1911- Barrel bushings?

[natedog]

I've noticed that the 1911 type pistol usually uses a removable bushing that is attached to the slide, while most pistols lack a barrel bushing. What is the point of a barrel bushing, and how come other tilting barrel-JMB operating pistols don't need one? Also, can someone explain and compare and contrast the different types of bushings? I've also noticed that some 1911 pistols lack a barrel bushing all together, and instead use a cone- shaped barrel.

 

[Fiero]

The purpose is two fold.

1. An innovative way to secure the recoil spring, with it's removal permitting said spring to be relaxed for pistol takedown.

2. The bushing firmly centers the barrel, and is replaceable if ever it becomes worn.

The main function is the first one. However, the forethought to ALSO make it a firm barrel "tightener" was ingeneous. A conical barrel would not have made much a difference here, except increasing cost without substantive return.


The design is not mandatory, it was just Browning's thought at the time. It works, and to resdesign it is not needed. Others afterward used different methods to relax the recoil spring and unlock the slide, that's all.