Shock buffs on a S&W 1911 .45 ACP?

[Mike W.]

I've used Wilson buffers in my Colt Series 80 for the last fifteen years or so. It functions well with it and I'm using stock rated springs.

As some have said, not all guns function with them. I suppose if I owned one of those guns, I wouldn't use them but if your pistol does function, why not use them? As long as you properly maintain the gun and inspect the buffer, the chances of having one come apart are slim. They don't cost very much, so replace them whenever you feel it necessary.

They're cheap insurance, in my opinion.

 

[MWB]

"I never use them in carry guns, since I have seen them come apart and tie up guns. One other note: The correct way to tune slide velocity in a 1911 is with the mainspring, and if need be, with an EGW flat-bottom firing pin stop. Excessive recoil spring weight (anything above about 18.5 lbs.) in a 5" 1911 .45 is not only unnecessary, it can cause extractor breakage and malfunctions, due to excessive forward velocity of the slide." - +1 for the entire quote; it is spot-on.

As far as shock buffs being cheap insurance, that is a really bad idea. 1911 pistols can be fussy enough without adding yet another thing to screw up the works. Murphy will make certain that the shock buff you carefully inspected will shred itself and tie up your pistol after your first shot misses or otherwise fails to stop the bad guy...