1911 SHOK-BUFFS® Reviews & Ratings

Prevents expensive frame damage when shooting high-pressure, major power factor loads. Replaceable, poly-fiber washer installs behind the recoil spring on any length guide rod. The shock absorbing action stops the slide from battering the frame. Injection molded for the optimum balance between shock absorption and longevity. Replace every 1,000 rounds. SPECS: Poly-fiber, blue. 6 Shok-Buffs^® per pak. Not for use in Officer's ACP Models.

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5 Stars

Reviews Summary

The 1911 SHOK-BUFFS® seem to be a mixed bag for users. While many appreciate their ease of installation and potential to extend the life of their 1911 by reducing wear and tear, some note that they can cause slide cycling issues. Overall, they are viewed as affordable insurance for protecting the firearm's frame, particularly for range use, but may not be the best for carry or defensive applications.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Effectiveness

65%

Reviewers generally perceive the SHOK-BUFFS as effective in reducing recoil and wear on the 1911’s frame. Many users mention a noticeable decrease in harshness during firing, suggesting they help smooth out the action for better performance at the range.

Compatibility Issues

40%

Several reviews highlight concerns about compatibility with certain 1911 models. Users noted malfunctions such as premature slide lock due to the buffers preventing the slide from moving back far enough. This has raised alarms for those considering them for self-defense situations.

Installation and Use

55%

Many users commend the ease of installation of the SHOK-BUFFS, stating that they can quickly be installed with minimal tools. However, there's a trade-off as some users express challenges in operating the slide and loading, especially with the need to manually release the slide stop.

Use Caution for Defensive Carry

50%

A consistent theme is the caution advised by many reviewers regarding the use of SHOK-BUFFS in defensive or carry firearms. They suggest that due to potential slide issues, these buffers may only be suitable for competition or practice use rather than for self-defense.

Affordability

70%

Reviewers frequently note the SHOK-BUFFS as an affordable option for 1911 owners, emphasizing that at just over a dollar each, they are a good investment for protecting the firearm while allowing users to experiment without significant financial risk.

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Unnecessary Waste of Money

Sorry folks. I used to believe these were necessary or somehow advantageous to the design. After 20 years with my Colt Mk IV .45 in IDPA competition I finally tossed these or their ilk into the trash. With Zero loss of function, follow up accuracy, wear or reliabilty. Cutting springs?? Your gun will thank you when you don't have to pick degraded shock buffs out of your action.

Can Cause Stoppages

Buyer beware. These buffers may hypothetically extend the life of [some of the components within] your 1911, however they will also cause repetitive stoppages due to the slide locking back prematurely. This is caused by the buffer not allowing the slide to stroke far enough back to move over the top of the slide stop and push it back down if it moves in to the up position from the impulse/vibration of the gun cycling. I've had this occur with multiple different brands of 1911s. All worked properly before installing the buffers and then resumed normal function once the buffer was removed. If they were slightly thinner, it might prevent this issue.

good idea BAD design

Pros is its affordable. CONS are slide cycle wont lock on empty mag due to limited slide travel. Would have been a great upgrade. So sad!

Shok-Buff = No Power Stroking

I wish I would have read the reviews closer. As many other shooters have stated, you can not power stroke the slide after loading because the shok-buff prevent the slide from going back far enough to release the slide stop. You must engage it by hand. So if you have small hands then you will have to learn to engage it with your left hand (or send them back to Brownell's like I'm about to do).