Shock Buff Question

[rainman]

It's been a while since I've been into the 1911 and was wondering what the latest wisdom was regarding the use of shock buffs.

From what I recall (mid-90's, for perspective)...
Use shock buffs only for practice/range-days to mitigate slide/frame battering.
Do NOT use for carry/SHTF due to possibility of the buff coming apart.

Is the above still good advice?

Is there a particular brand of shock buff that's favored?

Thanks in advance.


-Rainman

[gaijin]

Make certain your frame has a proper "Bow Tie", or relief cut on the VIS (Vertical Impact Surface) so the barrels lower lugs don't impact the frame, run proper main/hammer springs for ammo you're shooting- and one can forget about "Shok-Buffs".

I don't think the Shok Buffs are "a thing" anymore, although I confess to a period of using them (briefly) when they first came out.

[Hammer27]

I've heard a lot people say "it depends" and others say not to use them.
The original MEU(SOC) 1911 manual said to have them in the gun; I've done so and never had an issue. This is all with government sized single stacks in .45ACP.

[1986s4]

I've had one in my .38 super for a few years, no issues but I haven't looked at it since 12/17

[Bantee]

I run Wilson Combat Shok-Buffs in a Springer TRP .45 7,000 rounds, & a Beretta M9A3 3,200 rounds & have never had a malf that wasn't attributed to ammo.
I do replace them every 1,500 rounds...(I believe Wilsons advises replacement every 500 rounds)
That being said, I also replace my recoil springs every 3,000 rounds.
I do carry with the Buffs installed, & check them for wear/deterioration every cleaning.

[tb-av]

I have used them and never had a problem... until the beginning of one match... then I had a problem. They are associated with Murphy's Law. They are also cheap enough to replace which I apparently did not do until it failed.

[dwhitehorne]

I’ve got a Wilson set up you can have. Their flat wire set up and shock buffer caused my perfectly functional Springfield loaded to malfunction. Also the slide stopped locking to the rear. Took the buffer out and the pistol was fine again. David

[graydog1]

I use the Wilson Combat ones in government size 1911 carry guns with no issues. I get about 250 to 300 rounds thru each range session. I keep plenty on hand and inspect during every cleaning, replace as needed.

[Jason Burton]

Were I to use a Shock-Buff in my guns I would likely use the Wilson offering. My personal feeling is that, if used, it would be in practice sessions and not be in a carry gun.

The potential benefits of a Shock-Buff can be debated but they do seem to change the 'feel' of the gun as the slide reaches it reward most point in the firing cycle.

Some guns (especially those shorter than a Government Model) may become finicky with a Shock-Buff installed.

[maximus83]

Were I to use a Shock-Buff in my guns I would likely use the Wilson offering. My personal feeling is that, if used, it would be in practice sessions and not be in a carry gun.

The potential benefits of a Shock-Buff can be debated but they do seem to change the 'feel' of the gun as the slide reaches it reward most point in the firing cycle.

Some guns (especially those shorter than a Government Model) may become finicky with a Shock-Buff installed.

Good to hear your thoughts on this. I used one briefly years ago, then totally quit using them in my 1911's. I didn't ever notice any impact.

[rainman]

Many thanks for the replies.


-Rainman

[halfmoonclip]

What problem is the shok-buff trying to solve? If the gun isn't suffering frame damage, (which is indicative of another problem?), leave well enough alone.
Moon

[rodinal220]

Saw this thread and it reminded me of when I took my vintage 1980s "pin gun" out last year. The gun is a Colt series 70 built up in classic 80s styling,two tone, Bomars , ambi Swenson safeties, single port Wilson LEK(?) comp, two piece guide rod with shock buff(Wilson). I had not shot the gun in years. It always had great reliability with proper ammo and mags, ran like a Singer sewing machine.

I decide it was retro pistol day and took it to the range adding some fresh lube. The pistol choked into the first mag, locked up solid. When I was able to get it apart, I found the shock buff from probably 8+ years ago had disintegrated. All those little pieces of "buff" material jammed Ol-slab sides up good and tight.

I was always told that you don't use shock buffs for duty or self-defense guns, only on gamer guns, I believe that stands correct. I normally switched them out every 1K rounds on my old match gun and they gave great service. I would never use them on a personal defense pistol. On a gamer gun, switch them out and inspect them often!!

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

I always take them out of my guns, even my Wilsons. Seems to be of minimal benefit vs. adding another failure point to the 1911. But I could see running one if you had a carry 1911 and an identical range 1911 that you shot the crap out off. I have definitely had them fall apart on me. It is too bad they couldn't make it out of that material H&K uses.