[Hutch01]

I have a Colt Gold Cup Series 70 that has been in storgae for some years while I was outside the Country. I replaced the original factory spring some years ago, but don't recall what pound # spring is in it now. I want to shoot a mix of both normal and +P ammo, but mostly hardball with only the occassional +P load. It may also be a carry weapon for CCW use, as well. Opinions on spring size please?

 

[jockeys]

if your'e gonna use normal-high power ammo, i'd say go with a heavier spring. I've been pleased with a wolff 17.5# variable, but i've also had good results with the 18.5# variable. (note that the heavier one will NOT work with low power target loads, the gun won't cycle right.)

 

[Bula]

For +P and Hardball shooting, I'd go with a 18.5 Wolf, the kit sells for about $8 and comes with a heavy duty firing pin spring as well. Works great out of my 5" pistols.

 

[Hutch01]

Thanks a million...

I think maybe the present spring is #18.5, but I'm not sure. I don't think counting the coils would be very reliable in juding the size. I do know that I replaced the original Gold Cup Factory Spring some years ago along with the heavier Firing Pin spring. I believe that original GC Factory spring was # 14.5 and heavier loads beat the dickens out of the slide/frame. That, of course, was the reason for the original change.

For Range/Target I normally use Wally World WWB or Remington UMC in a 4" Kimber, but I want to starting shooting the Gold Cup again with the same ammo. I've ordered the XD Spring for the Kimber 4" in order to shoot some +p Ranger T and I wanted to do the same in the 5" Colt. I think the WWB and UMC stuff work work in both with the heavier springs, but there no harm asking others who have recent experience.

Although I will shoot +p in the Colt, I think standard Rangers will be very adequate in it. However, based upon what I'm seeing in the way of ballistics and testing, I think the 4" needs the +p. Of course, since it's an aluminum frame I won't shoot a lot. Just enough to ensure reliability and then just carry it a lot and shoot little....

 

[jockeys]

couting coils

counting coils will do nothing, spring poundage is based on wire diameter and alloy, not number of coils.

 

[Hutch01]

Thanks for the replies....

Yes, no doubt the coil count would not be terribly reliable. Although it is a Wolff Spring now installed, I'm sure they've changed their methods since I bought and installed that spring some years ago. Thanks for your reply.......

 

[carmoney]

For all-around use, I would strongly encourage sticking with the factory-spec 16# recoil spring. Experienced gunsmiths will tell you that heavy springs often create more problems than they solve....

Mike

 

[SAWBONES]

The 16# is standard for the 1911.
If you have failures to go into battery with a 16# recoil spring or if you shoot hotter loads on a consistent basis, an 18# ISMI or 18.5# Wolf spring might be a good choice for you.

 

[Jim Watson]

Good place for a rubber buffer, too. I never kicked the sights off a GC but have heard of many cases.

Strangely, the only gun I ever did kick the sight off of was my Ace .22. Oh, well, it needed a taller one for zero anyhow.