bull barrel vs. typical bushing 1911 barrel

[SHAGGY101]

I have been looking at different 1911s and have noticed about 2.5 different types of barrels. They are the bull barrel, a match grade "bushing barrel", and a heavy flanged cone match grade barrel. I have only seen this cone design on Wilson 1911s and that is why I call it .5. I know that as far as rifles go, the thicker the barrel, the better. Is this true for pistols as well, does it really matter with such a short barrel any way?

My question is which is better, more reliable over time, and simpler? And also. has anyone had any experience with this cone type barrel design?

Thanks, any responses are greatly appreciated.

 

[rcmodel]

The cone type barrels came about when the "short" & "chopped" craze started.

There is no room for a barrel bushing in guns shorter then Commander length, so the cone barrel & full length guide rod was invented to do away with the barrel bushing & recoil spring plug.

I favor barrel bushings fitted to the slide & barrel.
They can be re-fitted, or easily replaced if wear ever becomes an issue.
I also favor GI type recoil spring plugs over FL guide rods for less weight and easier field takedown.

A loose or worn slide or cone barrel is just gonna be loose, as there is nothing much you can easily do about it.
Same is true of a bushingless bull barrel.

rc

 

[SHAGGY101]

Is any one design more accurate than another?

 

[BlindJustice]

Regardless of type barrel / bushing or no bushing
it's the fitting that makes for accuracy, imho.

if you want a more stable fitting over time, I'd recommend
something like the Evolution Gun WOrks aka EGW
bushing which is forged - the forged parts from EGW or
other makers will have consistent hardness of the
metal throughout the depth of the metal versus a cast part
which has a hardened surface, if you wear through the
hardened surface you'd get a more rapid wear rate.
EGW will supply bushings that are made to your spec. they
want the O.Dl. of your barrel got a micrometer?

SOme barrels in regular 5" or 4 1/4" Commander length
barrles in chambered for cartridges of less than .45 Caliber
like .38 SUper or 9mm Parabellum aka Luger have an O.D at
the muzzle same as a .45 ACP but taper in the middle towards the
chamber and link. I have a Bar Sto Barrel in .400 Cor Bon
which is definitely a Bull - - the .400 CorBon was based on
the .45 ACP but now has the small pistol primer, it is bottle
necke with a 25 degree shoulder to headspace on, for .40 cal
bullets. The O.D. is the same as my .45 stock barrel and it's the
same full length, - so it's heavier than most barrels but fits the
stock bushing very well.

Randall