Dorado Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 It's been a while since I've last posted and just thought I'd say Howdy before I start asking questions. So, Howdy! Ok, and now for the questions. My grandfather just gave me his 1943 M1911a1 I've taken it apart, cleaned and inspected everything and I cannot find anything wrong but I'd like to replace the barrel and use it for Wild Bunch if I can. I was wondering where I could find a barrel that doesn't require a gunsmith to install. I don't trust the ones around here and I don't know how to fit a barrel. Can y'all help me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bad Hand Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 If there's nothing wrong with it, why replace the barrel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 Just go to Google and type in 1911 barrels and a bunch will come up. What you want is a "drop-in" barrel. Most of the time they do just "drop-in." Once in a while you might need to have the barrel fitted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dubious Don #56333 Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 There ain't no "drop-in" barrels Larsen, once in a while you might get lucky and it goes in, shoots and functions but it ain't RIGHT. There's about fifteen different areas that need to be checked for fit to the frame, slide, slide stop and such. Unless there's something wrong with the barrel that prevents shooting (sewer pipe with no rifling, bulged) PLEASE don't mess up that fine old collector gun. You know them WWII 1911's are going for almost 2,000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 There ain't no "drop-in" barrels Larsen, once in a while you might get lucky and it goes in, shoots and functions but it ain't RIGHT. There's about fifteen different areas that need to be checked for fit to the frame, slide, slide stop and such. Unless there's something wrong with the barrel that prevents shooting (sewer pipe with no rifling, bulged) PLEASE don't mess up that fine old collector gun. You know them WWII 1911's are going for almost 2,000. He didn't say he is building a bullseye gun. There are lots of mil spec drop in barrels that will function and shoot just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Dog Jack, SASS #77862 Posted March 26, 2011 Share Posted March 26, 2011 I have "assisted" on barrel swaps on two WW2 era 1911s where we swapped the barrel from my mil-spec RIA into them just to see if it works, and it did function fine. I would keep the original barrel, DON'T let it get away if you do swap it out. I am NOT a gunsmith and make no pretensions of being one, but I did stay at a Motel 6 once... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Woodrow Cahill, SASS # 54363 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 PLEASE don't mess up that fine old collector gun. You know them WWII 1911's are going for almost 2,000. Or more. Ones made by Union Switch & Signal are pushing $3,800 and up. I'd have it appraised before doing anything else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLACKFOOT SASS #11947 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Why? If there is nothing wrong just shoot it. You won't wear it out. I have seen some old, cruddy barrels shoot better than new ones. Blackfoot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunt Jen Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 It's been a while since I've last posted and just thought I'd say Howdy before I start asking questions. So, Howdy! Ok, and now for the questions. My grandfather just gave me his 1943 M1911a1 I've taken it apart, cleaned and inspected everything and I cannot find anything wrong but I'd like to replace the barrel and use it for Wild Bunch if I can. I was wondering where I could find a barrel that doesn't require a gunsmith to install. I don't trust the ones around here and I don't know how to fit a barrel. Can y'all help me? Oh.... Sorry. I misunderstood. Aunt Jen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grizzly Dave Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Oh.... Sorry. I misunderstood. Aunt Jen Me too, I thought maybe they'd tapped another keg, guess that's what I get for wandering out of the Saloon! Grizz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dorado Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 The gun is in great shape and fully functional but I'd still like to be able to shoot it. I'd rather not mess up the original barrel and I didn't know if there was any major differences between mine and the new gov't models. I've been looking at a Colt Semi-drop in barrel for about $100 and I didn't know if it required a lot of gunsmithing or if it'd be something I could do myself. I've already had trouble getting my carry pistol back from one of them and the others look to be about the same as the first. I don't want to leave it with one of them just to watch them "lose" it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted March 27, 2011 Share Posted March 27, 2011 Sir there is not much of a chance of messing up the bbl with lead loads . If it were me I would just shoot it and keep her cleaned and oiled properly . CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dorado Posted March 27, 2011 Author Share Posted March 27, 2011 I guess you're right on that Bill, I'll give it a try and see what happens. But at the same time I'd still like to shoot it with full power jacketed rounds when I'm not out being a cowboy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 She has been together this long , I relly dought that it is going to hurt a bit , lead or fmj . I had the privalage to shoot a couple about like her and found them to be as good or better the new 1911s . Those old warhorses are very well built . See ya down the trail CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celilo Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 I like to use some of my original 1911 & 1911A1 for wild bunch. If you use the original barrel they are pitted from old corrosive primers and lead up pretty bad. I have an extra plain barrel that I have droped into several without any problems. Go ahead and shoot the old ones. They are collectable but I will let my grandkids worry about that. Have fun and appreciate their history. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.