Stupid 1911 question

[Sisco]

When reassemblying a 1911, which way does the recoil spring go in? Closed end in the plug or against the guide? Does it matter?

 

[Delmar]

closed end against the spring guide, open end against the spring plug. There used to be a catch inside the spring plug which would catch the open end of the spring-the idea I suppose was to keep the spring plug from sticking in the ceiling if your hand slipped.

 

[Jim V]

Delmar, you are partly right, it was to keep the plug from launching itself. Don't forget it was designed as amilitary pistol and it had to be cleaned while in combat zones. Kinda hard to go to a local gun shop to pick up another recoil spring plug while someplace close is a soldier wanting to kill you.

 

[Sisco]

Thanks for the replies. Since there is no catch inside the plug does it really make a difference which way it goes in then?

 

[Jim V]

Still put the closed end on the guide rod.

 

[Delmar]

Jim is right- putting the "closed" end on the spring guide helps to center the spring on the guide rod during recoil, where the open end would have a tendency to torque to one side.

 

[Jim K]

True, but the actual thinking is that with the proper spring plug (with the "dimple") the open end of the spring screwed into the plug, and the small end fitted tightly to the spring guide. Then if something slipped in disassembly or reassembly, the three pieces stayed together. If the spring doesn't (or can't) screw into the plug, the plug can take off. If the spring is not tight on the guide, the plug and the spring can take off.

Proper reassembly is to put in the barrel and bushing, turn the bushing to clear the tunnel, then put the small end of the spring on the guide, put the other end of the spring through the tunnel and screw the plug onto it. Then lay the guide on the barrel, turn the frame upside down, slip it onto the slide, and insert the slide stop. Then push the plug in and turn the bushing to hold it.

Jim