[Minuteman1]

I would like to use my Colt Gold Cup NM MKIV S80 .45ACP for personal defense. Is it necessary to change the recoil spring before using Speer Gold Dot or other full power loads?

[BBBBill]

If you don't know what # recoil spring is currently installed or if it has a few thousand rounds on it, then it would be a very good idea.

[Minuteman1]

Sorry, should have mentioned it is the "stock" spring with very few rounds.

[hoghunting]

I don't know if Colt was using heavier recoil springs in the Series 80 GC, but the Series 70 Gold Cup had recoil springs for light target loads. To be safe, I would replace the recoil spring using a 16# Government Model spring. It is cheap insurance.

[loadedround]

The newer Gold Cups come with two main springs a 14 lb for bullseye and a 16 lb for hard ball. I would be safe and replace yours with an aftermarket 16 lb spring by Wolff or other well know company to be safe.