I ordered Wolff Springs Reduced Power Recoil Springs....

[fullautovalmet76]

One of these will go into my Government 1911. It came with three extra power firing pin springs. Do I need to replace this too? I want to shoot the gun in competition, so I'm wondering what else will need to do.

Changing the recoil spring is easy. It's the other stuff I'm not sure about.

Thanks!
-FA

[ellis4538]

You need to give us a few more details please.  About the base gun and what type of competition.

Richard

[Majer]

FA, changing the firing pin springs is easy, all you need it a small punch to push the firing pin in then slide the firing pin keeper down carefully so the firing pin and spring don't launch themselves once the keeper is removed, reinstall in reverse order.
all the usual disclaimers apply for safety.

[Big Frank]

You need a heavy duty firing pin spring with a heavier recoil spring because the slide slams hard enough to move the firing pin. I don't know why you would need it for a lighter recoil spring.

[twyacht]

Always have had noticeable improvements with Wolff springs. Had my S&W full size 1911, Walther PPK/S, and EAA Witness compact .40 all Wolff'd.....

Very reliable tutorial that may help. Changing the firing pin spring on a Kimber 1911.

[Sponsor]

[fullautovalmet76]

You need to give us a few more details please.  About the base gun and what type of competition.

Richard

I have a STI Spartan in 45 ACP. I am currently shooting it in USPSA in L-10. The load I'm using is 230 gr ball on 4.1 gr. of Ramshot Competition; OAL of 1.255".

I hope that helps more. Thanks for your's and everyone's suggestions.

-FA

[kmitch200]

So you're near the max load and you want a reduced power recoil spring WHY???

[fullautovalmet76]

So you're near the max load and you want a reduced power recoil spring WHY???

Well as I understand it, a reduced spring on a reduced load will offer a shorter cycle time on the slide thereby allowing faster recovery to get back on target. I didn't think I would need to change much on the spring, maybe down to 15 or 14 pounds. I was wondering if there were any other springs that needed to be changed, other than the firing ping spring (if that), in order to get proper performance from the gun. That's really what I was trying to focus on.

I don't want this to get off on ballistics, which would move it to the Reloading forum, but I would like to know what is/are the downside(s)? Thanks for your help!

[MikeBjerum]

FA,

I'm scratching my head on your load and spring choice.

MAX  LOAD  FOR  RAMSHOT  COMPETITION  POWDER is a 230 grain bullet over 4.0 grains of powder.  This will give you a power factor of 185 (20 above need for major).  You are adding another grain of powder to that.

You have picked the fastest burning of the Ramshot powders.

#1 - If you are going to stay with this load make sure you are running a buffer!  You are going to beat your gun to pieces, and a light recoil spring will just make it worse.

My recommendation, and this is just my opinion based off my experience,  Stay with Ramshot, drop down to a 155 grain semi wadcutter moly or jacketed hollow point if you can find them, and dial in your powder for a 1,095 fps average.  This will give you a 169 power factor.

From my research the above load is within SAMI and Ramshot specs for reloading, but I will leave it up to you to decide if it is right for you.

Fast burning powder pushing a light bullet fast will give you less felt recoil.  You will need to play with the springs to see what is 100% reliable, but I would add the buffer if you go to the lighter spring.

In my open gun I am throwing 155 grain at a power factor of nearly 200, and I use a light spring and a buffer.  However, with the compensator I need that power to operate.  Even with that power it is smooth and low felt recoil.  With your stock (basically) 1911 you don't need racing fuel.  Pump gas will run you just fine even with these minimal modifications.

Last thought - Experimenting with springs is like finding a holster you like:  You can end up with a box full of "experience" before you know it    Enjoy the experiment, keep lots of notes in a permanent notebook for the gun, and don't be afraid to back up and start over.

[ellis4538]

m58, he is just 1/10'gr over max not 1 gr.  But, I agree with you...it is not a reduced load and shouldn't require a different recoil spring. 

FA, did you crono that load?  Is it from a published manual?  Hodgdon has reloading data available on the web...check it out.  I am not familure with Ramshot so I can't comment too much.

FWIW


Richard