S&W 1911 SC .45 ACP Commander model Question.

[Flinter 2]

I have a pre E model S&W SC Commander model .45 ACP and a S&W Classic model 1911 full sized .45ACP, I have no issue with the all steel Classic full sized 1911, but I have a great deal of trouble racking the slide on the Commander model, I would like to replace the recoil spring with a lighter spring, I understand that doing so would increase felt recoil, I can live with that but I don't want to cause undue stress on the frame or locking lugs.
I have had Colt aluminum framed 1911 Commanders in the past and normally they have 16 pound recoil springs, I believe the recoil spring on my S&W Commander is a bit over 20 pounds, has anyone here have any experience or advice to offer in that direction ?
Any help that may be forth coming is appreciated.

 

[BarryinIN]

I have a pre E model S&W SC Commander model .45 ACP and a S&W Classic model 1911 full sized .45ACP, I have no issue with the all steel Classic full sized 1911, but I have a great deal of trouble racking the slide on the Commander model, I would like to replace the recoil spring with a lighter spring, I understand that doing so would increase felt recoil, I can live with that but I don't want to cause undue stress on the frame or locking lugs.
I have had Colt aluminum framed 1911 Commanders in the past and normally they have 16 pound recoil springs, I believe the recoil spring on my S&W Commander is a bit over 20 pounds, has anyone here have any experience or advice to offer in that direction ?
Any help that may be forth coming is appreciated.

The original Colt Commander/LW Commander recoil spring was 18lb. I would say you’d be OK going to that if you stay with standard pressure ammo.

I know that’s not much of a reduction, but sometimes a little means a lot.

 

[PittsByrd]

I have a pre E model S&W SC Commander model .45 ACP and a S&W Classic model 1911 full sized .45ACP, I have no issue with the all steel Classic full sized 1911, but I have a great deal of trouble racking the slide on the Commander model, I would like to replace the recoil spring with a lighter spring, I understand that doing so would increase felt recoil, I can live with that but I don't want to cause undue stress on the frame or locking lugs.
I have had Colt aluminum framed 1911 Commanders in the past and normally they have 16 pound recoil springs, I believe the recoil spring on my S&W Commander is a bit over 20 pounds, has anyone here have any experience or advice to offer in that direction ?
Any help that may be forth coming is appreciated.

Are you sure your Colt commander information is for the 45 ACP? I believe Colt also made LW commanders for 9mm loads; perhaps the spring strenght you refer to is for that or some other lower energy load.

 

[scottr]

I thought 16# is for 5”, and 18# for 4.25”.

You could also consider the mainspring and the firing pin stop to control unlocking and slide recoil.

 

[M29since14]

If you use mostly target loads you could probably change to a 16# spring but the easier way to load your Commander without going to a non-standard spring is just to cock the hammer before you retract the slide. 18# is the normal spring for a .45 Commander.

 

[mikede]

If I am not mistaken 18LB is the recoil spring weight . I have the S&W 1911sc PD . Not the e series . Mine has been very reliable! Outstanding pistol!

 

[mikede]

Just a suggestion . Shoot the pistol more . It should lighten up . Changing the spring could affect the reliability of the pistol . JMHo

 

[Andre_Coop]

I read somewhere it's a 24#. Mine spits brass everywhere. I want to tame that, therefore, I might go 26# if I can find one.

As far as stiffness, mine loosened up around 300-350 rounds out. It's not easy, but it's much smother know than when fresh from the box. My 5" is a smooth operator, and I say that because it truly is as smooth as my SA Operator, and was four bones less costly!

Try polishing the disconnector, and clean up the the slide/disconnector recess, and front edge of the slide. There's several youtubes out there, and several from reputable smith's. I did this to a budget Tisas, and it worked as advertised. I've also done some polishing on my SA Ronin, and it has settled in nicely.

Just remember, for every spring change, there's a equal reaction somewhere else on a 1911. Too light? Fail to chamber! Too heavy? Fail to lock to the rear/and stovepipes. Just right? Flawless action, sights don't move much. brass lands to your right about 6 feet away.
Reducing main spring weight reduces hammer strike! If your using a light/skeleton hammer, this will quickly become apparent. Also, too light on both, and you start smashing slide and receiver pieces into each other...