new mainspring won't fit 1911

[Lycanthrope]

Any Sears store will have needle files.

This.

They come in sets with a round file.......

Lycandon'tfileaframeholethrope

[autotech6506]

Well it looks like I'm going to have to take the advice of people with experience. Filing the frame would be easier but if Lycan says no then that means no.


autothankslycanandeveryoneelsetech6506

[Lycanthrope]

Can you post us a pic?


Lycanhastobeabetterwaythrope

[Mity2]

You sure you got the right one? A full size MS housing won't fit a compact.

I bought Fusion MSH for my old SPringfield 1911, and it didn't fit.
I had to file somewhat to make it fit.
Since I'm originaly from around Binghamton NY area, and I want to support them, but since then I have been sticking with EdBrown or Wilson parts..

[autotech6506]

Can you post us a pic?


Lycanhastobeabetterwaythrope

I tried to. I can't get a pic that you can see with the equipment I have. I can see that on the mainspring housing the hole is right next to the slot with no space between. When I look at my frame the pin hole is spaced by the tiniest margin away from the slot the mainspring housing slides in. I'll get a file and spend 5 minutes filing on the mainspring housing and it should go together not problem. I can't tell if the issue is the frame or the housing as I have no experience with this type of thing. I'd suspect the frame as this was a $400 gun from the Phillipines.

[gold cup abuser]

before you start ANY filing lets try the following:

1. Make sure the mainspring and retainer pin is out of the mainspring housing.

2. remove the sear spring.

3. with the hammer and the grip safety in place, put the mainspring in place.

at this point the mainspring housing should line up with the hole in the bottom of the frame for the mainspring retaining pin.


If at this time the parts do NOT line up then you have 2 options.

a. file the hole of the mainspring housing so that the holes line up.

b. get another mainspring housing.

DO NOT file the frame.


good luck

[autotech6506]

before you start ANY filing lets try the following:

1. Make sure the mainspring and retainer pin is out of the mainspring housing.

2. remove the sear spring.

3. with the hammer and the grip safety in place, put the mainspring in place.

at this point the mainspring housing should line up with the hole in the bottom of the frame for the mainspring retaining pin.


If at this time the parts do NOT line up then you have 2 options.

a. file the hole of the mainspring housing so that the holes line up.

b. get another mainspring housing.

DO NOT file the frame.


good luck

quick question, if i took it all apart and then it fits what do i do? I don't have a way to hold it into position while I get the pin in. there is simply way to much spring tension on the mainspring

[autotech6506]

mission success! only about 20 minutes with a file and about 20 test fits later! I even beveled the frame to match the magwell even though you guys said to never file on the frame :-P

Thanks again guys!

[gold cup abuser]

If it did fit without the springs and the holes lined up without the springs then it should have worked with the springs lol

If you have a magazine funnel then you have to file the magazine well to get the funnel blended in with the frame.

sounds like you got the problem fixed

good job there

[gunfixer199]

Allways file the cheeper part and not the firearm. the firearm is to hard replace.
But even though it is sometimes a very tight or hard fit you should be able to get the job done. if not take it to some one you trust that is more familure with the repair.
Bill Buchanan