1911 Barrel hump?

[NVShooter]

So I was cleaning my 1911 today (Kimber Custom) and noticed for the first time that the barrel, near the muzzle, is a little bigger all around, than the rest of the barrel. I have never noticed this before. I don't shoot it hard, it doesn't get hot, I only use factory ammo, and it shoots fine.

Can someone please tell me this is normal and that all 1911 barrels are like this?

 

[Waynetheman]

Is it bushingless? It wouldn't be normal for "all" 1911s...

 

[Antoine22]

My Springfield have the same hump. I would beleive that this is normal.

 

[NVShooter]

Just to clarify, it is hardly noticeable, certainly not visible, I just felt it when running my fingers along it.

 

[NVShooter]

Is it bushingless? It wouldn't be normal for "all" 1911s...

Sorry, I am new to this game. It is a stock Kimber. Don't know if they are bushingless or not.

 

[Trinimon]

It's normal. I believe it's to re-index the barrel with the bushing when the slide is closed. Hence a good bushing to barrel fit is sought after for consistent POI.
This is why Ruger mentioned that the barrel and bushing were cut from the same block of steel. Not that it guaranteed a perfect matched pair.

 

[NVShooter]

Very good, thanks everyone! Now I will be able to sleep tonight!

 

[Waynetheman]

When you take it apart does it have one of these?

 

[NVShooter]

When you take it apart does it have one of these?

Yep, not exactiy like that but pretty durned close! (mine's black, ha ha)

 

[Kevin M.]

Normal for the Kimber.

No worries, mine is the same, it is just to provide a good bushing to barrel fit.

 

[NVShooter]

Normal for the Kimber.

No worries, mine is the same, it is just to provide a good bushing to barrel fit.

You guys ROCK! Thanks!

Also, thanks to WayneTheMan, I now know what that round sleeve-like part is called at muzzle end of my gun!!

 

[Waynetheman]

Lol.

Thought you might have had a bull barrel gun. For what it's worth my colt series 80 has no noticeable bulge at the muzzle.

 

[gravel]

Match barrels are slightly larger at the muzzle.

 

[T&G]

A standard technique for fitting a bushing and barrel involves making the diameter back of the bushing engagement surface a few thou smaller to guarantee free motion. Match builders even go so far as to turn a small dome onto the barrel at the bushing contact in order to get free vertical rotation at unlock without any binding or stresses to the barrel at lockup. Just better quality manufacturing.

Dr Jim