Ken Hackathorn Discusses Wilson Combat Flat Wire Recoil Springs

Published on July 28, 2014
Duration: 5:00

Ken Hackathorn, a recognized firearms expert, details the evolution and benefits of recoil springs for 1911 pistols. He explains how traditional springs degrade, leading to increased wear and potential reliability issues, especially in compact models due to 'stacking.' The discussion highlights the advantages of modern flat wire springs, which offer extended lifespan, more uniform cycling, and greater tolerance for various ammunition types, requiring specific guide rod and plug diameters for installation.

Quick Summary

Flat wire recoil springs for 1911 pistols offer significant advantages over traditional springs, including preventing 'stacking,' providing a more uniform spring rate, and extending lifespan to 8,000-10,000 rounds. This reduces gun wear and enhances reliability, though they require specific smaller diameter guide rods and plugs for installation.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to 1911 Recoil Springs
  2. 00:34Weak Springs and Gun Wear
  3. 01:09Traditional Spring Upgrades and Limitations
  4. 02:05Flat Wire Spring Advantages
  5. 03:02Flat Wire Spring Installation & Weights
  6. 03:45Extended Lifespan and Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of flat wire recoil springs for 1911 pistols?

Flat wire springs prevent 'stacking,' offer a more uniform spring rate, and have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting 8,000-10,000 rounds. This leads to reduced gun wear and improved reliability across various ammunition types.

How often should I change the recoil spring in my 1911?

Traditionally, 1911 recoil springs were changed every 2,000-5,000 rounds. With modern flat wire springs, this interval can extend to 8,000-10,000 rounds, offering a more durable and reliable solution.

What issues can a weak recoil spring cause in a 1911?

A weak spring causes the slide to cycle too fast, increasing wear on the frame and slide. It can also lead to reliability problems like failure to chamber rounds properly or short-stroking.

Do flat wire recoil springs require special parts for installation?

Yes, flat wire springs typically require a smaller diameter recoil spring guide rod and plug/retainer due to their square design and smaller overall diameter compared to traditional round springs.

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