Author Topic: barrel bushings. (Read 799 times)

knight0334 · « **on:** September 20, 2005, 04:49:38 PM »

I have a Norinco 1911A1 that I've been customizing a piece at a time when funds become available. So far, I've added a few goodies for ergonomics and function.

Now accuracy needs some work.. I've tighten up the slide to receiver fit to eliminate some serious slop that had rounds in 8-10" groups at 25yrds, down to 3-4" groups. Side to side slop had a movement of 0.125" before tightening at the muzzle. now is about 0.080", with no drag or hinderence of slide travel.

I just mic'd my external barrel diameter at 0.580 inch at 10 locations down the length of it. My present bushing mic's at 0.582 inch inside diameter. ...which has a slight rattle which I can feel with my sensative fingers when I place it on the barrel.

...so I'm thinking of replacing the bushing. I see no need to replace the barrel yet as many people know that most that came with the Norinco's were of very hi quality. Rifling is excellent, chrome bore is as brilliant as the day I bought the gun 13 years ago.

suggestions on bushings for a 0.580" dia barrel? I'd like stainless steel if possible to contrast with the black matte slide finish.

1911crazy · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2005, 02:16:21 AM »

I have been tweeking my norinco a little at a time too and i noticed the barrel bushing was loose in the slide besides the barrel too. I'm using the national match bushings and they have to be fitted to the slide too as well as the barrel. They do come in stainless and blue too. I think that CDNN has both in the IAI brand for around $8.(IAI- Israel Arms International) Get a cheap bushing wrench too that they have there also your going top need it. I fitted the bushing so the wrench will just turn it in. You need to check the barrel lug loc up by pushing the barrel up when the slide assembly it out of the gun this will tell you if the bushing is fitted properly so there is no barrel springing. The bushing must be fitted to the barrel so it sits level in the slide too if there is barrel springing its not sitting level so the barrel lugs aren't engaged properly into the slide. Study/look at this because the barrel will tell you were to sand the bushing so it fits properly. Just sand half of the circle and half the distance of the bushing area so the barrel can swivel/hindge when the gun operates yet be tight in the barrel bushing when it fully closed.

knight0334 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2005, 07:36:38 AM »

Thanks for the tips. I'll take all of that into consideration when I fit the new piece.

I think I'm getting a Wilson Combat part #29S to work with. They claim the part is for .580" barrels which mine did measure out to. ...minor fitting required, which is no biggie for me.

My new trigger (Chip McCormick) and guide rod w/18.5lb spring assembly will be in this week. ...so I'll just tear down my 1911 for a lil while and carry my Bersa for a few days.

1911crazy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2005, 12:20:50 AM »

You need to use either a gun grease or a moly on the full length guide rod it needs to be lubed so it moves free plus the spring won't see any wear too. Lube your trigger sear with moly too.

jakes10mm · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2005, 03:33:58 AM »

I would recommend a barrel bushing from EGW. I have used their pre-fit and gunsmith fit bushings on three 1911's and they are great. My groups dropped about 50% in every application. If you go on their website, they have the dimensions (inside and outside) for their various bushings. If you order according to your slide ID and barrel OD, they should require little to no fitting.

BamBams · « **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2005, 01:18:54 AM »

Agreed. EGW makes a fine bushing. The angled bushing makes the pistol more reliable also.

knight0334 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 09, 2005, 08:25:01 AM »

Thanks for all the info guys. ....I've yet to order one. I took an old compensator bushing that I had for years upon years and cut off the comp part off it. Its much tighter then the original, which will due for now. I tested it to see if it was stainless steel, which it was-but was parkerized. So I polished as best as I could with home tools to a bright shiny finish for visual effects.

I plan on refinishing the entire pistol after gathering a couple more pieces, a mag well and set of Alumagrips (slim). Looking to do a two-tone, no bluing. Will do that after I give all the corners of the slide and receiver a radius bevel for less snag and sharp edges..

Below are some pics of the iron in progress...

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/knight0334/100_0110.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/knight0334/100_0107.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/knight0334/100_0106.jpg