E series

[epj]

There were two copies of the E series under the tree. Both 5" stainless, standard models. Also a STI Trojan in 9mm. Sort of fitting for Xmas 2011, I guess.
Anyway, as to the S&W's. Both are very difficult to rack the slide and to cock the hammer. With the hammer down, it's all I can do to get the slide back far enough to lock it back. The guns both seem to have very stiff recoil springs and hammer (main) springs. Are these stiff springs really necessary? I'm hypothesizing the stiff hammer spring has to do with the light firing pin. Don't know about the recoil spring.
The STI racks like the slide was on ball bearings. Being a 9mm, it has a lighter recoil spring, but the manspring is a lot lighter as well.
I'm wondering if I can replace the two springs with lighter ones without rendering the guns unreliable.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Hilton Yam (10-8 Performance) evaluated the Eseries 5" and had spring failures.

He suggested to SW on spring changes.

My custom springer MC OP is very stiff to rack....so I know what you mean.

However functions perfect with factory ball.

If you are going to shoot lighter reloads....you may need a spring change....however if you are going to shoot fac/ball stick with what it has and then if you still don't like...change to your liking after 500 or so rounds.....its a 1911!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[epj]

Hummmm.. What kind of "spring failures"?

 

[SW CQB 45]

Original factory springs fatigued early on his test and led to some failures.

My home computer crashed....but let me seeif I can find the post on the 1911forum.

 

[SW CQB 45]

S&W "E" Series 1911, first look - 10-8 Forums

I am sure you have read this post. Hilton said his test gun ran fine with ball but had spring fatigue with hotter defensive ammo.

He recommended 18.5 recoil and 23lbs mainspring.

I read somewhere that these were going to be recommended to SW.

Not sure if that is what your gun is wearing but my MC OP is sporting the same spring set up and my comp colt has 16lbs recoil and 19lbs mainspring and racking the slide is much easier.

Save the factory springs for defensive ammo and play with lighter for ball or target ammo.