WILSON COMBAT - DROP-IN BARREL & BUSHING
I recently had the opportunity to install a Wilson combat barrel in a customer’s 1911. This barrel proves to be quite a task for installation. The customer wanted me to install the barrel and leave the gun so the slide would still fit the original barrel. That means any fitting that would normally be done to the slide had to be done on the barrel and the bushing alone. A difficult job but I was up for the challenge. Just a note, there is no such thing as a drop in part on a 1911. Some parts you can just put in without any alteration, however if a qualified gunsmith takes the time to fit the part it will operate better and function the way it was intended too. That being said, I also installed a new Wilson Combat barrel link and pin. And began fitting the barrel. This process is rather lengthy so I won’t bore you with the details. I found the barrel fairly easy to fit. I didn’t have to adjust the barrel lug much for the slide
stop to fit and rotate properly. I also only had to remove small amounts of the lugs to make it fit. When all was said and done. I had a properly fit barrel. There was a slight amount of adjustment made to the bushing to fit it to the slide, but again minimal. Upon completion the fit of the barrel to the slide and the bushing was smooth. I prefer a tight fit slide and barrel meet but allowing enough room for it to operate without any hindrance. The barrel fit tightly in the bushing but allowed free movement. Keeping this fit and the lock up of the lugs tight, This allows the barrel to seat properly for optimal accuracy .Yet also allows proper cycling of the pistol. The Hood and the ramp were already fit properly and I had to make no adjustments. My overall view of this barrel and bushing kit was very good. I look forward to installing the next one when it comes along. I think if you are going to go with a match grade barrel for less than $200 it is definitely worth purchasing a Wilson Drop in. However, I do as always recommend that you have the installation done by a qualified gunsmith.
As always...Straight from the Gunsmith's Mouth
