Author Topic: Need Barrel Advice  (Read 528 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline powhs

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 102
Need Barrel Advice
« on: September 27, 2007, 06:13:06 PM »
I have a COLT Lightweight COMMANDER I bought new in the 70's to carry on stakeout duty. It never was as accurate as my revolvers so I have been thinking of changing the barrel to a 5" and carrying as back up while Hog hunting. I don't shoot a lot anymore so would like to keep the cost around $100.00. Any ideas on a barrel bushing set?

Offline powhs

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 102
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #1 on: September 27, 2007, 06:25:32 PM »
Also while on the subject of hog hunting, I have killed a couple of small hogs with this gun shooting flat nose FMJ practice ammo. Who makes a hot flat nose FMJ to use on hogs?

Offline Mikey

  • GBO Supporter
  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8734
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2007, 12:56:58 AM »
powhs:  I do not know of anyone who makes a hot flat nosed fmj slug (loaded ammo) to use on hogs.  There are only two semi-wadcutter slugs that I know of for the 45 acp that would work, if you reload.  One is the old Lyman 452423 238 gn swc, a Keith design for the 45 Auto Rim and it works very well in my acp;  the other is a new Mag-Tech slug, a 230 gn fmj-swc that may become my all-time favorite. 

I have the same lightweight Commander but I do not believe the 1" difference in barrel length is gooing to make any real difference for you.  You can purchase any 5" GI barrel from any of the major distributors, and you should check our sponsor, Midsouth, to see what they offer, for about under $50.  You have to use the same bushing though, a Commander length bushing as the government length bushing is too long for the Commander.

If your concern is accuracy then rather than mess with a different barrel I would recommend you have a competent 1911 gunsmith fit your original barrel to the slide.  This allows much greater consistency in barrel lockup and greatly aids accuracy.  I finally got around to that with my old Commander and she shoots soooo much better now.

What flatnosed practice ammo were you using when you shot those hogs????  Mikey.

Offline Savage

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4397
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2007, 01:21:47 AM »
powhs,
Hornady used to make a 230 jacketed TCFP that should work slightly better on hogs than the RN. I have been loading a 255gr LSWC designed for the LC in ACP cases. Haven't run any over the chrono but function and accuracy has been good. If you could get it up to 800/850 it should be a good one for hogs. The bullet I have is cast by Tennesse Valley Bullets, but there are a lot of simular ones out there. Like Mikey said, have a barrel, link, and bushing fitted to your pistol. Bet you'll be surprised!
Savage
An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last,

Offline williamlayton

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 15415
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2007, 02:02:40 AM »
YUP on what Mikey and Savage offered as advice.
Blessings
TEXAS, by GOD

Offline SHOOTALL

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 23836
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2007, 03:17:20 AM »
Brownells has bbl. bushing drop in combo's , but to get a com. bush. and 5 in bbl you may need to mix and match , if so watch bbl taper
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline petepaaz

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 68
  • Gender: Male
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2007, 04:26:53 AM »
Buffalo Bore Ammo makes a 230gr FMJ-Flat Point in a +P loading...might be just the ticket for you. Although you might need to up the recoil spring to an 18-22lb range.

Offline 44 Man

  • Trade Count: (28)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2419
  • Gender: Male
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2007, 04:59:21 AM »
I have a Colt Combat Commander that has a Bar-sto barrel in it.  It is amazingly accurate!  I would go with nothing less.  44 Man
You are never too old to have a happy childhood!

Offline powhs

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 102
Re: Need Barrel Advice
« Reply #8 on: September 28, 2007, 01:02:33 PM »
Thanks for the advice. I have been carrying Remington FMJFP 230 grain ammo. I went to Jeff Coopers Gunsight Ranch  in AZ back in the early 1980's  and he advised to only carry ball but flat tip ammo should be ok. I think the 45 needs to penatrate and don't like hollow points.