How hard is it to remove the swinging link on a 1911 barrel?

[Lone_Gunman]

I was cleaning one a few nights ago, and had the gun disassembled. I usually just clean the barrel without removing the link, but this time, the cross pin holding the link just sort of fell out, and it and the link came off the barrel.

I put it back together, and it seemed to go back together snug, and everything seems to be working.

Is this a problem?

 

[yci]

I hope it's not as I have a Series 70 that does the same thing. Haven't seen any issues with it, but then I'm far from being an expert.

Hopefully someone with more knowledge will be able to answer this.

 

[brickeyee]

The pin should be a press fit. Sounds like something is either off or worn excessively.
You can stake the pin by upsetting some metal on each side from the barrel feet into the pin hole, but I would try a new pin before going this route.

 

[gringolet]

link pin?

you mean just the link pin? not a big problem..should be snug but that's good enough...it's pretty well captured when the pistol is assembled. you may want to examine a couple of things though to be sure..a) are the locking lugs on barrel or in slide being battered? b) is the link being "wallowed out", that is, the hole in the link being made oval-like? if so, you have a problem with the lock up and should have the pistol to a gunsmith...if don't notice these things, no problem,. press on.

 

[Onmilo]

We would stake the link pin in place at depot level repair.
I still use this technique, You will never have a link pin fall out or work itself free if this is done correctly
Secure barrel to a bench block and use a Center punch to lightly ding the link pin hole in three points.
Turn over and repeat on the other side.
Remember to put the link into place and secure it with the pin before you do this

 

[NavajoNPaleFace]

The pin on my Kimber is tight while the pin on my Colt 70s will fall out if I'm not paying attention.

I just put it back in and have never experienced any problem.

Once in the gun the pin cannot slide far enough to fall out.