Throating of traditional 1911 barrel

[peacebutready]

Hi All,

The traditional 1911 was made for ball type bullet profiles. I was wondering if it is a good idea to have the barrel throated for flat-nosed fmj and other ammo? However, I really prefer not to have a gunsmith tamper with the frame feed-ramp.

Any idea what a competent 1911 'smith would charge? I think a person can also get an aftermarket barrel throated from the factory.

Have a pleasant and safe weekend, all.

 

[JRH6856]

FWIW, I have a 1911 (made in 1918) and have no problem feeding FN either FMJ or cast lead. LSWC feed fine also. This is with the original unthroated barrel and GI style mags.

The only feeding problems have been with 3 mags that I had with rounded followers. I replace those with standard flat followers and the problems went away.

OTOH, I had a Mk IV 70 that would not feed JHP reliably until I throated and polished the barrel.

Before making any modifications. I would suggest you run several hundred rounds through it with good magazines, then base your decision on the result.

 

[bigfatdave]

Before making any modifications. I would suggest you run several hundred rounds through it with good magazines, then base your decision on the result

yes.
start there, then worry about permanent adjustments

For perspective, I have two Armscor-made 1911s on Officer frames that have no trouble with most JHP ammo, that's an often ammo-sensitive size for the gun, from a bottom-tier manufactrer, feeding non-ball ammo with no modifications other than Wilson magazines.
... you're probably worrying about nothing unless we're discussing an antique.

 

[1911Tuner]

Modern 1911 barrels are already ramped...throated...for SWC ammunition. About 10 years ago, Colt threw in a new/improved "Dimple" throat that seems to work well in most of their pistols, but not so well in others. If you have one of the enhanced models, it has that throat design. In the ones that I've encountered that didn't perform as intended, recontouring them to the now standard shape generally sets'em right.

 

[peacebutready]

RIA Tactical here

For perspective, I have two Armscor-made 1911s on Officer frames that have no trouble with most JHP ammo, that's an often ammo-sensitive size for the gun, from a bottom-tier manufactrer, feeding non-ball ammo with no modifications other than Wilson magazines.
... you're probably worrying about nothing unless we're discussing an antique.

RIA Tactical here. Never fired. I'll break it in w/fmj then experiment before having a mod done to the barrel.

The RIA's are among the least expensive, but from what I read, I wonder if they are built better than some that are more, if not much more expensive. My Para GI Expert has FTF's, premature slide lock-back, needs a new sear spring or related item (hammer is very difficult to pull back), and shoots low and to the left.

Cheers

 

[peacebutready]

Thanks

Modern 1911 barrels are already ramped...throated...for SWC ammunition. About 10 years ago, Colt threw in a new/improved "Dimple" throat that seems to work well in most of their pistols, but not so well in others. If you have one of the enhanced models, it has that throat design. In the ones that I've encountered that didn't perform as intended, recontouring them to the now standard shape generally sets'em right.

Thanks for responding, Sir. It's interesting that recontouring them makes some work better.

I have the Checkmate hybrid, extended tube mags I originally purchased for my GI Expert. I'll have to put different bases on them to fit my RIA Tact.

Cheers