk

Picked up the Night Stalker a couple months ago in 10mm. Loving it. Might pick up the 9mm in the Stingray to have a 9. Price is hard to beat.

 

[ztc92]

Finally caved and got one to try outView attachment 1015995

Welcome to the club! I think that’s the same model I own. Feel free to PM if I can help with anything should you decide to do any upgrades. Mine has ran flawlessly with the upgraded bulletproof extractor and Mecgar mags.

 

[Gstew1930]

Got my grips in yesterday. Ive been enjoying learning how these guns work. I had to hand fit my bullet proof extractor. It took quite a bit of time with a file & a shit load of videos to get it to fit & function. I wasn't ever able to get that mainsping housing pin out so I guess ill save that trigger for my next one lol