When to replace 2011 recoil spring?

[GSonnen]

I have an STI 5.0 tactical (my first 2011). I run a 9# Wolff recoil spring and shoot exclusively 9mm -P loads for 3 Gun.

The pistol is coming up on it's 2500 round mark. I runs like a charm.

I want to plan ahead and avoid a disaster at a major match.

At what round count are you replacing the recoil spring?

Edited April 14, 2016 by GSonnen

[zzt]

My oldest 1911 has run somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 rounds using the same Wolff 14lb spring. I'm just starting to think about replacing it. BTW, I also like ISMI springs.

That being said, springs are cheap. I carry 4 or 5 in my range bag, just in case. If you are worried, change it out. I would change out lighter springs like your 8lb a lot more often, especially if progressive. Next trip to the range I'll put a new one in and see if it makes any discernible difference.

Edited April 14, 2016 by zzt

[Trent1k1]

on my Limited Gun, I replaced once/year or about 15k rounds.

On my Open gun, I found that about 5k rounds is all the spring would take before failing to return to battery. My new change for Open is every case of bullets now (3500 ish). Cheap insurance to not screw up a match.

[Maximis228]

Im at 40K in my 9 major gun with no failures. I should probably change it before the majors start.

[norbs007]

My 9 Major Open gun is still using the same recoil spring for seven years now and still working. I asked my gunsmith once and his answer was "Why, something wrong with it?" and that was it. Thinking of changing it soon though, springs are cheap as mentioned.

[Sarge]

Once a season on my open gun

[ltdmstr]

Compare the used spring to a new one, and if it's more than two coils shorter, replace it. Or just replace it once a year. They're cheap.

[cindynles]

Springs are cheap (especially when you buy the 10 pack) and good insurance against cracking your slide if you've had any lighting holes milled into the slide. I change the recoil spring on my limited (40) 2011 every 3000 rounds, and on my single stack 1911 (45) every 2000 rounds. Its probably too often but it works out to less than $5 per month.

[enzo357]

2 times a year. About every 10k rounds.

[rolen1517]

I replaced my recoil springs every 10,000 round or the beginning of the season.

[DaveFromAus]

What is best the wolf standard Spring or variable at the same #

Thanks

[co-exprs]

Cut off 2 coils and the pistol will shoot nicer and the spring will last longer. I change mine once a year (10-15k).

[Philip Dedmon]

When ever I want to. Springs are cheap.

[travisb2352]

Springs are cheap (especially when you buy the 10 pack) and good insurance against cracking your slide if you've had any lighting holes milled into the slide. I change the recoil spring on my limited (40) 2011 every 3000 rounds, and on my single stack 1911 (45) every 2000 rounds. Its probably too often but it works out to less than $5 per month.

good tip