The 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring 50238 is a genuine Colt factory recoil spring designed specifically for Colt 1911 Government models chambered in 9mm. Whether you’re refreshing an older pistol, solving reliability issues, or doing routine maintenance, this OEM spring restores your 1911’s timing, recoil control, and overall function back to true Colt spec.
Built in the USA and engineered for the 5" Government-length slide, this spring is the correct replacement for the 1992-pattern Colt 1911 9mm Government and many 1991/Series-style models using Colt’s original 9mm recoil system.
Key Features – 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring (50238)
Genuine Colt OEM part – not an aftermarket copy
Manufacturer SKU: 50238
Brownells / distributor ref.: 160119205 (often used by major parts dealers)
Fits: Colt 1911 Government models in 9mm (5" slide)
Function: Factory-rate recoil spring for proper slide cycling and lockup
Construction: High-quality spring steel, made in the USA
If your 1911 is a Colt 9mm Government model and you want it running exactly the way Colt intended, this is the correct recoil spring to use.
Factory-Correct Performance for Colt 1911 9mm Government Pistols
Over time, recoil springs take a beating. Hard use, high round counts, or years of being stored compressed can weaken the spring, causing:
Inconsistent ejection and feeding
Slide battering / increased frame wear
Failure to return fully to battery
The 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring is built by Colt to restore the slide’s cycling energy and timing to original spec, giving you:
Consistent slide velocity for reliable feeding and extraction
Improved overall reliability with standard 9mm ammunition
Reduced frame battering, which helps extend the service life of your pistol
If you’ve started seeing failures to feed, odd ejection patterns, or your pistol just “feels sluggish,” a fresh recoil spring is often the first (and smartest) fix.
Designed Specifically for 1911 Government 9mm Models
This part is purpose-built for 5" Colt 1911 Government pistols chambered in 9mm, not a generic 1911 spring. Retailers and Colt parts listings clearly note:
That means the spring rate, length, and geometry are tuned for:
The lighter slide mass and recoil impulse of 9mm compared to .45 ACP
Proper locking, unlocking, and dwell time in Colt 9mm Government pistols
Reliable function across a wide range of factory 9mm loads suitable for defensive, duty, and range use
Using the wrong spring weight (especially a tired or .45-ACP spring) can lead to short-stroking or excessive slide speed. This 50238 recoil spring helps ensure your 9mm Government runs the way Colt engineered it.
OEM Quality – Made in the USA
Brownells and other major distributors explicitly list this as a Colt-made recoil spring manufactured in the USA, giving you peace of mind about materials and quality control.
Benefits of going with Colt OEM instead of no-name springs:
Consistent spring rate that matches original design
Exact length and coil geometry for the 1911 9mm Government slide
Confidence that you’re using the same type of part Colt installs at the factory
For serious shooters, armorers, and 1911 collectors, keeping the gun “all Colt” with genuine parts preserves both reliability and value.
Ideal Use Cases
The 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring 50238 is a smart upgrade or replacement in several scenarios:
Routine Maintenance / Spring Refresh
Fixing Reliability Problems
Experiencing failures to feed, stove pipes, or the slide not going fully into battery in your Colt 9mm Government? A weakened spring is often the culprit. Replacing it with this OEM part is a fast, inexpensive fix.
Restoring Older Colt 9mm 1911s
Spare Parts for Duty or Defensive Pistols
For carry or duty guns, having one or two factory recoil springs on hand ensures you can quickly refresh the system before an important season, class, or qualification.
Easy Drop-In Replacement (Professional Fitting Recommended)
The 1911 recoil spring is simple to replace as part of standard field stripping, and this Colt 50238 unit is intended as a drop-in part for compatible 9mm Government models.
However, because the recoil system directly affects:
…it’s always wise to function test thoroughly after installation. Many manufacturers and gunsmiths recommend having a qualified 1911 armorer inspect any changes to critical operating parts, especially on carry or defensive pistols.
Technical Specifications – 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring 50238
Product Name: 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring
Manufacturer: Colt
Manufacturer Part Number (MFR #): 50238
Distributor / Reference Code: 160119205 (common Brownells/retailer code)
Caliber Compatibility: 9mm
Pistol Platform: Colt 1911 Government (5" slide), 9mm
Type: Recoil spring (return spring)
Material: High-quality spring steel
Country of Origin: Made in USA
Why Choose the Colt 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring (50238)?
If you own a Colt 1911 Government 9mm, the 1911 9mm Government 1992 Recoil Spring 50238 is the correct, factory-spec solution when:
Your slide feels sluggish or overly snappy
You’re seeing feeding, ejection, or battery issues
You’re refreshing springs as part of a maintenance schedule
You’re restoring an older Colt and want original-style parts
With authentic Colt manufacturing, 9mm-specific design, and Government-length geometry, this recoil spring helps keep your 1911 running smooth, reliable, and true to its original performance.
The End