Quoted:
Howdy all. Any of you folks do your own barrel fitting on a 1911?
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Yes, but I had to purchase some tools to do it. Most critical would be a "lug cutter" for cutting lugs on an unfit (non-drop-in) barrel.
However, unless you are trying to wring out the last 1/2 inch of group size on a bullseye gun, most shooters don't really notice that much improvement in a fitted barrel. In fact, according to most M1911 marksmen, here is the order in which you can see the most improvement in accuracy in your typical 1911 (from most change to least change in accuracy):
1. Sights (switching to highly visible sights)
2. Trigger (crisp, creep free, no overtravel)
3. Barrel fit at breech end (consistent lockup)
4. Barrel fit at muzzle end (bushing fit)
5. Slide rail tightening