I just picked up a Springfield Armory 1911 9mm with a 5 inch barrel. When shooting it for the first time I put 150 rounds of Federal 124 grain FMJ ammo through it. The gun had about 5 stove pipe jams, and most of the time the slide would not lock back after the last shot. I had 2 Wilson Combat 10 round mags and 2 of the Springfield factory mags. This would happen with all of the mags.

I think the recoil spring needs replaced (just my un educated guess). I was thinking of starting with a 10 lbs spring.

Does anyone have any thoughts on a better weight recoil spring to try, or anything else to try?

Thanks

Vital piece of info missing. New or used?

If NEW, may be a breakin issue. Check ramp, breach face, slide stop lever and extractor for burrs. Also barrel, bushing, etc.

If USED, who knows what springs are in it now. Replace the RS with standard, since it's weight or usage is unknown. Might want to replace the hammer sporing as well.

Look under Colt:
https://www.gunsprings.com/COLT/1911%20GOV'T%20PISTOL/cID1/mID1/dID1

Wolff Gunsprings sells a recoil spring calibration pak with various weight recoil springs that may help you out. They have conventional rate springs and variable rate springs to try. According to them, 9mm 1911s use a 14lb spring as stock. Start there and go down or up in weight.

When you get down to a 10 lb spring, that's mostly for light loads. If you're not using lightly loaded ammunition, light springs will allow a higher slide velocity, and will batter the frame, not to mention launch your brass into outer space.

First question I always ask: is the pistol lubricated, rails greased, etc?

I have had the same issue with my Springfield Operator Elite 5" in 9mm. When I bought it new I used grease as a lube. Bad idea! Use a light oil. It should break in and loosen up with time.

Sorry, I forgot to add the gun was used and it was well lubed.

I have a Springfield Range Officer Elite 5" 1911. It is finished in one of the spray-on coatings from the factory. I found mine needed a break-in period before it started running smoothly. I also removed the coating from the surface of the feed lug on the slide as it was sticking on the disconnector. Anyway, now that it's broken in it runs like a champ and is one of my favorite and most accurate pistols.

quote:

Originally posted by smithbc:
Sorry, I forgot to add the gun was used and it was well lubed.

Thanks. As mentioned, you have to establish a baseline with a new Recoil Spring and Hammer Spring.

If you know who owned it previously, ask what he did to the pistol and how many rounds through it. Also, whether he changed mag springs to either HD or RP. NOTE that Wolff states: "Use of reduced power magazine springs with full power ammunition will cause functioning problems."

Otherwise, it's pure guess work.

I run a 14# in my DW PM9

quote:

Originally posted by Paten:
9mm 1911s use a 14lb spring as stock. Start there and go down or up in weight.

I bought a new (to me) 1911 in 9mm just last week, Commander-length slide. The manual states the 14lb recoil spring is the factory-recommended one, as well.
I plan on buying three recoil springs -one pound on either side of the factory spring - so a 13, a 14, and a 15 lb spring, then tailor it to my ammunition.

I bought a Springfield Armory Ronin full size in 9mm. I started having failures to feed immediately. I believe the factory spring was 9lbs. The mainspring is 23lbs. according to Springfield. I ordered a few different springs from both Wolfe and Wilson. I currently have a Wilson 13lb. flat wire spring installed and it is working fine with Winchester NATO ammo (Q4318).