Sidearms & Scatterguns Drop in replacement 1911 barrels?

[101stinfantry]

I need a threaded barrel for a Colt 1991A1, doesn't have to be a super duper match barrel (I ain't that good with a pistol anyway). What I'm seeing though, is most say fitting maybe required, is this an issue for all 1911s? Not that big of a deal if so, just kinda a PIA, and extra expense sending it out.

 

[ShtrRdy]

So, you want an inexpensive barrel that will drop in to a 1911? With a threaded muzzle?

 

[101stinfantry]

I don't know if it'll be what you call inexpensive, but I was thinking along the lines of what aftermarket/factory threaded, Glock, Sig, FN, barrels cost (none of which need fitting as far as I know). I guess what I'm asking is, do I need to figure on sending the whole gun out to have a barrel fitted?

 

[Rocketvapor]

Read up on what is required when fitting a 1911 barrel.
Here's one
http://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/1911-handguns-fit-barrel/

 

[ShtrRdy]

Check out Kart barrels. The XACT Fit barrel can be fitted by you with a few tools. Since you want a treaded muzzle you'll need to order a 6" and plan on having it threaded.

 

[101stinfantry]

So basically, in not so many words, you guys are saying "No you can't buy a drop in fit 1911 barrel" correct?

 

[padom]

I did this exact same thing last year so I could put a can on my 1911. Went with a Nighthawk Customs threaded barrel and it had to be fitted. Its insanely accurate but I also had trigger work done with the barrel install. My favorite pistol.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p...1-match-grade-threaded-barrels-prod84633.aspx

 

[kl3309]

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p...pressor-ready-threaded-barrels-prod77975.aspx

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

So basically, in not so many words, you guys are saying "No you can't buy a drop in fit 1911 barrel" correct?

Unless there is some new technology I'm unaware of every 1911 barrel will have to be fitted (as already mentioned) to some degree. You might be able to do it yourself depending on your skill level and willingness to obtain the knowledge. In most cases, it's just more prudent to have a competent smith do it for you and of course then "inexpensive" becomes relative.

 

[Rocketvapor]

But, but, aren't all 1911s made to SPEC?
Just like ARs?

It's not much work to fit a barrel. Just take off the right amount in the right places.

Does the current barrel in your 1911 'FIT'? If you can tell, then you could probably fit a new one.

 

[101stinfantry]

Well, I hope it fits, I've been shooting it like it is for 20 years! Most of the aftermarket barrels that say "Drop-in" do note that minor fitting may be required, and that they will "probably" fit just fine the way they come. Maybe, and Probably in the description doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about what I am actually buying. Which was the impetus for my original query. I'm not sure where the "inexpensive" thing came from maybe ShtrRdy's post, or maybe when I said it doesn't need to be a match grade barrel. Of course if the barrel, fitment, and shipping back and forth is going to cost as much as the gun, I'll just shelve the idea, and get, or use a different gun.
It's obvious that there isn't a SPEC for 1911's, hell from what I can tell there isn't even a spec for Colt guns, Sigs, etc, etc. If there was I suspect there would be drop in barrels specifically for Colt, or what have you. I do appreciate the info.

 

[padom]

I also grabbed a EGW oversided bushing with my barrel for $18.00. Smith fitted it with the barrel. I got my Springfield 1911A1 for cheap from a store I built. It was a demo gun with less than 750rd on it that they sent back to Springfield for a complete makeover before selling it to me for $250 with 2 wilson mags. Put VZ grips on it, the Nighthawk Customs Match threaded 5.75" barrel, EGW Bushing, Night Sights, Wilson Combat Beavertail grip safety, concealment hammer, ultralight match tigger, disconnector, sear, firing pin return spring and sent it all to Corrells 45 Shop in PA. This guy has been building on 1911's FOREVER. The trigger, reset and accuracy of this thing is nothing short of amazing. I was blown away when I got it back.

Last thing Im going to do to it is send it to Club Custom Guns to have it all DLC coated.

https://www.brownells.com/aspx/search/productdetail.aspx?sid=49090&pid=24678

 

[clcustom1911]

I need a threaded barrel for a Colt 1991A1, doesn't have to be a super duper match barrel (I ain't that good with a pistol anyway). What I'm seeing though, is most say fitting maybe required, is this an issue for all 1911s? Not that big of a deal if so, just kinda a PIA, and extra expense sending it out.

If you buy a Colt barrel, it will drop into your Colt. If you buy any other brand parcel, it may need some minor fitting
Ed Brown Threaded Barrel

This, in my opinion, **should** drop right in. Ed Brown goes off the Colt blueprints and specs.

 

[clcustom1911]

It's obvious that there isn't a SPEC for 1911's, hell from what I can tell there isn't even a spec for Colt guns, Sigs, etc, etc. If there was I suspect there would be drop in barrels specifically for Colt, or what have you. I do appreciate the info.

