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12/2/2020 11:02:29 AM
 
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Section 8: Handguns Subject: 6” Kimber 45 Msg# 1105614
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I have a small box full of 1911 recoil springs from 9 lb up to 20 lb. I bought most of them for the aforementioned tuning of my two 6” STI 1911s. Some of the heavier springs were purchased years ago, when I was in a “full power” mode, trying to extract all that I could from the 45 acp round. That mode came to a pretty fast end, when I figured out early on that lighter and mid level loads usually provided much more accuracy. So I ended up going up just one pound on each after much experimentation. The 45 had a 10 lb spring and the 9mm had an 8 lb spring. While both functioned reliably with very light Target loads (as per their original intended design), the slide(s) were very lethargic, going back into battery. Again, they did so reliably, but too foreign a feel for me. You could actually perceive, in real time, the slide at the full reward point of travel and then beginning its ride home. And it wasn’t only those two STIs. Two guys at the club bought newer double stack STI pistols that run the same. It seems that the factory tunes them to run that way. Not what you’d expect for the potentially fast shooting these guns are used for. But, it works. My Tripp Navigator came with a 9 lb spring and has been fine in that regard. There was a small matter of fitment and oversized ejector related problems. But I was finally able to resolve that once and for all. Speaking of which, since getting it corrected, I now have well over 800, 100% trouble free rounds thru it too. |
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For reference, the above message is a reply to a message where: Interestingly enough, I kind of like the pre-Series II Kimbers and consider them the only acceptable Kimbers. I looked for a standard or Target Model for quite some time and was never able to find one. Perhaps some day. I wouldn't buy a Series II with your money--just my opinion, and that's worth what your paying for it. 
Re: recoil springs. I'm a believer in replacing recoil springs on a more regular basis, though perhaps not as often as the gun companies suggest. Most of them recommend them far more often than you or even I do. I do base my replacements on round count, though I don't keep an accurate round count on most of my pistols, so it's an estimate at best. I try to err on the side of caution for my carry pistols. Recoil springs are cheap and I consider them good insurance. |
