The Wilson Combat Recoil Spring 18 LBS .45 ACP 1911 – 703G18 (UPC: 811826020895) is a heavy-duty, full-size 1911 recoil spring engineered for shooters who demand reliability, durability, and smoother operation from their .45 ACP pistol. Designed for 5" Government-size 1911s running 230 grain hardball or standard-pressure JHP self-defense loads, this 18 lb spring helps tame slide velocity, reduce frame battering, and extend the service life of your pistol. alpinerange.com+3Palmetto State Armory+3tombstonetactical.com+3
Built from premium chrome silicone steel and tested to survive thousands of compression cycles without taking a permanent “set,” the 703G18 has become a go-to choice for discerning 1911 owners, competition shooters, and serious range enthusiasts. Palmetto State Armory+2Cheaper Than Dirt+2
Key Features – Wilson Combat 703G18 18 lb Recoil Spring
Built for Full-Size 5" .45 ACP 1911 Pistols
The Wilson Combat 703G18 recoil spring is specifically tuned for full-size 5" 1911 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. It’s ideal for traditional Government-length slides using full-power 230 grain ball ammo or comparable standard-pressure defense loads. Palmetto State Armory+2tombstonetactical.com+2
This 18 lb spring is an excellent choice if you:
Run standard 230 gr FMJ (“hardball”) at typical velocities
Carry standard-pressure JHP personal-defense loads
Want to balance reliability with reduced slide/frame impact
If you’re upgrading from a worn-out factory spring, the 703G18 is a direct replacement that helps restore proper timing and cycling to your 1911.
Heavy-Duty Chrome Silicone Steel Construction
Unlike basic music-wire springs, Wilson Combat uses enhanced chrome silicone steel to deliver superior resilience, consistency, and service life. Denny Dennis Store+3Palmetto State Armory+3Cheaper Than Dirt+3
Benefits of chrome silicone steel include:
Resists taking a set – maintains proper length and tension after thousands of compression cycles
Improved fatigue resistance – designed to withstand repeated firing with full-power .45 ACP loads
More consistent performance – helps ensure consistent recoil impulse and slide timing shot after shot
For high-round-count shooters and training junkies, this upgraded material can make a noticeable difference in how long your recoil spring stays “in spec.”
Protects Your Slide and Frame from Excessive Wear
One of the main reasons to install a fresh, correctly weighted recoil spring is to reduce the “pounding” your slide and frame experience during recoil. Wilson Combat specifically notes that keeping a good spring in your pistol will dramatically reduce the battering those critical parts receive. alpinerange.com+3Palmetto State Armory+3Buds Gun Shop+3
What this means for you:
Less chance of frame peening and slide-to-frame damage over time
Smoother cycling and less “snap” at the end of slide travel
Better long-term durability for your favorite 1911
If you’ve got a trusted carry gun, competition pistol, or heirloom 1911, protecting the frame and slide with a quality recoil spring is a low-cost way to extend its service life.
Tuned for 230 gr Hardball & Standard-Pressure JHP
Wilson Combat rates this 18 lb spring for 230 grain hardball equivalent loads and standard-pressure JHP ammunition with a power factor of 175,000–195,000. tombstonetactical.com+2Blackstone Shooting Sports+2
That makes it an ideal match if you:
Primarily shoot classic 230 gr .45 ACP FMJ at standard velocities
Use non-+P JHP for self-defense
Want a spring weight that keeps the gun reliable without over-springing the slide
By choosing a recoil spring matched to your ammo, you help ensure the pistol cycles positively while still absorbing enough energy to protect internal components.
Long Service Life – Up to 15,000 Rounds
Thanks to its chrome silicone construction and heavy-duty design, the 703G18 recoil spring offers an average service life of around 15,000 rounds under recommended conditions. alpinerange.com+3Palmetto State Armory+3tombstonetactical.com+3
That makes it especially appealing for:
High-volume range sessions
Training classes and practice schedules
Competition shooters who burn through ammo regularly
Instead of constantly swapping springs, you can rely on this Wilson Combat spring to deliver consistent performance over thousands of rounds.
Why Choose a Wilson Combat Recoil Spring for Your 1911?
Wilson Combat has built its reputation on high-end 1911 pistols and parts, and their recoil springs are no exception. Retailers describe these as “combat tough” springs that take a pounding yet deliver consistent performance with every round fired. Palmetto State Armory+2Cheaper Than Dirt+2
Reasons to pick the Wilson Combat 703G18:
Made by a trusted 1911 specialist with decades of experience
Designed specifically for full-size .45 ACP 1911s
Built from premium chrome silicone steel for longer life
Tuned for common 230 gr hardball and standard-pressure JHP loads
Helps protect your pistol’s slide and frame from long-term damage
For many shooters, it’s an easy upgrade from generic or worn-out factory springs.
Ideal Use Cases
The Wilson Combat Recoil Spring 18 LBS .45 ACP 1911 703G18 is a smart choice if you are:
Replacing a tired spring in a well-used 5" Government model
Tuning a defensive 1911 around standard-pressure .45 ACP loads
Building or upgrading a training gun that sees frequent range time
Competing with a .45 ACP 1911 and want more consistent cycling over long seasons
At its price point, it’s one of the most cost-effective reliability and longevity upgrades you can make to a full-size .45 ACP 1911.
Quick Spec Sheet – Wilson Combat 703G18 18 lb 1911 Recoil Spring
SEO-Focused Summary
If you’re searching for a Wilson Combat 18 lb recoil spring, 703G18 .45 ACP 1911 recoil spring, or 811826020895 1911 recoil spring, this heavy-duty chrome silicone full-size spring is engineered for 5" .45 ACP 1911 pistols shooting 230 grain hardball or standard-pressure JHP loads. With a power factor range of 175,000–195,000, an average life of 15,000 rounds, and construction that helps protect your slide and frame from excess wear, the Wilson Combat Recoil Spring 18 LBS .45 ACP 1911 703G18 is a proven upgrade for reliability, durability, and smoother shooting. alpinerange.com+4Palmetto State Armory+4tombstonetactical.com+4
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