1911 Barrel Link

[russ45]

This just started happening. Colt Model 70 Government with stock barrel, link, pin, etc. The slide has jammed to the extent that it takes a strong nudge to free it. After that, it cycles good until the next time I shoot, and then does it again. This has happened 3 times. I have noticed that the barrel link and pin have become loose, and the pin will fall out sometimes during cleaning. Also, the leading edge of the barrel link is unduly worn, more on one side than the other, but I can't figure out what is bearing on it because nothing appears to be able to touch it. I thought at first it may be the guide rod buffer jamming, but that is not the case - it apparently has something to do with the barrel. There are no other areas of undue wear. If anyone has experience with this issue, please reply.

 

[10X]

It is not uncommon to find the link pin is loose. That is not the problem.

Is the nudge required to force the slide closed or open and does it only do it with live rounds and not when hand cycling an empty gun?

 

[russ45]

I noticed the wear on the link and thought somehow it might be related although I can't see how. I think I might have it figured out though. It seems like it might be the barrel bushing. I replaced the bushing maybe 1000 rounds ago and it has worked well, but I noticed it has started to drag a little on the barrel. I think what has happened is that I had the bushing so tight that a small amount of dirt binds it up. When it jammed was after I started shooting lead bullets again and after I started using tetra on the barrel. I have since polished it down some more and will try it out this afternoon with oil. Thanks for the reply.