[evert]

In the recent thread about recoilsprings, the effect of the mainspring was mentioned as a major factor in reducing the slidevelocity.

My question might deserve this new thread: when they did the 1911 to 1911a1 canges (back in 1923 or something) they also changed the radius of the firingpin-stopplate, and thereby the geometry between the hammer and the slide.

Did they also change the mainsprings weight when they changed the geometry?

[10X]

The recoil spring specs were stated in number of coils and diameter of wire for the spring. In later days this was interpreted in the 16 lb recoil spring that we know today.

Likewise the main (hammer) spring was interpreted to the 23 lb spring.

These specs were constant in the production of 1911s and 1911a1s.

The change in firing pin stop radius was made early in the production of the 1911.

[1911Tuner]

The original recoil spring specified in wire diameter and number of active coils...as compared to Wolff's present designs...works out to about 14.5 pounds.

Later, when the spring was shortened 2 turns, and the wire largened...:D ... it still works out to about the same. Dunno when 16 became the standard...or how.

The mainspring underwent a similar change as well...and it works out to be 22-23 pounds either way.

The change in the firing pin stop radius was effected in January, 1918...from a .078 radius...5/64ths...to7/32nds, in response to the troops' complaints that the gun was difficult to hand cycle with the hammer down.