Rebarrelling a 1911, got a question

[Teachu2]

I have a Colt 1911 Series 70, and wish to install a Ed Brown Drop In Match Barrel and bushing. "May require fitting" - yep. Slide won't go into battery. Got out the caliper, and the only measurement that is significantly different is the distance from the top lugs to the end of the hood - the new is ~.030 longer than the old. This corresponds to the rub mark on the bolt face...

I intend to shorten the hood in increments until the slide functions - while watching for other points on interference. I have a WWII Clausing 12x36 lathe, but hesitate to use it here unless I use it to hold the barrel stationary while I file. I also have a belt/disc sander, and that's what I'm inclined to try. I believe I can use the disc and cut the hood back straight and true.

Advise from those of you who have done this - what would you do?

 

[Old Dog Man]

Cuttting barrel hood

Keep the angle straight and cut little and check a lot. Measure the hood length before cutting so you can tell how much you remove. you should have minimal clearance between the hood and bolt face. Good luck. Al

 

[rcmodel]

I would use a fine cut file and a black magic marker on the hood to tell what to file.

rc

 

[Teachu2]

I have machinist's layout fluid. I will mark the barrel to match the one I am replacing for the lug-to-hood length as a do not exceed reference, but plan to remove the material in increments with an assembled trial after each increment. It may not need to be as short as the old barrel's hood is, and it certainly doesn't need to be shorter!

I have all the measurements from the old barrel, so I may sacrifice it as a practice sample.

 

[ghitch75]

as said above file try it file it...

 

[1911Tuner]

Use a smooth mill file to lightly break the corners on the hood.

Chuck it up in the lathe. Square up the tool on one of the chuck jaws.

Run the tool up to the rear face of the hood while working the chuck back and forth until it just touches. Layout fluid will help locate it.

Hand-turn the chuck until the tool doesn't touch the hood. Run the tool in .003 inch.

Hand turn the chuck to shave off a little material. Repeat and check the fit. Lather/rinse/repeat until the barrel will go into the slide with a little resistance. Taking off an additional .003 inch is optional. I do that, but you may want a tighter fit. Suum cuique.

Be sure to establish a light 45 degree chamfer on the underside of the hood face. I use a scrape.

Cheers

 

[Teachu2]

Thanks 1911Tuner - I was hoping you'd weigh in. I never thought of using the lathe that way, but it makes perfect sense!

 

[Teachu2]

Got 'er done - shoots great! Thanks for the help!