Let’s talk about pistol springs and specifically the Wilson Combat, Division 77, Project 1 pistol.
Those of you who are regulars know I am a HUGE fan of the Wilson X9L 1911. Specifically not only is it accurate but also hugely reliable. Not sensitive to being dirty or lubed at all. Zilch. Nada. She runs forever dirty. Unlike 2011’s.
The Project 1 gun, as it’s shipped, is sprung with a different goal in mind. The factory 11.25# wire spring is considered a good balance between pudd loads for competition and full power, full weight ammo. She will run both on the 11.25# spring. And she runs flat.
But…in my observation, the gun starts to slow down a little past the 300 round mark. And by 400-500 rounds is getting really slow stripping rounds from a fully loaded mag.
Well…since I don’t shoot pudd loads, never play the downloaded power-factor game, am not diligent about cleaning guns, and stock the John1911 Armory solely with 124g 9mm. We upped the spring weight.
As shown here on video, we are running a 14# round wire. She runs great and flat. Soon we will try a 12# wire, and 13# flatwire setup. Just to see if we are missing something.
Wilson ships this gun sprung to balance between pudd and commercially cased ammo. Which they have succeeded in spades. “Race it on Sunday, drive it on Monday”.
We at John1911 don’t need that capability and will re-spring the gun for factory 124g ball / NATO 9mm.
As for those wondering, yup. We discussed it with Wilson. They have no problem with spring changes. Stay tuned.
Sincerely,
Marky
www.John1911.com
“Shooting Guns & Having Fun”
Areas of focus: Defense and National Security, Modern Light Weapons, Small Arms, Weapons Training.
- Wilson Combat – Project 1 – Springs - December 21, 2024
- Wilson Project 1 – Muzzle Flash - December 20, 2024
- Wilson Combat – Project 1 Magazines - December 17, 2024
