Slide Problem???

[clllclal]

On my Colt 1991A1 Series 80, I think I am having a little problem with my slide.  With the gun in battery, looking at the side of the barrel where the cartridge casing ejects, it is kind of scratched up a little.  It looks as if the slide is rubbing that part of the barrel every time the slide goes to the rear.  Is this normal or should the inside of the slide be filed a tad so not to rub the barrel?  If this is a stupid question, please be patient for I am new to the 1911 scene!  

Also, did the original WWII GI models have a blued barrel, stainless barrel, or did they have both?  Where is the most reputable place to buy 1911 barrels from?  It doesn't have to be a match barrel, but something that is pretty well accurate.

Thanks guys for putting up with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chad

[John Traveler]

Greetings, Chad!

Everyone of us was new to the M1911A1 at some time or other.

No reason to be shy asking for help!

It's normal for the slide to leave some scuff marks on the chamber area of the barrel.  Sometimes the machining is not as clean as it can be, and needs a little help.  I would not use a file to smooth the offending burrs inside the slide.  Use fine abrasive cloth.

Original WWII M1911A1 pistol barrels were either black oxided ("blued") or more commonly, phosphated ("parkerized").  Stainless was not available in the WWII era.  If you have a GI barrel that shows bright polished steel over the chamber, it was done after it left the factory.  Milspec called for complete external finishing.

GI barrels can be surprisingly accurate, but installation of a "match quality" barrel will need to be fitted to your slide and frame.