Posted: 10/30/2007 7:05:32 AM EDT
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I own a full size Springfield "Loaded" model 1911. One thing I hated about it was the guide rod, so I switched to a GI setup. When I bought the spring, however, the guy couldn't tell me how many pounds it was. In fact I think he just pulled it out of a parts bin in the back and it was probably in another gun at some point. Anyway, even though function is fine, it feels weird in the gun so I decided to get: Wilson Spring Kit 324"G" for a Government 1911. Now I really bought it for the 18.5# recoil spring, which I assume will be fine to run the normal 230 grain ball range ammo I use, but it came with some other stuff. The 10# recoil spring is for light loads I believe, and as such I'll probably never use it (anyone want?). There was also a firing pin spring and a "hammer spring". My questions for the 1911 gurus: Am I correct that the hammer spring is the mainspring? If I replaced my current mainspring with this one, what effect can I expect? Is it worth it? I'm not 100% satisfied with the trigger on this gun (the trigger on my GI model was better - never should have sold it!), so if that would help then I'm game. What would the effect be of replacing the firing pin spring? Worth it? Another issue is that I'm inexperienced with detail stripping the gun. I can field strip it with my eyes closed but I've actually never taken it all the way apart.  There are some really detailed tacked disassembly threads, plus I'm fairly mechanically inclined, so I'm not too concerned about taking it apart. I just want to make sure I put it together correctly afterwards - I would never want to accidentally defeat one of the safety features or make the gun dangerous to operate. Any tips welcome!
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main spring is hammer spring. I don't know if ILS mainspring housing take a different mainspring than stock. trigger pull will either go up down or stay the same. it all depends on what mainspring you have there vs the one your installing. replace a 23 main spring with a 19 pound main spring trigger pull will reduce, go the other way trigger pull can increase. to light a mainspring gun will not fire. I go stock on my carry 45 and 19lb on my uspsa 40, but that has a lot of low mass parts. |
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Your Springfield uses a proprietary 28lb mainspring due to the ILS in the MSH. The spring from the WC packet will not work with the ILS system. In order to change your mainspring the entire MSH assembly must be replaced. It is a good Idea to replace your firing pin spring when you replace the recoil spring. You will find links to disassembly here (from the top of the forum  ) 1911 FAQ & LINKS
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Damn the ILS! Well, I guess replacing the MSH is next - kinda wanted to do that anyway. I wonder if any fitting is required or is it a drop-in type swap for, say, a MSH ordered from the Wilson website? Not to get of topic... ETA: After a prompt response from Wilson Combat, their MSH does not include any internals and *may* require fitting. Well I already have the spring and the rest I think I can steal from the old MSH so I'll probably give it a shot. Thanks, SGB, for the info on my Springer. I'm embarassed I don't know the specs on my own pistol! I did look at the tacked links - there is an unbelievable amount of info collected there. This website is a spectacular resource, which is why I come here. My real question is what will the difference be with the upgraded springs? I know how the recoil spring will change the feel of the gun, but what if any difference will I feel by changing out the mainspring and MSH, and the firing pin spring? |
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99% of the time a Wilson MSH will drop in without fitting, if fitting is needed it's very minor and easy to do. If you go through Brownells you'll need the following Wilson Combat Mainspring Housing Other Parts A - 965-011-161 Mainspring Cap (B) $1.95 B - 965-011-165 Mainspring Cap Pin (B) $1.95 D - You should be able to use the original part.  ETA:
You won't notice any difference by swapping out the firing pin spring. First it's just good maintenances to replace the firing pin spring when you replace the recoil spring. The one you got with the spring kit is a stronger spring to match the 18 1/2 lb recoil spring. As to the reduced poundage mainspring you'll notice a lighter trigger pull. What you most likely won't notice is the change in timing of the unlock cycle. |
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SGB you are the man. Prices, links, pictures... I'm feeling spoiled. It looks like I can do the whole setup for under $50.00 which is not bad at all. Plus install myself - fun! Plus a lighter trigger. I can guarantee I'll be doing this in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again, SGB. By the way I have slight pistol envy when I look at your sig. I was all about my Springer when I got it, but I really want to get back to that clean look without the front cocking serrations. |
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You should definitely remember to change the firing pin spring if you go to a lighter mainspring in that Springfield. I was getting intermittent light primer hits in mine after going to a 19lb mainspring. I ditched the uber-heavy Springfield firing pin spring and that fixed it. |
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HailSkins, If you are interested, there are some videos on youtube that illustrate the disessembly/reassembly procedure. I was also wondering what main spring/recoil spring set up would be recommend for a Combat Commander? The original owner stated that it had a trigger job, but I'm unsure of the rating on the mainspring. I was thinking about going with a 21 lbs. mainspring and either a 20 or 22 lbs. recoil spring. Any problems with this? |
Good call. YouTube - is there anything it CAN'T do???? I'll be changing out the recoil spring and firing pin spring this weekend (not changing the firing pin itself quite yet). Will report back with range report. The mainspring and MSH will have to wait a few weeks but I'll get to that as well... |