M1911 Barrel Bushing Q

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by alanint

I find that a stainless bushing on an all-blued pistol is quite attractive.

I'm sure another member here can put Marc's bushing to good use. Maybe even as you suggest.

For those not familiar with the collet bushing, here is one with its 38 Super barrel.

Edit: The bushing has four slots. The 'groove' you see is an internal ridge that physically touches the barrel. A 'normal' Colt bushing is a thousandth or so over the barrel dia, and theoretically rides on a film of oil, similar to an automotive crankshaft bearing. I don't shoot my Colts enough to notice any appreciable wear, and the collet flange ID is within a thousandth or so of the barrel dia, so I suppose that acts as a kind of 'fallback' if the fingers should wear enough to no longer center the barrel in the bushing. Just conjecture on my part.