[Gunfyter]

I just had a Kart match barrel installed in my Kimber. In order to fit the barrel the smith had to smooth up the lugs on the top of the barrel, otherwise it wouldn't go into battery. It's so tight now that I need to use a bushing wrench to remove the barrel bushing even though I use a short rod guide. Will this loosen up slightly after some firing?

[1911Tuner]

Gunfyter asked:

Will this loosen up slightly after some firing?

Nope...not enough to be able to feel a signifigant change anyway. You can
loosen it up by lapping it, but doing so will degrade the accuracy a little.
The good news is that, unless you're a Distinguished Expert, you won't
likely see the difference.

Get a small tub of J&B Bore cleaner...original formula. Coat the inside of the
slide lightly and install the bushing without the barrel. Use your wrench to
work the bushing through its full range of motion. Remove, wipe, and reapply the bore cleaner about every 20-30 cycles, checking the fit each
time with the bushing lightly oiled. When you start to feel it loosen up, lap it with the barrel installed...but don't put bore cleaner on the barrel.

Remember to check the fit, and stop when it gets to the point that you can turn it with your finger and thumb with about twice the effort required to turn a factory-fit bushing. Remember, the looser th4e bushing, the more accuracy you lose. The bushing/slide fit isn't the only thing that affects accuracy, so what you lose won't amount to a whole lot.

If your gun is blued, you may need to touch up the end of the slide with some cold bluing, as the wrench will wear it off. it would wear off in time
from having to use the wrench anyway.

Luck to ya!

Tuner

[Gunfyter]

Thanks Tuner, I appreciate the advice. All I'm tyring to do is be able to tear the pistol down without using a pipe wrench. ;)

[Grump]

Bushing tight on the barrel, too, or just in the slide?

If you have a "knob" of extra metal near the muzzle, it may be wise to remove the busing only with the slide back about 1/2-inch. Otherwise, you may swage down/wear out the bushing-to-barrel fit, with a small loss in accuracy.

[Gunfyter]

Just in the slide. Thanks for the tip though.

[1911Tuner]

Whoa! If it's that tight, you may need to clamp it in a bench vise to help
keep the slide under control. Use a piece of leather or heavy cloth to keep from marring the slide, and clamp it on the top and bottom instead of the sides. If you squeeze it at the sides, you may spring it. Just tight enough to keep it steady.

Luck to ya!

Tuner

[Gunfyter]

Sorry Tuner, I was being funny. I'm recovering from my second shoulder replacement and it's still a bit tender. Didn't mean to alarm ya. :D :D

[1911Tuner]

Gunfyter said:

Sorry Tuner, I was being funny. I'm recovering from my second shoulder replacement and it's still a bit tender.

Aw man! Those rotator cuffs are a pain. I've got one that's screamin' for attention, but I just can't find the time...or the money...or the courage.
-------------------------------------

Didn't mean to alarm ya.

I'm cool. I've seen some of those things that Mean Joe Green couldn't
turn.:D Thought ya mighta had one like that.

Anybody who can remember Mean Joe gets a free dinner with Hillary.

Cheers!
Tuner

[Gunfyter]

I remember Mean Joe and The Steel Curtain very well, but I'll pass on the dinner with Hillary. YUK.

[1911Tuner]

Pore Hillary. Nobody likes her, 'cept Chuckie Schumer and Al Sharpton.:D

Check your PMs, Gunfyter.

Tuner

[Gunfyter]

PM's checked and returned.