1911 Match Barrel Fitment and Finish (Pics Inside!)

[Texasred]

Hey there I have a concern about a gun that I have going in for some custom upgrades.

I have a Springfield "Loaded" Champion that I plan on having the slide Melonited. Among other things I also am curious as to the potential accuracy of the barrel, as the gun shoots good, but not as good as my Colt Series 80 and I am for the time being holding this attributable to the trigger. The trigger is pretty heavy, so I plan on asking Springfield to check the weight on it. If that isn't it alone I may consider a barrel upgrade down the line when I go send it back in later. Does anyone here have a Champion and would be willing to share their accuracy experiences with their stock barrel?

My other concern is should I decide to upgrade the barrel to a match unit does this give me the option have one fitted without having to again refinish the slide?
The way I understand it only the barrel lugs and hood are shaped to conform to the new "home" slide. So the finish should be okay, right?
I appreciate any one's advice!

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.
Fitting a new match barrel in no way affects the finish of the slide.

(If your gunsmith doesn't throw it on top of a bunch of tools six times while doing it!)

rc

 

[Jim Watson]

Surely there is somebody in Houston who can adjust the trigger pull so you can try it out before you start changing big things like barrel and fancy finish.
Worth doing to save the shipping, which can be a large fraction of a gunsmithing project anyhow.

 

[Texasred]

I wanted to use sacs because of their warranty work.

 

[98Redline]

I have this exact gun and was considering a similar road.

What I had done was to upgrade the internals with an EGW ignition kit (hammer, sear, disconnecter, springs). It was essentially a drop in change (very minor fitting required on the disconnector head). It would be prudent that you perform the appropriate safety checks afterwards, however George Smith (EGW owner) mentioned that as long as the frame is in spec the kit should drop in and work. There is still just a hint of creep in the trigger (as was to be expected). but the pull was lightened and smoothed up significantly.

Regarding the barrel, what type of accuracy are you looking to get of of this pistol? I doubt you are looking to shoot bullseye competition with a 4" 1911 but what is your expectation?

Also, have you tried different ammo? With cheap Russian Tul 230gr ball, my gun sort of gives a pattern not so much a group, however with 200gr SWC handloads, it will tear ragged holes at 25 yards off sandbags with the stock barrel.

 

[Texasred]

Thanks red line that was exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Some thing approaching 2" @25 yards would be ideal. I know that the trigger must be it then.

 

[anothernewb]

handloads go further IMO than just about any mod to the gun - a gritty, nasty trigger excepted.

I inquired about fitting a barrel once too. I was informed that the proper barrel link and lockup was more effective then the bushing. However, I know nothing on verifying this.