Incorrect. There is/was a spec for the 1911 when they were first made and used by the military. COLT. Period.

With the commercialization and aftermarket for the 1911, making franken-guns, etc, there are mis-matched tolerances all over the place.

If you use a Caspian slide, colt frame, EGW bushing, Kart barrel, no name fire control parts.... You gonna have issues.

 

[101stinfantry]

Thank you, I'll add one to my cart.

 

[101stinfantry]

Seems like everyone is making a 1911 type gun these days.

 

[powdahound76]

@padom

Thanks for the 1911 pics. That is pretty darn awesome.
Now I have to sit at my desk waiting for the chub to ease up. Not sure the ladies in my office would be appreciative.......

101,
Sirh just posted about doing some minor fitting for his. He is a great resource and know a lot about, well everything it seems.

 

[EXTREMEPREJUDICE]

I'm not sure where the "inexpensive" thing came from maybe ShtrRdy's post, or maybe when I said it doesn't need to be a match grade barrel.

Didn't mean in any way to offend you. In your OP you indicated you wanted to forgo he expense of sending it out. I was just relating that if you have the skill set you could fit the barrel yourself and be GTG. On the other hand not knowing you, it would be possible you could screw up the fitting job, then still be in the original position and have spent funds on a new now unusable barrel and then have to pay to have it fixed. Sometimes it's just more cost effective to let an expert do it (and sometimes not?) Hope it works out well!

 

[101stinfantry]

No worries. I see exactly where your coming from, and that's a valid concern that I share as well. I have been known to screw things up that I'm usually pretty good at as well. That's why I like "Drop-In" parts, way fewer chances for me to bone something.
Unfortunately at this stage in life, the inexpensive stuff has already been tried, and it seems only the higher end stuff/projects remain. However, Cheap, and Free remain very good friends, we just don't get to hang out as often as I'd like these days.

 

[Sam Dunham]

I have never seen a true drop-in barrel that fit any 1911. Slide tightness and slide aggregate measurements are usually different from pistol to pistol, especially on guns made before CNC. When fitting a barrel, the hood comes first and then the rear lug recess to run it up and in the slide lock for centered primer hits. The lugs may need to be longer on loose guns and on tight ones lower. With this all comes the proper link to lug fit and barrel timing. Storm Lake barrels area pretty good fit on most guns for a drop in. Back when, years ago, I used to acetylene weld the lugs and the hood, then a dot on the rear barrel lock for slide fit. I used old recoil springs for welding rod. These old weld ups held up surprisingly well and a few of them are still being shot. I always used a sharpie coat to mark and tap with a plastic mallet until I got very close to fit. There was very little tolerance on a well fit barrel and the hood would just bump the breach face with no gaps or inspection would bring it back to your bench.

 

[Sam Dunham]

Basics

 

[sinister]

The GI Drawing Number in the lower right corner (7791193, as described in the above post) is the military standard for a rack-grade pistol. If the barrel is made to those dimensions it should fit a true military-inspected and accepted M1911 or M1911A1 as a drop-in.

Most commercial non-Colt weapons are not built to the original military drawings.

This is a National Match barrel:

 

[Sam Dunham]

This is off topic but maybe someone can use it?

The GI Drawing Number in the lower right corner (7791193, as described in the above post) is the military standard for a rack-grade pistol. If the barrel is made to those dimensions it should fit a true military-inspected and accepted M1911 or M1911A1 as a drop-in.

Most commercial non-Colt weapons are not built to the original military drawings.

This is a National Match barrel:
View attachment 7024676

Very true, thank you for sharing this. I once acquired two NM Military barrels and fit them to one 70 series and one old Ithica. They shot very well, better than most could ever hold them.

 

[Sam Dunham]

Interesting to note that both my Military NM barrels were wrapped in a sealed foil and paper container and both serial numbered. They had matching Barrrel bushings and the hood was polished, not parkerized. I cannot remember if they had a link? i paid 50 a piece and wish I could find some like that today.

 

[bluegrasspicker]

Sam, your process a few links up on barrel fitting belongs in the motivational thread! I wish I could see the whole process since I don't know enough about tinkering with 1911s to totally get it. With that said, it sounds like art.

 

[Sam Dunham]

The place I worked back in the late '90s and early 2000s had three guys that could do full fit barrels perfectly every time. These guys started there in HS and are still there. I am sure there are half dozen or more like that now working at the same place. I was pretty good but nothing like these guys that had been there already for 20 years. Ok think of it like this, a Lone Wolf Custom Smith handles how many barrels and guns a Month? 15 to 40 or so? These guys handled and fit a 100 or more a month. It is amazing just how good these were and they are still at it every day. One guy that I know who has been there since he was 20 years old had to work his hands every morning to get them loose enough to work. Amazing Master Pistolsmiths and was privileged to be there a few years. There were 50 or employees back then and now I have no idea? Probably closer to 100 now.