Replacing the Barrel

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Replacing the Barrel

Posted: 9/28/2011 7:42:19 PM EDT

I bought a Springfield Model GI a couple years ago, but now I am looking to make it my project 1911. I'm new into 1911s, and started very basic by replacing the wood US grips with some Ergo's I picked up from LT.

My next move is replacing the barrel. I absolutely love a 1911 with the chrome barrel. Couple questions.

1. Has anyone replaced the stock Model GI barrel with a chrome one? Does it look good with that flat black finish of the gun?

2. Is replacing the barrel as easy as ordering the new one and just swapping it out?

Thanks for the help guys.

Posted: 9/28/2011 8:41:16 PM EDT

[#1]

You're going to want to find a gunsmith to do that work for you.

Otherwise, you will need to learn the system. 1911 barrels are not drop in parts, and require fitting.

Posted: 9/29/2011 3:00:48 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
You're going to want to find a gunsmith to do that work for you.

Otherwise, you will need to learn the system. 1911 barrels are not drop in parts, and require fitting.

+1, well anyone worth purchasing.

Posted: 9/29/2011 3:41:46 AM EDT

[#3]

Odds are that your current barrel is fine.

Posted: 9/29/2011 6:26:51 PM EDT

[#4]

Send your barrel out to be chromed? A lot cheaper than a new one I'd imagine. I would have a smith check the barrel bushing too after chroming, maybe custom fit a new tighter one in it to improve accuracy. The chrome plate might just tighten up the stock one enough as well.

Posted: 9/29/2011 8:39:45 PM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:
You're going to want to find a gunsmith to do that work for you.

Otherwise, you will need to learn the system. 1911 barrels are not drop in parts, and require fitting.

Anybody know a good 1911 gunsmith in Maryland?

Posted: 9/29/2011 9:20:55 PM EDT

[#6]

Why not just send it to the springfield custom shop?

Posted: 9/30/2011 3:55:33 AM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
Odds are that your current barrel is fine.

+1 In my experience most 1911 barrels, especially the stock GI barrels are pretty damn good.

If accuracy is what you're after, a fitted match bushing, or an EGW "custom" bushing would prob be a better idea.

You might be able to have it hard chromed or something, if the stainless/chrome look is all you're after.

Posted: 9/30/2011 11:30:47 AM EDT

[#8]

If the look is all you're after, polish the finish off the barrel hood. You're not screwing with the barrel fit and you're not out any money.

Posted: 9/30/2011 12:20:20 PM EDT

[#9]

Shiny look polish it.

Better accuracy try a EGW bushing and get some sharp files. Not good enough, try Kart EZ fit barrel kit. Not a drop fit but they do some of the hard work.

Posted: 9/30/2011 7:28:11 PM EDT

[#10]

Quoted:
Why not just send it to the springfield custom shop?

I just looked into that. Looks a little pricey compared to some other places I've seen online, but you get what you pay for, right?

Posted: 9/30/2011 7:53:58 PM EDT

[#11]

So, which re-finish service listed on the Custom Shop worksheet will chrome the barrel?

I didn't see it anywhere on the worksheet.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/custom.php

Thanks.

Posted: 9/30/2011 8:40:53 PM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:
So, which re-finish service listed on the Custom Shop worksheet will chrome the barrel?

I didn't see it anywhere on the worksheet.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/custom.php

Thanks.[/quote
I was under the impression you wanted to change the barrel so i suggested springfield. I could be wrong but i think their match barrel is stainless

Posted: 10/1/2011 6:31:30 AM EDT

[#13]

Keep it simple and polish it. #0000 steel wool or crocus cloth for the final polishing.
A light coat of oil will keep it from rusting.

It will look better that chrome IMO,

a-bare

Posted: 10/1/2011 8:38:36 AM EDT

[#14]

Quoted:
Shiny look polish it.

Better accuracy try a EGW bushing and get some sharp files. Not good enough, try Kart EZ fit barrel kit. Not a drop fit but they do some of the hard work.

This. My Spingfield shoots very tight groups, just by switching to an EGW bushing.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Replacing the Barrel

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