SA RO 9mm main spring/recoil spring for 100gr ~109pf loads

[BRadcliffe]

I recently entered into the 1911 world with a Springfield Range Officer Target in 9mm. I plan on going with an EGW ignition kit and not sure which main spring to go with. I will be shooting almost exclusively Atlanta Arms 100gr/1090fps loads in steel challenge.

 

So the question is do I go with the 17 or 19 lb main spring?

 

What about recoil spring for something this low? The Wilson Combat site is showing 115-120pf for a 8lb spring, so do I go down to 7?

[OpenshooterMclass4lyfe]

I’d suggest getting a few different spring weights to test for the recoil spring And go with a 17pd hammer spring.  

Edited April 24, 2022 by OpenshooterAclass4lyfe

[ltdmstr]

I use 19 lb hammer spring and 9 lb recoil spring in 9mm 1911s/2011.  Works great and is 100% reliable.

[OpenshooterMclass4lyfe]

I run a 17 with 2 coils cut and had no issues in any of my open guns with a multitude of different priners used.  Even rifle primers ignite.   The recoil spring is going to depend however.  The lighter loads your going to want to play with those.  

[gethirt]

I run a 17lbs mainspring with a Dawson extended firing pin in my .45 and it is 100% reliable. The firing pin stop with a flat bottom helps to reduce felt recoil too in my opinion. EGW makes them. 

[zzt]

With 109 PF loads you will end up using a 7 or 8lb. recoil spring.  It really depends on the gun.  If it is a new gun, probably a 7 until it wears in a little.  Your choice on 17 or 19 lb. mainsprings.  I use both, because it is part of the tuning process.    I also use an 18.  For now, just pick one and use it.

[BRadcliffe]

Thanks for the responses everyone. I ended up just grabbing the Atlas Gunworks tune pack with 7 to 11lbs and both of the mainsprings from shooters connection. 

[Postal Bob]

I run 17lb mainspring and a 10lb recoil in mine. I can go down to a 9lb. Problem comes when shooting certain magazines. My Dawson mags, when fully loaded, are hard to strip out the first 3-4 rounds outside of the gun. So when testing what recoil spring to use, always test with fully loaded mags, to make sure there's enough force to properly strip and feed the first round or two.

[BRadcliffe]

I was beating my head against the wall with this thing. It wasn't going in battery most of the time....until I checked this with a plunk test. Apparently the SA barrels can be tight. 5/50 rounds from a box actually fit.

 

So my new question is are the KKM barrels drop in or require fitting? Are their chambers decent? I have them in glocks and work great, the "big" rounds fit no problem.

 

Or option two - Does anyone know someone in the Atlanta area that can ream this factory barrel?

[Postal Bob]

I was always under the impression that KKM barrels have very tight chambers. I had for a Glock once many years ago, but too many problems with the tight chambers.

And as far as the SA barrels, never had any problem with the two Range Officer guns I have, one in 9mm, one in 45. If factory rounds aren't seating, there's a defect with the barrel, and you should send the gun back to Springfield.

Edited May 13, 2022 by Postal Bob

[RickT]

At one time we had six SA SS Loaded in 9mm.  All had generous chambers.  Just call Springfield and get an RMA.

[ltdmstr]

Sb able to send them just the barrel

so the can finish ream the chamber.  And sb a quick turn around. Takes about 5 min. to do.