1911 Bushingless Barrel

[ModernPatriot]

Question for the wise members of the forum:

Can anyone provide insight on bushingless barrel vs. standard?

Only reason I'd go to a bushingless design is that it allows for a bull barrel (I like to have bigger barrels when possible for accuracy's sake). However, this is often available only for Commander-size pistols - and a shorter barrel may offset the accuracy gained from a bull barrel.

Accuracy aside, it may come down to an operational issue - does a bushingless design work any better or worse than the standard?

Thanks for you help.
MP

[Fjold]

I have a full sized 1911 with a bull barrel. Most Bulls are one size fits all so you won't get the precise fit that you willl with a bushing.

[BunnySlayer]

If it's kept reasonably clean and well lubricated you should have no problems. The problems with these is that they must be tight to be accurate and unless you clean and lube them they can cause malfunctions.

[tigerhui]

I don't think you should experience any difference in reliability. The main point is the bull barrel is going to be heavier, and will get more of the pistol's mass up towards the muzzle of the gun. This generally will result in less muzzle rise.

If you are trying to build an accurate 1911, either barrel should be precision fit. Tighter tolerances in the barrel to slide fit will require more diligence in cleaning and lubrication. Don't expect to buy a drop-in fit barrel and expect great improvements in accuracy. You'll need to pick up a gunsmith fit barrel and have it fitted properly.

Barsto barrels are excellent, however often require a bit of a wait to get one. I also like KKM barrels, but they tend to have a lot more material on them and take a gunsmith a bit longer to fit. There's lots of other barrel manufacturers out there that make good barrels. I've had Barstos and KKMs and have been very happy with them and haven't tried other brands.

[randy]

Shuman (sp) AET bull barrels are a pretty good way to go. Don't get one if you plan on shooting IDPA it's a rule breaker in a Gvt. model.

[CalNRA]

if you currently have a standard recoil spring with a plug, be aware that going bull barrel will require you to go full length guide rod. If you never used one the disassembly/assembly is a bit different than standard 1911s.

The hard truth is that a 1911 with properly tuned(not just tight) bushing is extremely accurate and the last bit of difference in accuracy is from your technique more than the type of barrel.