When to replace spring on 1911?

[Jose]

So I was thinking about this last night while cleaning one of my 1911's. I've never replaced the spring on it. I've owned it close to 11 years now, shot it fairly regularly. Never had an issue with it. Can't say I did it either when I had a Glock 27 for right around 10 years. I did manage to break the factory one within a couple of minutes shooting some +P Corbons but Glock was kind enough to send me a replacement (after I had already bought one locally).

So how often should a spring be replaced?

[Moose242]

Do you carry it?

[YALE]

If it's a bunch shorter, it's time to change it.

[Jose]

Do you carry it?

Yes, I have two 1911's that I rotate around for carry duty. I'm going to assume based on the time that it would be a good idea to just go ahead and change it.

If it's a bunch shorter, it's time to change it.

I have no idea what to compare the length to. I'm guessing that maybe a spring manufacture like Wilson or Wolff will likely have the length of the spring as part of their specs. As I mentioned above, probably a good idea that I not be a cheap ass and just go ahead and change it. I've always gone by if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[YALE]

Most 1911 guys replace them every few thousand rounds. Your mileage may vary.

[Jose]

So I started looking around at recoil springs and came across this while trying to figure out what size to order.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IuM8DPCN1_PHqfWZFNGxzNGl7LdKF_T4TNNtpl6OCZ8/edit

When is it time to change your recoil spring?

• If you start getting failures to return to battery while feeding it may be an indication that your recoil spring is losing some of its overall length.

• Typically, compact pistols will require more frequent length recoil spring changes than standard pistols.

• If your Shok-Buff recoil buffer is becoming torn within a few hundred rounds after installation, that is also evidence that your recoil spring is ready to be replaced.

• Any easy way to check for a worn spring is to compare your recoil spring versus a new spring of the same weight and brand. If your spring has lost approximately one-half an inch of overall length, it is time to replace your spring. To ensure this you should always have extra recoil springs of your desired weight(s) on hand.

• Any time you buy a second-hand or older 1911 pistol, it is a good idea to bring all unknown poundage springs back to factory spec for reliable operation. New, quality springs are a cheap insurance policy against malfunctions and pistol damage.

• If your ejection or extraction pattern suddenly changes, you may have a weakened recoil spring

It also gives some information on how to choose the right recoil spring and also offers other advise.