Colt Series 70 barrel bushing question.

[jagdpanzer347]

Hello all. Hoping some experienced 1911 shooters can help me out. I have a nice condition Series 70 that I use primarily as a range toy. However, it is also my back up defensive handgun. I have heard that the collet bushing on this design can break and tie up the gun. Is there any truth in this? If so, can I replace just the bushing, or would I have to replace the barrel as well?
Thanks in advance.
-jagdpanzer

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You have heard correctly. The culprit is not so much the bushing itself, but how it's fitted. If the "legs" of the bushing can touch any part of the slide, that will form a stress point as the gun unlocks, and that can break the leg off. A piece of metal floating around inside the slide may not immediately lock the gun up -- but why risk it?

Get a good quality solid bushing -- either a drop-in or gunsmith-fit. Bushings aren't hard to fit. I simply mark them with a magic marker and fit. Where they hang up leaves a bright spot. Then I take a strip of crocus cloth and "shoe-shine" the bushing until the spot blends with the rest, try again, shoe-shine again and so on.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

Vern, appreciate your prompt reply.
-jagdpanzer

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You're quite welcome.