Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring Review

Let’s Dive into Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring

The 1911 platform, a timeless design perfected by John Browning, demands reliable components to ensure its continued functionality. The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring promises to be a crucial upgrade, designed to maintain consistent ignition and extend the life of your 1911. We’ll be dissecting this small but vital part, exploring its real-world performance and determining if it lives up to the Ed Brown Products reputation for quality.

For years, I’ve been chasing the ultimate reliability in my 1911s, often finding that small parts make the biggest difference. A broken or weak firing pin spring can render a 1911 useless, a lesson I learned the hard way during a high-stakes training session. This spurred a quest for durable, dependable replacements, leading me to explore the offerings from Ed Brown Products.

Upon receiving the Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring, I was immediately impressed with its robust appearance. The spring felt noticeably stiffer than the standard firing pin springs I typically use, hinting at a potentially longer lifespan. Its simple steel construction belies its importance; it’s a part built for purpose, not aesthetics.

Compared to standard aftermarket springs from Wilson Combat and Wolff Gunsprings, the Ed Brown Products spring exhibited a more substantial feel. While the Wilson Combat springs are known for their reliability and the Wolff springs for their increased power, the Ed Brown Products option seemed to offer a middle ground, balancing both aspects. I chose this spring because Ed Brown Products enjoys a solid reputation among seasoned 1911 enthusiasts for producing parts that stand up to serious use.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The quality was apparent, but the true test would come at the range. A firing pin spring is a vital component, and I needed to see if this heavy-duty version would offer improved reliability without negatively impacting trigger pull or causing light strikes.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring in my custom-built competition 1911 during a weekend-long practical pistol match. The conditions were far from ideal: a mix of rain, mud, and fine sand that inevitably found its way into every nook and cranny of my pistol. I ran approximately 500 rounds through the pistol that weekend.

Despite the adverse conditions, the spring performed flawlessly. Primer strikes were consistent and ignition was immediate, regardless of the ammo type. There were no malfunctions attributable to the firing pin spring.

The installation was straightforward and the spring dropped in with no modification required. I noticed a slight increase in trigger pull weight, which was expected with a heavier spring. This didn’t negatively affect my accuracy, but is something to consider if your 1911 has a very light trigger.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, including weekly range sessions and another practical pistol match, the Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring continues to perform admirably. I have put approximately 2,000 rounds through the pistol with this spring installed. There have been no malfunctions or signs of weakness.

The spring shows no visible signs of wear and tear, maintaining its original stiffness. It has remained consistently reliable in temperatures ranging from below freezing to well over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. I clean my 1911 thoroughly after each range session, and the firing pin channel is always inspected for debris and proper lubrication.

Compared to my previous experience with standard firing pin springs, the Ed Brown Products option appears to be significantly more durable. Standard springs typically begin to weaken or even break after around 3,000 rounds, necessitating replacement. This Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring shows no sign of quitting anytime soon.

Breaking Down the Features of Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring

Specifications

• The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is constructed from high-quality spring steel. This material is crucial for withstanding the constant compression and expansion cycles during firing.
• It is designed as a direct replacement for the factory firing pin spring in any standard 1911 pistol. This ensures easy installation without requiring gunsmithing.
• The spring is specifically engineered to provide a heavier spring rate than standard 1911 firing pin springs. This increased spring rate is crucial because it ensures consistent primer ignition, even with harder primers.
• The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is finished in a natural steel color. The lack of coating prevents any potential binding or friction within the firing pin channel.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is to reliably return the firing pin after each shot, preventing accidental discharge and ensuring consistent ignition. This product excels in this crucial task.

The spring offers a noticeable improvement in primer ignition consistency. This is especially important when using a variety of ammunition types or reloading with harder primers. It meets my expectations for a heavy-duty firing pin spring by providing enhanced reliability and longevity.

A potential downside of a heavier spring is a slight increase in trigger pull weight. I personally didn’t find it significant enough to be a detriment, but it’s something to be aware of. The benefit of increased reliability outweighs this minor drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is a functional component, so the design is primarily focused on performance rather than aesthetics. The materials are high quality.

The spring’s straightforward design eliminates any learning curve. Installation is simple, requiring only basic disassembly of the 1911 slide.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is designed to last significantly longer than standard springs, offering thousands of rounds of reliable performance. Based on its current performance and reputation, I anticipate it lasting well beyond the typical 3,000-5,000 round lifespan of standard springs.

Maintenance is minimal; simply ensure the firing pin channel is clean and lightly lubricated during routine cleaning. The spring itself requires no special care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is a drop-in replacement part and doesn’t require any specific accessories. It is compatible with all standard 1911 firing pins.

While not an accessory in itself, this spring pairs well with other reliability upgrades, such as a match-grade firing pin or a lightweight hammer. By upgrading these key components, you can further enhance the performance and dependability of your 1911.

Pros and Cons of Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring

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Who Should Buy Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring?

Perfect for: 1911 owners seeking improved reliability, competitive shooters who demand consistent primer ignition, and anyone who relies on their 1911 for self-defense. This spring is especially beneficial for those who shoot a high volume of ammunition or reload their own cartridges with varying primer types.

Who should skip this product? If you are extremely sensitive to trigger pull weight and prioritize a feather-light trigger above all else, this spring may not be for you. However, the increase in pull weight is usually minimal.

Must-have accessories or modifications? This spring works best in conjunction with regular maintenance and a clean firing pin channel. Consider pairing it with a high-quality firing pin for optimal performance.

Conclusion on Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring

The Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is a small but significant upgrade for any 1911 owner seeking enhanced reliability and peace of mind. This product effectively addresses a potential point of failure in the 1911 platform, offering increased durability and consistent primer ignition.

At a price of $4.95, the Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring is an exceptional value. The cost is minimal compared to the potential consequences of a malfunctioning firing pin spring.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Ed Brown Products Heavy Duty 1911 Firing Pin Spring to anyone who relies on their 1911 for competition, self-defense, or simply enjoys shooting. Upgrade your 1911 today, and experience the confidence that comes with knowing your pistol is equipped with a component built to last.