1911 Barrel Bushings question

Kiwi cop · Sep 15, 2018

My SA 1911 A1 .45 is fitted with bull barrel and reverse spring plug. It has no barrel bushing and is accurate enough that I can confidently engage an 8" plate out to about 45 meters.

My Kimber 9mm Stainless Target II has a standard barrel and bushing, and even with a load I know it shoots well can sometimes be a bit erratic out past 30 meters.

new bull barrel for the Kimber is out of the question right now as all our funds are going towards our US trip next month. besides, at NZ$600 + it is a major outlay. (Can't purchase a barrel while in the US as they cannot be exported without some expensive permits).

This weekend I have learned about EGW's oversize and custom made thick barrel bushings. More importantly is their angled version. At under NZ$100 for a bushing and plug they are a bargain compared to a new barrel.

Has anyone had any experiences, good or bad, with these bushings?

WR Moore · Sep 15, 2018

It would seem everyone and their brother make oversize barrel bushings for the 1911. Check the Brownells website, their name + .com. Briley used to make one with a spherical bushing that worked inside their slide bushing to allow the barrel to pivot. They have their own website.

I'm not sure what the exchange rate is, but the EGW price seems steep. They do tend to be excessively proud of their products.

I built quite a few 1911s. The concept of relieving the barrel bushing so that the contact with the barrel is circular has been out there a long time. The same effect can be done on a regular oversize bushing by the careful use of an adjustable reamer while fitting the bushing to the barrel. That said, I expect the effect is more mental than physical. Or, while fitting the bushing, the end of the barrel could be slightly turned to create a larger contact ring. Same thing, larger machining bill, doubtful improvement in result.

I'd suggest just getting a local smith to fit anyone's oversize bushing-the 9 mm does use a different size. FWIW, Bar-Sto uses what looks a lot like a regular fitting bushing on their barrels, but they make the breech end to maximum tolerance size to eliminate slop at that end. Seems to work.

Wee Hooker · Sep 15, 2018

So I would ask are you sure purchasing one in the US and packing it home in your luggage would e considered exporting? I thought the restrictions only applied to the manufacturer/vendor shipping directly beyond out of CONUS. Not suggesting you break any laws, just be sure of your options. Maybe someone here would know.

arjay · Sep 15, 2018

I've had a couple in different guns.Its a good product and improved the groupings of both guns.I think I paid around $25ea

Rock185 · Sep 15, 2018

I have used several EGW barrel bushings, and some of their other products. Quality stuff. I suspect with the NZ/USD exchange rate, NZ$100 might be about right for an EGW bushing and recoil spring plug. Although, the Kimber recoil spring plug will work just fine with the EGW bushing...

Just looked at the EGW site. Even the monogrammed bushing/plug set is only $50.00 US. Way under NZ$100 I think.

DWalt · Sep 16, 2018

Wee Hooker said:
So I would ask are you sure purchasing one in the US and packing it home in your luggage would e considered exporting? I thought the restrictions only applied to the manufacturer/vendor shipping directly beyond out of CONUS. Not suggesting you break any laws, just be sure of your options. Maybe someone here would know.

I don't know for sure, but I also believe export controls of munitions-related items apply only to U. S. exporters, not individuals who take a component purchased in the USA home. Unless there is some provision of NZ gun laws which prohibit entry of gun parts.

Kiwi cop · Sep 16, 2018

DWalt said:
I don't know for sure, but I also believe export controls of munitions-related items apply only to U. S. exporters, not individuals who take a component purchased in the USA home. Unless there is some provision of NZ gun laws which prohibit entry of gun parts.

Well the news that the US $100 parts limit may not apply to individuals is good news. I intend to bring home some 1911 mags I have a permit to import for and want more than just the three $100 will buy me at Dillon.

I need to get a permit to import pistol parts. It’s not usually a problem but my arms officer has messed up a couple of my permit applications recently, and another for some pinned 25 round 15-22 magazines he finds “fanciful”. He can’t get it that a) 10 and 25 round mags are just not for sale here and b) the official importer will not bring in 25 round mags pinned to 15 rounds just on the off chance they will comply with our sporting rifle legislation.

The good news is I live in one police area where my lic being file is held but work in a neighboring area where my club is located with the boundary a 5 minutes drive from my local station. I can choose which area to apply from for a permit in. I usually use the one where my club is.

With the exchange rate about .62c to or $ US $50 plus postage will come close to NZ$100.

boatbum101 · Sep 16, 2018

If you mic the OD of your barrel & the inside of your slide , EGW will machine one with .001" clearance on both ID & OD . Angle bored bushing is already relieved to allow for gun unlocking / locking . Call them & they'll hook you up . Cheapest way to tighten groups . Just like an oversized slide stop can if the pin is undersized on factory one . Still won't equal a hard fit match barrel / bushing but close .
Brownells sells Metalform 1911 mags very cheap & they're often OEM mags for many mfgers . I too compete & buy them by the dozens . Rounded follower for wad loads & flat with the dimple for FMJ / JHP loads . Much cheaper than Dillon . Just put a bushing , OS slide stop & small radius firing pin stop in a SA Range Officer 45acp . Pretty good reduction in group size @ 50yds with hardball as it'll hold the 10 ring @ 50yds with factory barrel . Proper barrel fitting pretty much eliminates need for slide tightening , plus keeps the gun from unlocking too soon unlike welding up & refitting a barrel . You'll also notice a reduction in recoil .

stansdds · Sep 16, 2018

A properly fitted barrel bushing is only one part of the equation that equals an accurate 1911. If the barrel lockup is sloppy at the rear of the barrel, a tight bushing is not likely to help much, if at all.

1911 Barrel Bushings question

Kiwi cop

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WR Moore

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Wee Hooker

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arjay

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Rock185

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DWalt

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Kiwi cop

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boatbum101

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stansdds

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