Wilson Combat barrels

[SFgiants105]

I am planning on getting a 6" match barrel for my Rock Island .45, and I was curious if anyone has done something like this before.

Would a barrel that is longer than the frame fit, since my .45 has a 5" barrel. I don't think I would need a different bushing or anything.

Apart from that, do barrels vary much between manufacturers?

[Tack]

Many barrels are tapered with a reduced diameter in their midlength. You'd need to get a barrel that is full diameter where it contacts the 5 inch bushing. If it is designed for the 5 inch barrel frame then it should work. I suspect, and it is only a guess, that you might need to go up a half pound or so in recoil spring stiffness. There are smiths who will buy a barrel in maximum material condition who then file it down to fit.

[willssmithing]

Back in the 70's this was very popular, and we would have the last inch of the barrel magna ported, for better recoil control.
Installing a 6" barrel on a 5" slide is not a problem; just make sure you order the barrel with the relief for a 5" slide not a 6".
Or you can order the barrel straight, no relief most of these barrel will be .580" in diameter, then use a Evolution Gun Works (EGW) prefit angle bore bushing, these will be .580"also, or a Briley spherical bushing with the correct diameter ring, both of these bushings do not need any relief. I would use the EGW bushing , it cost much less, and you will end up with the same results.

[TMC]

Many barrels are tapered with a reduced diameter in their midlength. You'd need to get a barrel that is full diameter where it contacts the 5 inch bushing. If it is designed for the 5 inch barrel frame then it should work. I suspect, and it is only a guess, that you might need to go up a half pound or so in recoil spring stiffness. There are smiths who will buy a barrel in maximum material condition who then file it down to fit.

I've never heard of that in a bushing barrrel. What manufacturers do that?

[Cyc Wid It]

Kart barrel might be better?

[7anthony7]

Wilson products are in my opinon among the best. Just make sure you purchase the right one and I agree with the other post about the thickness and the lugs. I had a stock 6" 1911 and it was different. Most Wilson stuff is not drop in parts, they usually require some working to make them fit perfectly which is why I think they are among the best. However, if you never have fit a barrel before I would not recommened it unless it is a drop in barrel. Just my two cents as I have seen some interesting garage gunsmith creations.