[xtreme122]

I have a Kimber Govt. I know that Kimber uses and recommends a 16lb. recoil spring.
Why do some people use 18.5lb.? Is this only to be used with with shok-buffs. Is 18.5lb better? What is the difference?

[This message has been edited by xtreme122 (edited 10-16-2001).]

 

[greg1]

After about 600 rounds through my Eclipse, I was still getting failures to feed (FTF). I changed out my factory 16 lb. spring to a 18.5 lb. from Wilson Combat, along with their shok-buffs. Since installation, I haven't had a single FTF and the recoil is a little less sharp.
I suspect my problem had to do with my slide rails still being a bit tight, even though I've kept them well lubricated. The extra friction works against the recoil spring and slide stripping the next cartridge out of the magazine and into battery. It may be that when the pistol has a bit more wear, I could go back to the 16 lb. spring and still have no FTF's. Many contributors to this forum report no problems at all with the 16 lb. spring, so it may be that just a little more friction than usual makes the 16 lb. spring marginal.
Even though I installed the Shok-buffs, there is no requirement where the 18.5 lb. spring is concerned - it will work with or without.

[This message has been edited by greg (edited 10-16-2001).]

 

[xtreme122]

I saw somewhere on the forum that you should use the 18.5lb. for hot loads. Does that mean 230g? My pistol seems to be working ok shooting 230g with the original 16lb. spring, is it better for the gun to use 18.5lb with 230g?

 

[dla]

A full-size 1911, especially my Kimber, doesn't seem to care what the poundage of the recoil spring is, as long as it is greater than 16lb. Mine works with a 24lb spring as well as the 18.5lb. Balance, i.e. how the pistol feels when it fires, is another issue.

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Have a great day!

 

[greg1]

I've used S&B 230gr. ball almost exclusively, before and after the switch to the 18.5 lb. spring. I agree with dla in principle, where most jacketed ammo is concerned. For light reloads, however, you may want to go to a lighter spring than 16 lb.
The recoil spring has two jobs. The first is to buffer recoil and to make sure the slide and barrel stay locked up long enough for the bullet to leave the barrel. This first action also compresses the spring. If the recoil from a light load is not enough overcome the force of the recoil spring and to move the slide all the way to the rear, then you may have ejection problems or a FTF.
The second job is what I refered to in my last reply -- the spring has to have enough force to overcome all the mechanical resistance and chamber the next round.
Now, having said all this, you could forget the rocket science and take a shortcut. Check out http://www.gunsprings.com/SemiAuto/Colt.html#Colt1911 and place an order for some stiffer springs, and try 'em out. The cost is $7.89 each, plus shipping. Good luck!

[This message has been edited by greg (edited 10-16-2001).]

[This message has been edited by greg (edited 10-16-2001).]

 

[xtreme122]

Greg, thanks you for all the information.

 

[greg1]

xtreme122,

Another (cheaper) source of those springs is Wilson Combat's site. The link is attached.
http://www.wilsoncombat.com/accessories/springs.asp