1911 spring weight

[MR.J]

I broke in my two Les Baer 1911's(5in concept 3, 5in TRS)I wanted to replace the recoil springs with ISMI CS springs, what spring weight should i use?The load's im going to use 99% of the time will be factory 230gr ball ammo.I was going to go with a 18lbs spring or should i go with the standerd 16lbs spring?

[13F3OL7]

I generally run a 16# spring in mine since I don't shoot a lot of +P ammo.

[SCULLY]

I asked LAV, what he recommends to use in my Vickers Tactical, he said 18lb recoil spring.

[toddackerman]

I asked LAV, what he recommends to use in my Vickers Tactical, he said 18lb recoil spring.

Yup! For lighter loads other than SD, you can use a 16# or even lighter like 12# -14# the match shooters do. But if you want full force forward and recoil reduction from 230 Gn SD loads go with the 18#. I also suggest a 19# main spring in tandem with your 18# recoil spring.

[MR.J]

Thanks to all for takeing the time to answer my question.I thought LAV said 18lbs also,i just wanted to make sure thats was the right weight.(18lbs)

[hoveyh]

I run a 230gr Zero ball handload of 745fps ... I forget the factory specs but my load might be a litlte under it .... over the years I varied the recoil spring between 16, 16.5, and a 18lb all the time running the same reload. I recently tried a 14lb spring and was amazed at how easily the gun sat in my hand under recoil. It felt like I just got a license to cheat. I too have read that some swear by a 12lb spring ..... It depends on your load, your stance, your grip ... how the setup feels in your hands and how your eyes track your sights. Try the different weights. Have fun.

Harold H.

[13F3OL7]

I asked LAV, what he recommends to use in my Vickers Tactical, he said 18lb recoil spring.

I'd be interested in knowing why he recommends an 18# spring.

[the1911fan]

If your running the square bottom FPS the 16 Lb. recoil spring is recommended and 23 Lb. mainspring

[SCULLY]

I'd be interested in knowing why he recommends an 18# spring.

I asked him what springs he recommends for my Vickers 1911 (while mine was being built, i wanted to order some extra recoil springs), all he said was 18lb recoil and a 19lb mainspring. He didnt go into detail and why, and i cetainly didnt question him All he said was the poundage, and i took that as good as gold. Sorry, im not much help.

[Juicymeat]

Stock Les Baer springs are Wolff 18.5lb variable. I'd stick with those if you've had good luck with them.