Colt 1991 a-1 gvt. - loose plunger tube

[adam h]

I was handling my Colt 1991 a-1 gvt. the other day when I noticed that the safety wasn't working correctly. I quickly realized that the plunger tube was loose from the frame causing things to get all jammed up. I was wondering if this is something that Colt would warrantee if I sent it into them or if I need to take it to a gunsmith. If I do need to take it to a gunsmith, what would be a fair price to fix it?

 

[rcmodel]

This is probably cheaper then sending it back, or paying a gunsmith, who may or may not have the proper staking tool anyway.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=9489&title=PLUNGER TUBE STAKING TOOL

rc

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes, if he knew how to countersink the holes on the INSIDE. The upset metal of the plunger tube "legs" needs someplace to rivet out into.

 

[rcmodel]

I was thinking since it was a real Colt, they had already countersunk the holes for the crimp. They used too anyway.

But maybe not?
Haven't worked on any new Colts recently.

rc

 

[Jim Watson]

The loose plunger tube epidemic struck here. I was changing grips on my Colt 1991A1 and a bushing unscrewed, top left. I thought I could handle that with some Loctite by gluing in the bushing and then backing out the screw. But then I touched the plunger tube and it wiggled. So I visited FLG (Friendly Local Gunsmith) this morning. He said the countersinks were there, but shallow and the plunger tube legs short. He applied the staking tool illustrated, but the tube still wiggled. So he enlarged the countersinks and installed a new tube firmly seated (and Loctited.)