Close tolerance (Or lack of it)

[jondar]

How tight should the fit be between the link pin and the link/barrell lug? My old 1911 U.S.P., I know, wasn't made to close tolerances, being a military pistol, but is very loose in the fit between those points. You can turn the slide on its side and the pin will fall out. The pistol fires perfectly, no FTF or FTE so if it's not broke . . . .. Can this "looseness" lead to problems down the line? And if so will a new pin have to be fitted? I don't shoot this pistol all that much, about 500 rounds a year is my average.

 

[Jim K]

It should be a slip fit or a bit tighter. The lug hole diameter should be .154 +.001; the link hole diameter should be .1565 +0010; the pin diameter should be .1555 -.0010. That pin is normally rounded on the ends and is retained by staking both sides. This is done by using a center punch to make one or two indents on each side of the the lug, at the edge of the hole.

The pin can't fall out when the pistol is assembled, but it should be staked as it is a nuisance if it falls out and is lost when the barrel is removed.

Jim

 

[jondar]

Thanks for the specs and instructions on staking. I'll give it a try this weekend.