1911 Problem?

[lpsharp88]

I went to the range today and put a box of Winchester White Box 230gr .45 through my Springfield GI Model 1911 and noticed something kinda funny. There was a couple times (no more than 5) that the recoil felt funny. The best way to describe it is mushy and the slide seemed to return to battery a little slower. The funny recoil didn't cause any malfunctions and I have put about 1,500 rounds through it total. It has happened before, but I just wrote it off as a fluke. My question is, is that caused by me having a bad grip/limp wristing, or is it something else?
Thanks!

 

[Jim K]

There have been reports of inconsistent loading with Winchester WB. It sounds like a light load rather than a gun problem, so my first thought is to try different ammo. If you want, you can write Winchester and report the problem. Be sure to give them the lot number and place and date of purchase.

Jim

 

[smoakingun]

limp wristing may be an issue, but the only way to know for sure is to head back to the range, focus on making sure your wrist, and the rest of your arm, is rigid.

another probable cause comes from a warped recoil spring. If there is no full length guide rod, the spring can bind if it is wearing out

 

[lpsharp88]

another probable cause comes from a warped recoil spring. If there is no full length guide rod, the spring can bind if it is wearing out

I'll have to field strip it and have a look, but IIRC from the last time I cleaned it, the spring was pretty straight. I have the GI style guide rod, but have been considering trying out a full length guide rod just for fun. What is the typical service life of the recoil spring? If I need to replace it, what is the standard weight? I thought I read someplace that 16 pounds was it, but don't recall off the top of my head.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Yes, 16 lbs is the standard weight in the Gov't model.

I don't think it's worn out yet, but you certainly could replace it if you'd like. I think it's just the quality of the WWB ammo.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Ammo.

 

[1911Tuner]

If there is no full length guide rod, the spring can bind if it is wearing out.

Nah. Internet myth.

Ammo.

Bingo.

 

[243winxb]

I would look at the Ammo first. Try a different Brand

If there is no full length guide rod, the spring can bind.

Had a 645 with a kinked spring from shooting Blue Dot hot loads. There was a felt difference in recoil when the spring would bind. Not Internet myth.
IMO.

 

[1911Tuner]

Not Internet myth.

It assuredly is.

A spring that gets crooked after use isn't because it kinks or gets into a bind. There isn't any room or opportunity for the spring to do that with the Colt-Browning system...and that's what the Smith 645 is designed around.

Study this old fluroscope photograph. It reveals much. Notice that there's less than an inch of the spring that isn't supported by either the guide rod on the back end and the plug on the front end. By the time the slide has moved about 3/4 inch, the spring is supported on the ID and the OD...and at full travel, it's completely encapsulated by the rod and the plug. It can't deflect...therefore it can't kink or bind.

 

[BlindJustice]

Thanks 1911Tuner - Great Pic, I had never seen before.

So, question, what's your opinion on an FLGR vs GI Guide Rod?

I have a S&W 1911 w/FLGR and have thought about getting a GI style

Randall

 

[1911Tuner]

So, question, what's your opinion on an FLGR vs GI Guide Rod?

I can't see any advantage of one over the other. They both do pretty much the same thing.

 

[Jim K]

As I have said before, an FLGR helps extraction. It extracts money from your pocket and puts it into the pocket of the FLGR seller.

The FGLR also gave use the Series 80 firing pin lock and similar systems we didn't need.

Jim

 

[tarosean]

limp wristing may be an issue,

 

[rcmodel]

I don't think it is possible to limp wrest a steel frame 1911 with a 16# spring in it.

I have shot them with only one finger and thumb holding them to demonstrate the recoil wasn't doing to hurt you.

It's the ammo.

rc

 

[lpsharp88]

I don't think it is possible to limp wrest a steel frame 1911 with a 16# spring in it.

That's what I was thinking. I've never had a limp wristing issue with any of my other pistols

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Unusually light recoil suggests underloaded ammo. At least they aren't squibs and sticking the bullet in the barrel. Be careful of that.

 

[tipoc]

Likely it's the Winchester ammo. They Win white box stuff, 50 rounds to a box ain't too bad for plinking. But the Win economy 250 round box stuff is wretched. Well, it's good for clearance drills and better than nothing.

Lay a handful of the ammo out on a table and look at it closely. If you have calipers measure.

Try some other ammo.

tipoc

 

[wally]

I have a S&W 1911 w/FLGR and have thought about getting a GI style

I don't really see any reason to change the system the pistol came with unless you are having some issue with it. I find the FLGR make it a bit more difficult to take down and reassemble.

I'm a big believer in: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"