How does one install a compensator on a barrel?

[mtenenhaus]

Hi,

Hoping to install a compensator on a commander 1911. Does one purchase a 5 inch barrel and cut the length down to accomodate the compensator? It would seem the standard 4.25in barrel would be too short to accomodate the additional lenght of a compensator.

I'd sure appreciate the help, not sure how to address this challenge. thanks

[jericho89]

a real compensator is threaded onto the barrel. the easiest way is to purchase a threaded barrel for the commander, have it fitted to your slide, install the compensator, and then have it pinned to comply with the law. the other option is to buy a non threaded barrel and thread yourself. there are a lot of compensators hat are more for looks and those use the barrel bushing to attach to the gun.

[mtenenhaus]

thanks, i would imagine the barrel would have to be about 1/3 on an inch longer of so? where would one find such a custom length in a commander barrel?

[ThatFishGuy]

Pre threaded barrels are pretty common in the commander size. Bar-sto, storm lake, scheumann, and others make them. Yes the barrel is extended for the threading. Keep in mind, owning the barrel is no problem, but make sure you have something permanently attached to those threads before fully assembling the gun!

[mtenenhaus]

the wilson compensator i have is threaded for .575"-40......trying to find a 9mm commander length barrel with that thread size. otherwise i guess i'll have to try to get a 5inch barrel and thread it? not sure if it will be too long.

[TKM]

Clark will build one for you.

*MATCH FITTED kits available in 9mm, 38 Super, and 45ACP at additional cost plus wait time. All 38-9mm Comp kits are .390 hole diameter in blue steel only. All 38-9mm frames must be cut for Clark ramp. Customer must send Slide, Frame, and Slide stop on all kits for fitting. (They will even pin it for those of us in weird states.)

Bar-Sto won't even send threaded barrels to Cali, not sure if they would be willing to pin the comp or not.

I have a ported barrel from them on my X5.

Have you considered porting?

[saki302]

Dave's Metal Works did one for me on a full sized P14.

I doubt you could pin it- it's easier to just leave a hole on top in the comp, weld it to the barrel, then file the weld flush.

Judging from the little eraser sized spot of discoloration on the hard chrome up top, I bet that's exactly what Dave did.

-Dave