1911 Barrel

[Kenm]

I have my fathers Colt 1911 made in 1918/1919 and the barrel is shot out. I would like to shoot the gun but do not want to modify in any way and am saving the original parts so when my son gets the gun some day it will be in the original condition that I received it 40 years ago.

I went to Midway and purchased a Swenson Semi Drop-in barrel. Everything goes together OK but I can not feed any type of ammo. I measured the overall length of the barrel and the length from the breech to the end of the barrel and found it to be .030 longer. As I am not handy with tools I am not sure how to solve the problem and thinking it might be better to have someone fit the barrel for me. Any suggestins on how to fit the barrel myself or suggestions on someone to fit it for me and what might a fair price be to have it done. I am in SF East Bay area.

Thanks for the help.

[responsiblefreedom69]

Does the gun go into battery without ammo in it? Sounds like a bbl hood length/chamber depth issue. Do yourself a big favor and take it to a qualified 1911 pistolsmith. Adjusting the fit requires removal of material from the rear of the bbl hood, and possibly having the chamber reamed afterward. That's the "semi" part of the semi-drop-in name!

[mmbasser]

^ this. Drop in, and 1911 is a missnomer in most cases, particularly with barrels. Take it to a GS to get a well fit barrel.

[Kenm]

It does go into battery with out ammo. Anyone know of a good bay area gunsmith?

Thanks for replys

[kendog4570]

I can help you out. I have the tools and knowledge to finish ream your chamber,throat barrel, or fit your hood, lugs, etc..
FFL licensed and insured 20+ years experience.

Thanks,
Ken

[Kenm]

kendog4570, thanks for the offer but after talking it over with my son he gets the problem as the gun will soon be his. Again thanks.

BTW where are you located as I may need help on some other projects.

[kendog4570]

kendog4570, thanks for the offer but after talking it over with my son he gets the problem as the gun will soon be his. Again thanks.

BTW where are you located as I may need help on some other projects.

I am in Aptos, a few miles south of Santa Cruz. My main focus is accuracy work on target, sevice, and tactical/precision rifles, including barreling, chambering, tuning, etc., but I also have a bit of experience wih 1911's, and general gunsmithing.
Thanks,
Ken