1911 build, help choosing a barrel

[swampcrawler]

So I'm strongly considering doing my first 1911 build. IV already got everything else stacked into my cart at brownels except barrel, bushing, and any special tools needed to fit them.

I know kart seems go be the standard recomendation, but I'm a bit lost on how one fits the ID of the bushing to the OD of the barrel if one does not have a mill/lathe. I know the ez fit tube comes with this pre fit, but I'd like to work from an oversized barrel.

Can anyone clear this area up for me?

 

[BBBBill]

Best thing to do in those circumstances is to accurately measure the barrel OD and slide ID, then call EGW and get them to turn one of their angle bore bushings to fit.

 

[Drail]

Yup. If you don't have the tooling to turn and ream a bushing - EGW will do it for you. Just measure carefully 4 or 5 times and take an average. Be sure to check out all of their other parts too. They make some really nice stuff.

 

[earplug]

Kart Easy Fit

I have done two of my 1911's with the KART easy fit system. Buy the alignment block/tool and the narrow file that fits the barrel pads.
I used a electric drill and a mandrel with abrasive paper to smooth out the in side of the slide and remove machine marks for the new bushing.
Then use a file to hand fit the bushing to the slide.
Both guns shoot very well with my cast bullets.
Your not cheating by buying the bushing fit to the barrel, you have plenty of other things to fit.

 

[BBBBill]

As for the EZ Fit, it is oversized in most respects. You will have to fit the hood length, the hood width, and the two fitting pads in the rear lug slot at a minimum. On several of the ones I've done I also ditched the pre fit link, fit the bottom lug, and fit a new link. Not usually necessary, but some combinations of slide/frame/barrel will respond to the extra attention. With ANY barrel you choose you need to expect to need to finish ream the chamber. I don't care what the marketing folks say on their packaging, just do it. And get the headspace gauges, too.

 

[rcmodel]

I have fit barrel bushings to slides & barrels with nothing more the emery cloth and elbow grease.

IMO: Fitting the barrel lugs to the slide stop pin can only be done 'Right' with a lug carbide barrel lug reamer.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...ools/1911-auto-lug-fitting-kit-prod18787.aspx

Rc

 

[BBBBill]

I've owned and used the lug cutter for years. Joe Chambers has a new/improved version for sale on his site - http://www.store.chamberscustom.com/products/1911-barrel-leg-cutters
It is getting high marks from pros and amateurs alike.
I now cut lugs on the mill using the Weigand fixture -
http://www.jackweigand.com/EBF1911.html Mine is the older original version. Haven't been able to justify buying the new one yet.

 

[rcmodel]

I guess I'm so far behind the curve I don't even know what I'm looking at on that Wiegand mill fixture???

How does it work??

rc

 

[BBBBill]

I have no experience with the new one, but the videos at the bottom of the page on the link I posted show the process. The old one is somewhat similar in process. My aspirations are to improve my skillset to do it like Jerry Keefer does his - on a surface grinder. I have the grinder, but lack some of the tooling (easily remedied) and skills (not so easy).

 

[rodinal220]

Kart barrel/EGW bushing