I have just purchased a new Sig 1911, and have put 100 rounds through it. Prior to shooting, I cleaned and lubricated the gun, including the barrel exterior and barrel bushing. The lubricant I used was MPro 7. When I got back from the range and cleaned the gun, I noticed wear on the barrel, about 1/2" from the muzzle, from the barrel bushing. If I run my finger over it, I can definitely feel where the bushing rubs and can feel a raised area around the barrel at the 1/2" mark. Is this normal, or a problem? If its a problem, other than lubricating, which I did, how can I prevent this?
1911 barrel wear at bushing
- Thread starter BBSE120
- Start date
No its normal. The OD (outside diameter) of barrel for the first 5/8 inch from the muzzle is greater than the OD of the rest of the barrel. This assures a tight lock-up between the barrel and bushing ( which is a major factor in determining accuracy) when the gun is "in battery" and firing at the same time allowing the slide and bushing to move freely when the barrel is "slightly canted" during the ejection process. Its simple to take a caliper and check the OD of the first 5/8" compared to the next 2". Some factory 9mm and .38Super barrels (since they are of a smaller caliber) are the same OD as the .45 for that first 5/8" (so they can use the same bushings) BUT then have a SIGNIFICANTLY and OBVIOUS SMALLER barrel OD for the remainder of barrel to the chamber area in an effort to "conserve weight".
Just keep that area of the barrel/bushing interface well lubed - DON'T "polish away the wear marks" - just let your 1911 "wear itself in" - kinda like "wearing in a new pair of blue jeans" - after some wearing and washings they get to "feeling better".
While personally, I am an old Colt "purist" - you have a fine 1911 in the Sig compared to the Norinco crap on the market today. Enjoy your Sig1911 in good health!!!
Just keep that area of the barrel/bushing interface well lubed - DON'T "polish away the wear marks" - just let your 1911 "wear itself in" - kinda like "wearing in a new pair of blue jeans" - after some wearing and washings they get to "feeling better".
While personally, I am an old Colt "purist" - you have a fine 1911 in the Sig compared to the Norinco crap on the market today. Enjoy your Sig1911 in good health!!!
- Location
- West Quebec
Makes sense, never thought to actually measure mine.. good to know and yes to the lube good reminder.
The difference in the OD at the muzzle end of a barrel should be visible with a naked eye, at least it is on my S&W 1911 45. I'm not sure about the wear marks left by the bushing being normal, it could have something to do with the finish on the inside of his bushing. There are no marks of any kind left on the barrel of my S&W 1911, nor can I feel anything when I run my fingers down the barrel, other than a slight tapering as I move toward the chamber. Perhaps the OP should look at the finish on the inside of his bushing.
Ps, or it could be from not enough lube on barrel and bushing.
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Lube 'er up. Seeing wear marks gives you a good idea of the friction areas on your pistol and where to lube. I just started using M-Pro 7 myself, doesn't seem like the heaviest of lubes but has good rust prevention from the research I did. You could also go for some cheap Mobil 1 that a lot of people swear by.
