Follow-up on SA GI for Tuner

[1911WB]

Tuner- the 'smith I took my new Springer GI to put in a Nowlin sear spring (no Colt available). I had already replaced the stock mainspring with a 20#). Those two things alone brought the trigger pull from a crisp 5 1/2 lbs. to a very nice 4 lbs. We both shook our heads over the ti FP. I've got a steel one (the special SA one that you told me about) on order from Brownell's and will replace as soon as I get it. But we did replace the extra long FP spring cause it wouldn't pass the "pencil test" with the stock spring. I'm finally going to shoot the puppy in the morning. Will let you know how it does. WB

 

[1911Tuner]

re:

Howdy W,

Got my fingers crossed that all goes smooth. Keep a couple of things in mind as you get into the gun...

The mainspring has a very real effect on the slide velocity as it recoils...and a small effect on the unlocking and linkdown timing of the barrel. It also
doesn't fight the tendency of the hammer to bounce under inertia as the
slide goes to battery.

Reducing the mainspring rating by 3 pounds has the same effect as dropping to a lighter recoil spring until the hammer cocks. It's not a
lot of overall effect...and it's not for very long...but sometimes it's just enough to cause a problem in other areas. The added effect of the
friction of the hammer against the slide as it completes the recoil stroke
after the hammer bounces off the grip safetyand settles in...and the friction of the hammer against the slide as it returns to battery should also be considered. Again...it won't amount to a LOT of change...but everything
means something.

I'd keep an eye peeled for signs of "Tadpole Tails" on the primers...
The trigger pull weight changing from shot to shot...Any hammer followdown incident is a red flag that you need to install a fresh mainspring or a slightly heavier one. The difference in trigger feel won't be a lot between a 20 pound spring and a 23 pound spring...maybe on the order of 6-8 ounces.

Just a few things to bear in mind.

Luck!

Tuner

 

[1911WB]

Thanks Tuner

Tuner, thanks for the good advice on the mainspring. I will watch for the signs you specified. I did tell my 'smith about the 20# mainspring. He checked everything out, did the appropriate tests & pronounced everything good to go; but, you can't be too careful when it comes to firearms! BTW I just got my steel FP from Brownell's & immediately replaced the titanium one. It passed the pencil test with flying colors! I think now I'm just going to shoot the puppy & not replace anything else except maybe the ejector later. WB