Possible Installation Of A Recoil Buffer In My SR1911

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Hunter
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For years I've hearing the pros and cons about installing a nylon recoil buffer on my SR1911 (or any 1911A1) to dampen slide/frame battering. I would love opinions why, or why not, install a nylon buffer. I'm also considering installing a Nighthawk Custom full legth guide rod at the same time. Advice please?
 

Dan in MI

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If you don't replace them regularly they can damage your frame. As they get beat up and start squishing sideways they can crack the frame.

IMO - why add an unnecessary, high maintenance, option that can cause a problem.
 

Johnnu2

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Over the years, I've found that those who love them, will swear by them, and those that don't really care much either way. Being an OLD person, I tend to stick with what's worked for the past 100 or so years. I confess that I've tried buffers and the full length rod. Then, for no reason other than "if it ain't broke......" I went back to the original set up designed by Mr. Browning. No real scientific/technical reasoning either way. p.s. I don't shoot a lot of rounds at any one given time to make any kind of determination.
IMHO,
J.
 

Snake45

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The recoil buffers can also deteriorate over time and crumble into pieces (possibly due to cleaners/lubricants). I had this happen in a 1911 that hadn't been shot in years (Thank God I discovered it before I NEEDED the gun) and the pieces jammed up the action--was a chore to get it apart for cleaning. The obvious solution is, install a recoil buffer if you want before a shooting session, take it back out before you store the gun or strap it back on for self-defense. :wink:

FLGR is basically a personal preference/style decision. They can make the gun run a bit smoother and add a little weight up front, but one way or another complicate disassembly. I have them on most of the 1911s I built back in the '80s and '90s but don't think I would spend the extra money today, as the original system works just fine. Many people hate FLGRs just because they hate them, the way I hate forward grippy-grooves and triggers with three silly holes in them--just because. :wink:
 
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back in those days of Mr Browning designing the various guns there was no 'viable' material to dampen the shock,buffer , of metal hitting metal, just a simple change to a heavier or lighter spring use that came later with the use of different loads....maybe Johns friend and neighbor the parish' Priest who happened to be a shooter, and once a metallurgist said something about "beating your swords into plowshares"...guess we will never know for certain...... 8) :roll:

"and so it goes....." RIP Wil Terry :wink:


PS the Wilson shock buff saved and added life to MY 1960s "light slide" National Match .45 :lol:
 

daveg.inkc

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I use them in my 1911's. I also put them in my Mini 14's. I bought some for Mini's years ago. They wore out, Wilson's buffers work fine.
 

Enigma

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They're primarily a personal preference thing. If you're interested, try them. Just be aware of the possible problems associated with them. I have tried them and found them both unnecessary and prone to cause me problems. Hence, I don't use them.
 

Greg S

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They are OK in 5" guns but start interfering with full slide function in Commanders due to the reduced window of operation.

I prefer hard buffers if using for practice/range and removed for social use.
 

contender

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A subject of many differing opinions as well as the reasons why or why not.

I used to shoot a lot of USPSA with a 1911 in .45 acp. My competition gun saw a LOT of ammo,, so I used them,, AND replaced them whenever I saw any sign of deterioration from use. Never had any issues doing it that way.
But in general,, my other 1911's,, I never bothered,, because they do not see the amount of ammo my competition gun did.

Everybody has opinions,,,!
 

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