1911 barrel question.

[PinnedAndRecessed]

I have a moderately tricked out Mark 4/Series 70 Colt 45 ACP I purchased new in 1978.

Based upon information I read on THR, I've decided to replace the collet bushing with a custom fitted solid bushing.

I talked to my gunsmith about the possibility of also replacing the barrel.

As you know, the stock barrel is "flared" at the end.

I am an infrequent shooter. Do you think the added expense of a custom barrel would be worth it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[45R]

In short. No keep the stock barrel.

 

[C. H. Luke]

"As you know, the stock barrel is "flared" at the end."

Don't know what you mean by this? The '70 Series 9mm Colt GM have has a thin to lg. taper at muzzle.
FWIW, Colt bbl's. are geneally quite accurate. EGW did their angle bore bushing on both a 9mm Comm. and the above GM. Had to use an oversize bushing as the I.D. of the slide at muzzle is larger due to the infamous "Collet" bush. Normally the carge is ca. $40.00 but it cost $60.00 due to fitting bushing to bbl. and to slide.

Advise to try just a bushing 1st. as both the above guns turned out to be extremely accurate with only custom fit bushings.

 

[Jim Watson]

A knowledgeable 1911 gunsmith will turn the Mk IV flare straight for a short distance at the muzzle so as to allow a good solid bushing fit. No need for a new barrel if your guy takes the right approach on the old one. I have one done that way and it shoots well.

 

[Dave Sample]

You do not need to turn the barrel if you don't want to.

 

[Stinkyshoe]

I think you answered your own question. If you are an infrequent shooter, I don't know that a new barrel would help anything. It would be cool, and nice to gain the accuracy, but I don't know that it would be practical or needed on a weapon. On the other hand, tricking out 1911's is just a beautiful thing...so do it!

 

[Dave Sample]

There is very little to gain by fitting a new barrel to a Colt like yours. A National Match Bushing fitted to the existing barrel will give you 90% of what there is already. Unless you take the rails down and pinch the slide, etc. and tighten the gun up in all four directions, the accuracy is not going to improve that much. The taper in that barrel actually helps it to lock up easier so I leave it alone. I think you have a nice gun that doean't need much help, unless you want to be a Bullseye Shooter.