TexasCHLforum.com

The area that takes the worst pounding in a 1911 is the back of the channel below the barrel. It can get beat up and deformed if the recoil spring is weak. A weak spring allows the lugs to kiss the back of that channel. A good spring stops the barrel and slide just short of impact. In a short-barrel gun the margin of error is much less than a 5" gun. The key is to change the spring regularly, and for sure if you ever see any marks in the back of the channel. For some guns, a plastic buffer can be used.