Thanks for an easy question. Now I just have to find an easy answer.
If we are talking about a 1911 platform the good thing is that they are tolerant of a wide range of recoil spring rates. It can be a bad thing too, because even if the gun runs with a certain spring it doesn't mean it's the right one.

There are many variables that come into play when picking the right spring for you and your gun. How the gun is built matters, if you have a match barrel fitted to stay locked up as long as possible a lighter spring may be the ticket. The person shooting the gun makes a difference too, if you hold the gun " hard " it will be reliable with a heavy spring that won't work for someone with a little more play in their wrist. :D So, really the answer is that you should try and find the spring that feels best for you and doesn't hurt the gun. I run a 16 lb for IDPA type loads in 45 and a 18 for heavier stuff and carry. I would stay within the 14-20 lb range for a 45 loaded to major. For a super or 9mm usually 9-11 lbs depending on the gun and shooter. For Dianne I use a 8lb in her 9mm and that is as light as I would go. You can run into feeding problems if the recoil spring doesn't have enough power to strip the round and take it up the feed ramp.

The improvements you see changing springs sometimes are temporary. Almost anything different seems better the first few times, especially if you've been told it works better. What changing the spring rate does for the shooter is to change the timing of the recoil. What you're looking for is a good balance, too light and the gun wacks you in the hand, too heavy and you get more muzzle rise. It's the balance that let's you deal with the recoil better or not. The biggest advantage a spring can give you in competition is making your gun run 100%. One malfunction and all the trick stuff is out the window.

There are basically two types of springs available, the traditional high tensile wire springs and those made with chrome silicone wire. The chrome silicone wire springs are superior in many ways. They don't take a set or change rate or wear out like the regular springs do. They are darn near perfect springs. But, I still use the traditional wire recoil springs most of the time. Why? Because I like the way they take a set and smooth out after a few rounds. The silicone springs stay the same no matter what and just feel too springy to me. Makes no sense but that's my story.

Way too much to cover in one post and I kinda rambled on with this one anyway. Maybe this will get the discussion started anyway.


Ross