1911 Main Spring factory weight?

Rastoff

Rastoff

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As I look at various sites for parts, I see that the mainspring comes in several different weights.

What is the weight of the factory main spring for a SW1911?
 
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max said:
I believe the factory MAIN SPRING is 23 lbs and the RECOIL SPRING IS 16.
Click to expand...

This question comes up often, could you expand on the differences of "main" and reccoil"... even I'm confused by the post... and own several 1911's

Thanks,
Bob
 
The Main Spring Housing, the part below the the rear grip safety and on the back strap of the pistol, is were the main spring goes.

Recoil spring is the spring under the barrel,,,,,,,

And Max is correct, those are the correct weights for those springs.


JB
 
The term 'main spring' dates back to muzzle loading days. It's the spring that powers the hammer and was the largest spring in most muzzle loaders. In most autos it's usually placed under the hammer somewhere. In the Colt Government Model it's in the 'mainspring housing' or 'arched housing' at the rear of the grip.

The 'recoil spring' is the spring that slows the rearward motion of the slide when the weapon is fired, and then returns the slide to battery. In autos it's usually the largest and most powerful spring in the pistol. In S&W designs, the Colt government model and most (not all) other autos, it lives under the barrel.
 
Brass Nuggets said:
This question comes up often, could you expand on the differences of "main" and reccoil"... even I'm confused by the post... and own several 1911's

Thanks,
Bob
Click to expand...

The MAINSPRING is the spring on the hammer strut inside the frame. It applies force to drop the hammer.
The RECOIL Spring, inside the slide, applies force against recoil of the bullet to return the slide into battery.
 
That's a good question Brass Nuggets.

There are 5 springs in the 1911 handgun or 6 if you count the one in the magazine; Recoil, Main, Sear, Plunger Detent and Firing Pin Return. Some of these have been answered already, but here's a list anyway:

Recoil- Sits under barrel. Takes up the recoil of the slide as it moves backward. This spring comes in many different weights. The weight should be picked based on the bullet weight, speed and gun usage. When properly chosen, this helps control recoil/muzzle flip.

Main- Inside the Main Spring Housing which makes up the back strap just below the grip safety. Provides the force for the hammer. This one can be replaced to help improve trigger feel.

Sear- This is a flat leaf type spring that operates the grip safety, sear and trigger all at the same time. It resides in the handle under the grip safety and main spring housing.

Plunger Detent- This one is in that little tube at the top of the left grip. It holds one plunger against the safety and another against the slide stop. This keeps both parts from moving when they shouldn't.

Firing Pin Return- The firing pin sits inside this spring. As the name implies, it moves the firing pin backward after firing. This spring and the Recoil spring are usually changed together.

I have no intention of stepping on anyone's toes with this, I just thought it would be nice to have it all in one place. Please speak up with corrections if I have anything wrong.
 
It should be noted that there is a ballanced relationship between the main and recoil springs. They both work togeather to absorb energy from the shot. i.e Folks sometime replace the main spring to get a lighter trigger pull then note a slightly harsher recoil cycle. There is lots written on ballancing the two but it's generally accepted that changing one, will effect how the other performs. Some manufacturers market a reduced/ extra power spring kit that does it for you.
 
Folks,
Thank you for taking the time to post more details on 1911 springs... this is a very good thread and will show up in the search feature.

Bob
 
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