Shok-Buffs -- Pros & Cons

[EJ]

I use Shok-Buffs on my 1911(s) mostly just to keep the wear and tear down.

I realize these are extremely hearty weapons and probably don't need this protection--
And I realize that the Shok-buffs can and do wear out--I change mine if it shows ANY wear--

Other than precluding slide travel preventing a pull back to release the slide stop--

Are there any real down sides to their use?

 

[10-Ring]

I've seen one lessen the reliability in a buddy's 1911. Once he removed it, the pistol worked fine. Then again, I've also seen a cracked 1911 frame that might have been prevented if the owner used a shok buff.

 

[Shmackey]

My recoil spring buffs my shok.

 

[larry_minn]

Always had them on 1911 models. Person I respect recomended them and when he ordered a half dozen I got 6 as well. Gun felt better to me when shooting. Didn't clack and I still have one new one left. Could have kept them in twice as long. I only have replaced spring once as I cut it for softball and no longer shoot it.

 

[BGee]

I use them for target shooting or competition. If I'm using the gun for defense carry I take the shok buff out. I've never had one tie up a gun, but if you look at Wilson's packaging they emphatically warn against using their buffs in a duty gun. The reason being they can come apart and make a gun inoperable.

 

[Master Blaster]

I have buffs in three guns, 70 series Colt, Gold cup, and kimber custom classic target., So far no problems, and I can see how it would reduce wear and tear. The cycling of the 70 series feels better with it in. On the Kimber you cannot slingshot the slide.

If you keep them in good condition and inspect regularly, I dont see how they can tie up the gun, since its on the end of the spring, and would fall into the dust cover if a chunk came off.

I like them.

 

[El Tejon]

Like the young & nubile, less is more.

 

[Pilot]

I use them on my 1911A1, BHP and CZ's. No problems.

 

[Wakal]

Three and an underweight spring makes your pistol shortstroke...speeds up splits by .02...

But that is with an Open class hosemaster, not a duty gun. Only expect a thousand rounds between cleanings...when they get dirty, they start to misfeed. I expect better from a carry gun.



Alex

 

[bountyhunter]

I use them in all ten of my autos. My SW .357 wheelgun for protection doesn't need them.

 

[blades67]

Pro: You can talk to other Shok-Buff users about how much you all like them.

Con: Many guns become unreliable when using one.

If Wilson says don't use them in a duty gun, why would you want to use them at all? If a part doesn't serve to make your gun more reliable, more accurate and easier to use, what purpose does it really serve? Other than making the manufacturer money. :banghead:

 

[Longbow]

Pro - prevents premature wear by preventing too much frame and slide battering. Good to have as a preventative measure.

Con- can lead to slide short stroking (It prevents full rearward movement of slide), thereby compromizing reliability of firearm (FTE/FTF). I have to install a longer ejector and a reduced power recoil spring on one of my 1911 to correct malfunctions induced by the shok- buff.
Can also shear if not replaced regularly, resulting as in above.

I mainly have it on my gun during practice/plinking. But before competition and/or carry I remove it. I don't percieve any noticiable difference by not having it on.

 

[Shmackey]

Open class hosemaster

Who told you my nickname?

 

[BILLG]

I use them all the time,the only way they can tie up a gun is by tearing and coming apart.With regular maintaince and replacing when needed,shock-buffs are fine.If you don't clean your pistol regularly then Don't use them.If you do regular maintance use them,check to make sure your gun works with the buffs.Just to be sure I opened up a new pack of Wilsons Shock-Buffs,checked their web site and their new catolog and nowhere do they say not to use them in duty guns.They do advise against using them in Officers models,Springfield compact and Para P12s due to space constraints.If you are worried about using them just remove it after range use,When you use it for self-defense.I trust them so I use them all the time in 3 different 1911s.BILLG

 

[stans]

I use CP Tuff Buffs in my 1911's, no problems.

 

[Gewehr98]

Nothing but trouble in my IPSC guns...

And I changed them religiously before the recommended number of rounds. IPSC Major Power Factor loads, several jams and shortstrokes. None of my carry .45's have them, nor will they.

 

[Wildalaska]

If Wilson says don't use them in a duty gun, why would you want to use them at all? If a part doesn't serve to make your gun more reliable, more accurate and easier to use, what purpose does it really serve? Other than making the manufacturer money.

Well, I dont know if I would call what Wilson says as the be all and end all of the subject, but suffice it to say all of my 1911a and BHP carry Buffs...except my Defender (which has a set up that would nbot allow their use)..

I dont worry about the buff busting and tying up my pistol...in the typical armed encounter, after I shoot the bad guy in the bridge of the nose with either a 147 grain Black talon or a 230 grain black talon. I dont think I will need a second shot.

WildhatesmetalfracturesAlaska

 

[WESHOOT2]

LIKE EARRINGS FOR MEN

If you like them wear them.

If you want 'buffs use them.

IMNSHO&E: worthless looking-for-trouble. If your gun does not operate correctly (without a "shok-buff") get it fixed.

If your gun is ONLY a toy then it doesn't matter what you do to it............

 

[Wakal]

Yeah, my STI's are only toys...toys that run in any condition a minimum of a thousand fast rounds between lubing, much less cleaning, and chew the upper-A-zone out of a target at 50 yards.

Toys

That said, I agree....use 'em if you like 'em



Alex

 

[Still Learning]

Only used them on a custom pin gun

That was back in the 80s when I was going to Second Chance and shooting the bowling pin matches around here. My loads were so dad-blamed hot I figured the shok buffs might save the frame. That particular 1911, a series 70, conservatively fired 12,000 rounds of hot, pin loads. It's currently being cared for by an Oklahoma City fireman who uses much lighter loads in casual competition with his buddys. He says he is not using the shok buffs and went to a lighter spring.

I changed buffs probably once a week back in those days. Of course, I shot every day and attended matches nearly every weekend.

Today I do not use shok buffs on my carry guns or for IPSC competition. I view them as a waste of money and agree they do adversely affect the reliability of some autos.

 

[Jason Demond]

One of my Springfields, hated them. My groups stunk, until I removed the Shok-buff.