Posted: 3/25/2011 3:29:01 AM EDT
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Hey guys, yesterday I was at one of the local GS. They had a Springer milspec. I didn't have a chance to check it out to see if it was a NM marked frame or not.
I was shopping around for something to have if and when I send my Colt off for work. Last time I was without a centerfire handgun for like 2 months YIKES! Anyway, do the milspecs have a two piece barrel? Do the NM marked ones have the same barrel as the reg ones? What's the deal with the two piece barrel anyway? I think the GIs have them and people seem to be ok with them. Thanks guys, BD |
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The N-prefix Mil-Specs will have a 2 piece barrel. The NM prefix guns will have a one piece Storm Lake barrel and a good fitting bushing.
It's a possible failure point. I've seen a picture of one that separated at the seam, but it's the only example I've ever heard of or seen it happen to. I've heard of more Series 80 parts failures in Colt pistols than 2 piece barrel failures...and I haven't heard of an aweful lot of Series 80 parts failures either. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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when a buddy and I each bought Mil Specs from the same seller, he got the N and I got the NM (luck of the draw)...both had 1 piece barrels...that was in 2005 and we bought Stainless Mil-Specs...for what it's worth...both pistols have been flawless with minor cosmetic differences between "N" and "NM" models...
Bill |
On the newer stainless barrels, they've gotten very good at hiding the seam. The barrel on the left is from a Loaded Circa 1997-1998. The barrel on the right is from a Loaded circa 2008. Both "N" marked. It's hard to see, but there is a definite line on the 2008 barrel. It's slightly easier to see the junction on the bottom of the barrel.
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Well looky there, I just learned something. For some reason I always pictured in my mind the seam going the long way(which I didn't know if it was a good idea). But then again, what do I know, I'm no metalurgist(is that a word?)
I'm still weighing my options, I ended up with an unwanted week off , and after paying my bills I didn't end up with much leftover. I could still put it on layaway if I decide to pull the trigger (no pun intended). Well thanks for the input guys. BD |
| Generally 2 piece barrels are just as strong as the 1 piece but due to the tolerances, most are probably not as accurate. IIRC the USGI barrels were mostly 2 piece and probably 99% of the factory Hi Power barrels were 2 piece. I'd perfer a single myself but I wouldn't lose sleep over having a soldered one. |
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I am looking at the "N" marked Mil Spec I just bought and I cannot see any indication that it is a two piece. It may be but dang, if it is, they covered it up really well.
I had another Mil Spec which was a stainless one about 5 years ago and there was no doubt it was a two piece. Whether it is or not, I don't really care. As long as I can hit minute of chest at 50 feet or less I am good. Patrick |
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Well, I decided to go back to the GS in the morning, and see if that Milspec is a NM marked one. If it is I'm going to put 'er on layaway.
After all what better a temporary replacement for a 1911 than another 1911. If I end up with it I will have to change out the MSH right away, but I'll prob leave it stock besides that. Maybe some VZ grips though. BD |
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Quoted: The N-prefix Mil-Specs will have a 2 piece barrel. The NM prefix guns will have a one piece Storm Lake barrel and a good fitting bushing. I'm pleased to hear that because my Mil-Spec has a NM prefix so I've got a one piece. I did notice that the bushing to slide and the bushing to barrel both had a good precision fit. I guess that's why it shoots so well for me.  |
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Quoted:
Why change the MSH? Plastic, arched, or because of the lock? Well I went back to the GS and low and behold it was a NM marked Milspec. I put it on layaway and should have it within a month or less. To answer your question, I originally wanted to change out the MSH because of it being arched, and because of the lock. But now that I had a chance to handle it, I really like the arched MSH and short trigger combination. So now I will prob change it to an arched one without the lock. I'll post pics once I have it in hand. BD |
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I would have loved to find a NM marked milspec when I bought mine last week, but they are so hard to come by, I snatched up the first one I saw even though it was "N" marked.
I have been looking for months. None at gun shows or at shops except this one time last week. It seems to be very well made so I will just be content. patrick |
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Quoted:
I would have loved to find a NM marked milspec when I bought mine last week, but they are so hard to come by, I snatched up the first one I saw even though it was "N" marked. I have been looking for months. None at gun shows or at shops except this one time last week. It seems to be very well made so I will just be content. patrick Congrats on your new iron. I got really lucky this time(this time  ). The only other one for sale locally was $750, and an hour away. BD
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I doubt the two piece barrel is a failure point. BHP's have had them for 40 years. I would be more concerned with getting the QUALITY of the fitted Storm Lake barrel over the haphazardly fit Imbel barrel.
For the same price, the NM Mil-Spec is simply a nicer handgun. |
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Two-piece barrels are generally not a big deal... there have been a few failures documented here and there (at the brazing line), but it is pretty darn rare –– probably almost as rare as a 1 piece barrel having some other metalurgical failure (I've seen that too). Several of my SAs have 2 piece barrels, and I don't know how they could get any more accurate.
I have a Mil-spec that I've built up that came from the factory with a 1 piece stainless barrel... it seems that sometimes they run out of one type of barrel or the other and use what's available. A friend bought a Mil-spec from the same dealer about 4 months before me and his had a 2 piece barrel... accuracy was almost as good as mine after I put an accuracy bushing on mine, and it now equals mine with a similar bushing installed on his. In short, unless you're building a match gun, I wouldn't worry about it. |