Rock Island Armory Barrel gash/crack?

[nerillosa]

So I bought a Rock Island armory Compact 1911 (M1911-A1 CS) about three weeks ago. I shot around 300 rounds through it in three visits to the range. The first two times I had several FTFs and I assumed it was part of the breaking-in process. The last time I went to the range, I shot 100 rounds, with only one failure to feed. I was feeling good about the gun. I went home, and in the process of cleaning it, I noticed this gash in the barrel. It is not longitudinal as most barrel failures and it doesn't seem to extend beyond nor through the barrel, as I look inside the barrel there is no gash. Is my gun still safe to fire?

 

[wally]

Sounds like a trip back to RIA is in order. So far they have been very good about standing behind what they sell, despite the low prices.

 

[Jolly Rogers]

Don't know the cause but that mark probably would not cause any failure. It is well within the case area of the chamber. If it was in the leade area I would be more concerned. It is also oriented so that it won't be acting like a stress rizer as it is at 90 degrees to the expanding pressure vector.
A photo and email to the manufacturer may be productive in the correction of the issue but I wouldn't be concerned if it was my gun.
Joe

 

[rcmodel]

No idea either.
But I don't think it's a crack.

It looks more like a joint where they induction braised a two-peice barrel together.

Some manufactures do that to save on forging & machining costs.

rc

 

[BBBBill]

Too far back for any joint I've ever seen. I think it's just a deep scratch from an errant cutter. Unsightly, but likely not significant to safe function.

 

[desidog]

Odd location for sure; and what's with all the little peened-looking marks?

I'd definitely email the manufacturer a couple pictures.

 

[entropy]

It's a machining mark. RIA's can be a little rough in that respect. Looks like the whole back end of the barrel could use a good polishing.

 

[boom boom]

RC is probably right as usual. I have an Argentine FM Hi-power that has the same mark at about the same place on the barrel. Had a gunsmith check it out to be sure and also did research online. The gun barrel was fine according to the gunsmith and my research indicated that the Argentinians used the induction method to bond the latter part of the chamber to the barrel. I still fire only std. pressure 9mm in it though.

 

[VinnAY]

RIA barrels, I have two of their 1911's, the barrels are fairly rough, not machined really really well, serviceable yes, but looking down the bore, they're rough. That mark is something I'd keep an eye on for now.

 

[Drail]

That does not look anything like a crack to me.