1911 10mm Strength

Captain O · January 29 2016 09:31:21 PM MST

Sqlbullet: I obtained this from Wolff Gunsprings. If memory serves, the original "twin" springs (one within another) were illustrated in the American Handguner back in 1987 and were manufactured from Dupont's Delrin polymer. This original "dual-spring" setup was progressive in nature, reaching it's peak power at the slide's apex. I try to remain as factually accurate as possible.

No offense intended whatsoever.

Captain O · January 29 2016 10:43:36 PM MST

I just read about the new Colt's Delta Elite still involving dual Delrin springs with a peak resistance of 23 lbs. It looks as if Colt is still building them with the original 1987 plans still in mind. The only difference between the 1987 model and today's Delta Elite is that it doesn't have the offending "bridge" of metal over the slide stop hole. I just read where shooters are still ordering the original "dual Delrin spring" arrangement... (at a premium price, of course)!

PT Barnum was right... there's one born every minute!

Captain O · January 29 2016 11:08:51 PM MST

I double checked the Wolff Gunsprings site and the Delta Elite dual-spring arrangement is 23 lbs. Double check if you like at www.wolffgunsprings.com and see if I am mistaken. I don't think so, but you can check.

sqlbullet · January 30 2016 02:08:35 PM MST

I was worried I would offend you!

They originally had a dual spring set up, then went to a single coil, and I think they are back to the dual set up.

ZanderMan · January 30 2016 03:50:22 PM MST

So am I good wi the 25# mainspring in the Rock?
I'll be putting in the flat-bottom firing pin stop at some point.

Captain O · January 30 2016 05:58:42 PM MST

Quote from: ZanderMan on January 30 2016 03:50:22 PM MST
So am I good wi the 25# mainspring in the Rock?
I'll be putting in the flat-bottom firing pin stop at some point.

It isn't needed. Save your money and put a two pound heavier hammer spring in the pistol. The combination of the two will help prevent the "quick" cyclic rate of the 10mm from battering your pistol's frame. If the recoil spring is too heavy it will beat on the front bearing surfaces of your action and your barrel bushing (I have seen this happen in person). I wouldn't do it again.

sqlbullet · January 30 2016 08:02:18 PM MST

Mainspring is the hammer spring. Two different words for the same thing.

Yes. 25# mainspring (hammer spring) will be a solid and worthwhile upgrade. It is made better with a flat bottom firing pin stop, so add that at your first chance.

I run 18.5 lb recoil springs, but don't see a problem up to about 22 lbs. Over that and you are risking doing as much damage as you are preventing IMHO.

DM1906 · January 30 2016 11:04:06 PM MST

Quote from: sqlbullet on January 30 2016 08:02:18 PM MST
Mainspring is the hammer spring. Two different words for the same thing.

Yes. 25# mainspring (hammer spring) will be a solid and worthwhile upgrade. It is made better with a flat bottom firing pin stop, so add that at your first chance.

I run 18.5 lb recoil springs, but don't see a problem up to about 22 lbs. Over that and you are risking doing as much damage as you are preventing IMHO.

Had my hands on a new Kimber 10mm with this exact combination a week ago. NOT recommended for any sort of defensive weapon. Racking the slide from closed was VERY hard. Not a condition I would recommend for any situation that may require less than optimal conditions. The pistol was "Underwood tested", but function is more than the ammo to be fired. It has to be functional under the least desirable conditions. A "pocket rack" would be impossible, if it were required.

Captain O · January 30 2016 11:20:35 PM MST

My mistake! I meant recoil spring! a 25 lb. mainspring (hammer spring) would be just fine.

Please accept my apologies.

Thank you.

sqlbullet · January 31 2016 06:50:48 AM MST

I practiced belt and pocket rack with my Para using this set up. It took some getting used to, but I got there. Just about technique and learning how to apply the force.

ZanderMan · January 31 2016 09:12:22 PM MST

I'll check with RIA on the recoil spring strength.
Thanks, gents!

Quick 2 · March 08 2016 10:04:51 PM MST

Max PSI for the 10mm is 37,500. Max Psi for the 9mm+P+ is 38,500. Today's metallurgy is far better than 100 years ago. In 1930 Colt chambered the 1911 in 38 Super Max PSI is 36,500. If the G locks can handle the 10mm the 1911 made today should have no problems.

sqlbullet · March 09 2016 12:17:10 AM MST

While I agree the 1911 is plenty strong, the 9mm +p+ comparison is not fair. The force exerted on the gun by a 10mm at 37,500 PSI is bigger than the force of a 38,500 9mm. 15% bigger in fact. And, the hole in the barrel is bigger, but the barrel isn't bigger on the outside. As a result you have more force acting on less mass.

Doesn't change the fact that the 1911 is plenty strong, especially given modern metallurgy.

erikk · April 04 2016 04:58:59 PM MDT

Quote from: sqlbullet on January 28 2016 09:01:56 AM MST
The only gun I haven't seen swollen bases from are my Witness guns. My Para is the worst at it. I think the previous owner got a little zealous in throating the barrel though, and it probably would be solved if I fitted a new barrel to the gun.

Probably right. I have been shooting full house in my Para 16-40 reamed to 10mm by Fusion & no swollen bases ever. 180 GR w 9.6 Longshot