I have a S&W 1911 Compact ES (4.25"), and I just bought a S&W 1911 Subcompact Pro (3".) I have asked my LGS to order a 5" for me.

Anyway, I just got home from the gun shop with the subcompact, and as I was unpacking it, I came across an envelope that has two springs in it, which I assume are guide rod/recoil springs. The was nothing on the envelope, it was just a plain manila envelope...and this is a new gun, in fact it was made in May 2010.

I assume they are including extra recoil springs, since you are supposed to change them more often? Seems I read somewhere that in these 3" barrel S&Ws, they need to be changed about every 300 rounds or so.

Is that it?

Since this is obviously such a hot topic I decided to call S&W. The answer, if anyone else but me cares, is that the springs were just "extras" included, and that the recommended change interval is 5K rounds for LEOs. For us casual shooters, it can go 10K rounds, more or less, depending on loads (hotter loads take a bigger toll, obviously.)

None of my other S&Ws came with extra springs, but maybe since this is a Pro series model, you get some extra goodies. Anyway, now all the arguing and debating can cease...we have an answer.

I got to finally handle one of these yesterday at a local shop. Definately on the list now.

The grips suck, IMO...but that is fairly easily remedied. I am looking at some options online now.

What a rip...I didn't get extra springs with mine .. :-(

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JR

I've heard stories of some gun shops removing some things, especially "extras" that you wouldn't expect to get. This one shop I trade at most frequently has a sign posted in their store that says they do not remove anything...that every gun sold there (new ones, of course) is sold exactly as it comes equipped from the supplier.

Of course, it might be that someone just forgot to put some in yours before it left the factory....I dunno.

Mine didn't come with any either...

Hmmmmmmm, I wonder where they went....

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Jack C