Smith and Wesson 1911 PD Stiff Slide Problem

[Sky Dog]

I have a Smith and Wesson 1911 Commander. It has always been very a very tight pistol to cycle. My Gold Cup and Combat Elite are not nearly as difficult. After about 500 rounds I was hoping it would soften up somewhat. I'm thinking about a Wolf Spring modification. Your thoughts?

 

[Ramone]

Is it stiff with the hammer cocked? Or just when it's down?

 

[Sky Dog]

Both actually. The slide is noticeably softer with the hammer cocked, but still much stiffer than my very new Combat Elite.

 

[drband]

Find out from S&W the weight of the stock spring. You could safely go lower if you know what it is. Stock is probably 20-22, though I've seen as high as 24 in a commander. if 22 try 20. If 20, try 18 and with both, monitor the ejection distance. Also, with new springs in a commander, be sure to check for spring binding when installed. Might be good to check that with your stock spring!

I used 16lb (full size govt spring, length cut down to eliminate binding) with a 23 lb hammer spring. (Edit: with a flat bottom firing pin stop)
Cycled very nicely and ejection was mild-- only about 4-6 ft. Racking was not excessively hard to do. Important to know the hammer spring weight, too! Ask s&w!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Are you sure it's the springs or is the slide to frame fit tight? Take the spring out and see if the slide is then smother.

If it is the slide to frame fit and there are no burs it is probably a good thing.

 

[Sky Dog]

Great place to start.......Thank you, Gentlemen.

 

[JDR]

I would highly recommend you contact Evolution Gun Works & tell them you want their commander length 1/4” flatwire recoil spring guiderod & plug, then you want the commander length 22lb ISMI flatwire recoil spring.

 

[5-SHOTS]

If it was mine I'll don't mess with the recoil spring. If tolerances are very tight and the pistol works 100%, I would consider that a plus. Lube it very well (I had great luck with Sonax MoS2Oil) and live with what you have.