I have a Colt Gold Cup in .45ACP. My question is, what weight spring should be in the pistol when using Federal Match ball ammo. I am just trying to not have to buy all of the springs to get it right.

A 16lb recoil spring should work fine.

ZM

Every gun is a rule unto itself. A 16 pound spring should be ok, as it is supposedly the factory rating for Government models. If you are shooting light loads (185 grain target) you may need to drop to the 12 to 14 pound range.

What I encountered was that the roll pin for the rear sight broke and was mission in the middle of a pistol match. Naturally that match was a loss. I took the gun to my local gun shop and they said the recoil spring was too light. They installed a 18 lb. spring. He also said that, after talking to him, that there was too much recoil, and to go to a heavier spring. The Federal match ammo is 185 grain metal case wadcutter bullet #45b.

I make a practice of replacing the recoil spring every 1000 rounds - even the good ones wear out. I shoot mostly 230 grain stuff at 850 fps. I've heard from several sources that the rear sight is a weak point in the Gold Cup, having always wanted one, but never had one, I don't know... How's that GC shooting? Guy

[ 01-15-2003, 02:24: Message edited by: m700 ]

The shooter weight and arm size will make a defernce. If you are small you need a lighter spring.
Steve

The roll pin in the Gold Cup rear sight has a reputation for departing the slide. Have the roll pin replaced with a solid pin. Solid pins don't compress like roll pins.

16 lb spring