Bullseye wadgun barrel/bushing replacement

[melchloboo]

I have an old bullseye wad gun and barrel is shot out. Colt Govmt. slide.

I've been searching for what it means when a new barrel/bushing says "some fitting required" but also no gun smithing necessary to install.

Can a bullseye quality (<4" group at 50yd.) be achieved with such drop-ins?

 

[LHB1]

I wouldn't bet on it. If I were still competing and needed a new barrel, I would definitely spend the money to have barrel and bushing fitted properly by a good 1911 gunsmith experienced with Bullseye guns.

 

[Casimer]

I've been searching for what it means when a new barrel/bushing says "some fitting required" but also no gun smithing necessary to install.

That typically means that they're undersized. But you may need to do some minor fitting of the bushing to the slide, or possibly shorten the hood. Drop-in's are designed so that you don't need to fit the critical dimensions of the lugs, or barrel to bushing fit.

 

[kraigwy]

I've been searching for what it means when a new barrel/bushing says "some fitting required" but also no gun smithing necessary to install.

Thats true they do need fitted, and yes again, no gun smithing required. I always buy my bushing this way. They are supper tight. Put valve grinding compound (fine grit) on the barrel where the Bushing will fit, work it until it slides then clean off all the valve grinding compound. I find it best to leave it tight so when the slide is released it wont quite allow the gun to go into battery. Then go out and shoot it until it works in. It'll take a bit of time but its well worth it if you want a target grade pistol.

As a side note: When I tighten up the slide I do it the same way. (Got this from the National Guard NP Pistol Gunsmithing course)

 

[melchloboo]

I like the idea of letting the action help make the final fit, but do you mean you shoot the gun out of battery, or push the slide forward manually?

 

[kraigwy]

I like the idea of letting the action help make the final fit, but do you mean you shoot the gun out of battery, or push the slide forward manually?

No sir, you have to push the slide forward. Shouldnt fire out of battery.

 

[Casimer]

melchloboo if you're intending to do this yourself, you should take a look at Kart's Easy Fit kit. These aren't drop-in kits, but they're close, and should give you a better result than a drop-in. The kit provides a barrel, fitted bushing, and link along with hand tools and instructions.

Here's an article on the process - http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/the_kart_of_barrel_fitting.html

 

[kraigwy]

Casimer

Thats a pretty good HOW I DID IT article, imformative, thanks for posting it.