Ramped barrels

[TravisM.]

Hey, do any of you guys know what kind of stuff needs to be done to a 1911 to fit a "ramped" barrel? Do they just mill a chunk out of the frame to accomodate the ranp of the barrel, or is there more to it than that?

[Mikey]

TravisM:  I think there may be a bit more to it than that but essentially they mill a chunk out of the frame so the ramp can fit.  However, since the ramped barrels are also used in conjuntion with hotter loads and increased accuracy requirements I believe they should also assure a proper slide to barrel fit.  I think, or at least I would hope the do.  HTH.  Mikey.

[budreaux39]

There are also different types of ramped barrels/slots. One type is for Clark/Para ramped barrels and the other I know about is the ilson/Nowlin ramp. There are several things to concider but if you study enough you will get a better understanding of the type you want and if it is really what you want.
Good luck,
Scott

[BamBams]

Ramped barrels are considered by "some" as more reliable for feeding, but I'd argue that.  I believe a properly set up conventional barrel and a polished feed ramp are just as reliable as using a ramped barrel.

Ramped barrels became the "rage" when people started shooting hotter loads and there was the occassional "blow-out."  The ramped barrels, during that same time frame, were offered with chambers that fully supported the cartridge case, so it made sense to switch over and make an improvement to increase safety.  Nowadays though, the majority of conventional barrels have fully supporting chambers, so this part of the equation seems a moot point.

It's much less expensive to install and fit a top quality, conventional barrel, so if I was going to send off a late model 1911 because the barrel either was poor or shot out, I'd just spend my extra cash on a good bushing or the installation of some acc-u-rails and stick with the conventional barrel setup.  Just my opinion.