1911 loose barrel bushing durability?

[FullEffect1911]

I know how to fit a new bushing already should I want to. I am also aware that it can have a negative effect on accuracy if the bushing is loose in the frame and around the barrel.

My question, will there be a negative effect on bushing durability from a loose bushing to frame fit on a 1911?

I will fit a new one if there is a heightened chance for the bushing to batter itself to death prematurely.

 

[Oro]

Yes, the durability and lifespan is reduced. It's the same effect as when a wheel bearing starts to wear - it will take a long time to get .001" wear, but then it wears faster and faster after that. The looseness means the initial impact is going to be more uneven, with more movement and heat generated.

 

[FullEffect1911]

The looseness means the initial impact is going to be more uneven, with more movement and heat generated.

makes sense, guess I'll get a new one.

 

[rcmodel]

On the otherhand, GI guns went through three wars & several police actions with the same rattly loose bushings. The whole gun wore out at about the same rate as the loose bushings.

rcmodel

 

[Oro]

I agree with rcmodel - While I answered your question that it will wear faster, that is not an absolute that means it HAS to be changed out. It does not mean a slightly loose bushing is going to cripple your gun. Fitting a new bushing perfectly can be a bit tricky by the "home smith."

 

[nitetrane98]

Glad to see this thread as I've wondered about a few things concerning the bushing to slide fit. Mine does not need a bushing wrench to remove and has never needed a wrench. There is just nearly imperceptable movement laterally and vertically. There is some fore and aft movement in the lug way. What I'm wondering is how can there be slide to bushing wear since the bushing is pretty much immobile against the recoil spring pressure? I can appreciate the fore and aft movement generated by the friction of the barrel to the bushing but what kind of impact are we really talking about on the bushing lug? And at the minute distance of travel is there really enough friction to produce heat and wear?

 

[rcmodel]

You are right.

Even a loose bushing is pretty immobile in the slide when the gun is locked up, or unlocked.

Most of the wear is on the inside bearing surface of the bushing & O.D. of the barrel itself.

As can be plainly seen by stripping an old gun and looking at the wear patterns.

rcmodel

 

[ppcgm]

A lot of this comes down to the question of how much you shoot your gun. If you're out at the range burning a couple of hundred rounds or more every week, then you're putting some wear on your gun. If you're like most people and might shoot a hundred rounds a year then the gun is going to outlast you without any parts replacement.