Colt Delta Elite recoil spring??

[shamrock404]

I have been told by a couple of people to replace the recoil springs in the Delta with a 22 pound wolf spring. I did so and also had to replace the spring guide rod with one out of a Colt .45. Did I do the right thing? It sure was hard to get the spring back into the weapon. This 10mm was carried by my Dad both off duty and on duty (Justice Dept. 24/7) It has been shot enough to sound like a GI Issue. Thanks For your input on this matter.
Preston

 

[Old Fuff]

The 1911 platform was not a good choice for the 10mm cartridge, especially with the original loading. To compensate many users used heavier recoil springs to prevent the slide from battering the frame. Unfortunately this wasn't a good solution. When the pistol is fired the slide and barrel are locked together, and the recoil spring is uncompressed. While the spring may buffer the slide at the rear of its travel, it also accelerates the slide when it goes forward and eventually causes excessive stress on the barrel's lower lug, the slide stop, and the link and link pin. A better way was designed by John Browning, who used a firing pin stop with a small radius on the bottom, and the hammer and mainspring as a brake on the slide. EGW makes a firing pin stop blank that has no radius on the bottom so that one can be made to any size.

Also if you change to a heavier recoil spring, be sure to install a matching firing pin spring too.

 

[rmgunsmith]

Colt Delta Elite recoil spring

I would recommend that you install an Ed Brown 2-piece guide rod designed for the series 80 1911 pistols like the Delta Elite.. This should fit your Delta Elite with 22# spring with no problem. I have one with a 23# spring and it works perfectly making, the field stripping much easier.

 

[shamrock404]

Thank You All

I want to thank you all for the help in this matter. I did not want to cause damage to the pistol by this change. I will order the parts tomorrow and when they come in install them. Again thank you for your help.
Preston

 

[Iron bottom]

The Baer 10mm I have was shipped with an 18.5 pound spring and a shock buffer. I have added one of EGW's firing pin stops as well as a full length guide rod. This works well for the lighter range loads. With Double Tap I step up to a 20 pound spring. This Baer is not carried, so the shock buffer is of no concern.

 

[shamrock404]

Thank You

Thank You Iron Bottom for the confirmation. I do appreciate the information. I just did not want to hurt my Dads weapon. Again thank you all for your help.
Preston