'the little stick-on dampers that go on the rear of the guide rod; are they necessary? On a Steele Frame Comander size? Thanks for any thoughts.

Shok Buffs aren't needed and shouldn't be used on the shorter guns, most especially not used if the gun is carried or used for self defense.
You're much better off just keeping a good reasonably fresh recoil spring in the gun.
I know some companies put them in a brand new gun and yes I even use them in my older Colt Gold Cups (due to the lightened slides) but mostly what they do is take money from your pocket and put it in someone elses.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

Les Baer does not recommend the "recoil buffer". The only reason he started shipping with them is because so many people were calling about them, it bacame a nuisance. I remove them. All they do is get chewed up and cause debris inside the pistol. Others might have a different opinion. If you want to use one, I uderstand the Wison recoil buffer is one of the most durable.

I have used them, and really cant tell a difference with or without them

My Les Baer Premier 2 came with a buffer and it was in pieces before 500 rounds had been fired. I've never had a Wilson buffer fail me but now use them only in the older GCNM as previously stated.
Using a buffer may also make it more difficult or impossible to drop the slide by pulling it rearward due the the extra material now present. It did so with my LB and my Colt's.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

I have used buffers, but when one "mushed out" and bound up my gun I no longer use them. If you are shooting a lot of competition with major loads, they can be useful, but get a quality one, and change often.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I too have experienced jams when attempting to use the shock buff in a Colt Commander XSE. Really offer limited value in my personal opinion. Just keep a few extra recoil springs on hand and chnage after every 5000 rounds.

Shok Buffs are a perfect solution for a problem which does not exist.

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John

So very well said!

Hmmmmmm! Very interesting responses.

I have a 1911 that I smithed together about thirty years ago. I put a Shock Buff in it and have change it a few times. They don't really last that long, but they do look like they might be useful.

Yes, I know that when they get "chewed up" they can cause a failure.

Interesting reading...I might reconsider my use.

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G.P. Charlie

They're about as useful as faucets on a male pig. Don't waste your time or money on them.

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OFT/NRA LIFE MEMBER

As long as your 1911 is ejecting the empties about 4'-6', you aren't doing any real damage to your frame. If they're going 10'-12' you need to increase your recoil spring weight to keep from damaging your frame. This is assumng steel frames.

Buck

I always use them in my alloy frame Kimber Compact Custom Aluminum 1911 with a full length guide rod. Never felt a need for them in a steel frame 1911.

Class III

OFT
Faucets as you call them have some very important functions on a Boar (male pig). The number of faucets is very important on a sow (mother pig). To get the proper numbers of faucets and ones that work, the number of and shape of the faucets on the boar (daddy pig) must be considered when choosing breeding stock.

I use them.

I inspect on cleaning and if it appears cut or damage, I replace.

I used them on my Officers, Govt and now my alloy frame Commander.

It just makes me feel good. I have never had an issue.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

I have a LW Commander. I use the ones from Wilson and have never had a problem. I replace then when they start looking chewed up.
Cheap insurance on an aluminum framed Colt. They will crack.

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Fuego

I don't use them, but years ago I did for quite a while. If the gun is fit properly they don't really offer any additional protection for the gun.

The one very important thing to make sure of if you use them is to ensure that the recoil spring is not coil binding (where the spring can't compress any more) prior to the end of the slide's rearward travel. If it is you'll eventually crack the slide. R,

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USPSA TY23298

In my experience, (well... not mine personally, I'm not 1911-oriented, but a lot of folks in our gun club are) Joni_Lynn pretty much hit the nail on the head.