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Job for a Gunsmith? (Read 7074 times)

Humilio

Job for a Gunsmith?
« on: March 11, 2016, 01:42:48 PM »
I have a Colt 1911A1 handed down to me from my dad. The barrel bushing is extremely tight fitting and nearly impossible to remove for a proper cleaning. After using the barrel bushing wrench to release the spring tension, the only thing that worked is using a screwdriver (very carefully) to pry the dang thing out. Thankfully, I managed to get it out without scratching or pitting the muzzle area. Any suggestions on remedying this situation? I was thinking of wet sanding the bushing to make it a better fit, but I'm so worried that I'll screw it up somehow. After all, it was one of my dad's prized guns. Is this a job for a gunsmith…if so, are there any on Oahu that can help?
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ren

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2016, 02:13:22 PM »
Don't sand it down as it would be detrimental for 1911 accuracy. If it functions fine don't. Have a good 1911 smith look at it. My Army issued NM 1911's bushing is very tight as you described.
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Teichi

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2016, 02:21:03 PM »
Quote from: ren on March 11, 2016, 02:13:22 PM
Don't sand it down as it would be detrimental for 1911 accuracy. If it functions fine don't. Have a good 1911 smith look at it. My Army issued NM 1911's bushing is very tight as you described.
Your NM 1911 bushing was custom fitted.
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Teichi

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #3 on: March 11, 2016, 02:35:53 PM »
Quote from: Humilio on March 11, 2016, 01:42:48 PM
I have a Colt 1911A1 handed down to me from my dad. The barrel bushing is extremely tight fitting and nearly impossible to remove for a proper cleaning. After using the barrel bushing wrench to release the spring tension, the only thing that worked is using a screwdriver (very carefully) to pry the dang thing out. Thankfully, I managed to get it out without scratching or pitting the muzzle area. Any suggestions on remedying this situation? I was thinking of wet sanding the bushing to make it a better fit, but I'm so worried that I'll screw it up somehow. After all, it was one of my dad's prized guns. Is this a job for a gunsmith…if so, are there any on Oahu that can help?
If this was your dad's prized gun, then he might have had the bushing custom fitted to make it more accurate. The pistol can be cleaned and lubricated without taking the whole thing apart. I recommend taking it to Koko Head Pistol range and have some of the competition shooters from the Chinese Gun Club look at it. If it is a custom gun, then they may even know the gunsmith that worked on it.

Don't try loosening it up, or sanding and painting it till you really know what you got. It could be an old Tommy Shimoda gun that's worth thousands.
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ren

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #4 on: March 11, 2016, 02:59:35 PM »
Quote from: Teichi on March 11, 2016, 02:21:03 PM
Your NM 1911 bushing was custom fitted.
« Last Edit: March 11, 2016, 03:45:06 PM by ren »
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Humilio

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2016, 10:47:31 AM »
Thanks for the info guys! Unfortunately, my Dad didn't tell me much about it other than he had it accurized years ago. I don't know if he had other custom work done to it; it looks pretty standard from my untrained eye. The serial numbers on the slide and behind the firing pin stop plate match so I'm thinking it's all original parts for the most part. I checked the serial number (in the 700k range) and it was manufactured in 1942. I'll take your advice and definitely NOT mess with  it myself. A trip to Koko head may be in order to have the seasoned guys take a look. Mahalo for the support!!
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oldfart

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2016, 10:54:33 AM »
some old time bullseye shooters just had an ammo can filled with wd40.
Take off the slide and wood and dunk it in. Let it drip dry. relubricate.
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GZire

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2016, 09:16:35 AM »
Talk to Ed Masaki.  I'd suggest talking to him at this coming week's gun show.  He's usually there.
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Humilio

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2016, 07:54:32 AM »
Thanks! Me not being familiar with Mr Masaki, do you know how I can find him among the dozens of booths this weekend at the Blaisdel?
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dustoff003

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2016, 08:12:46 AM »

Quote from: Humilio on March 16, 2016, 07:54:32 AM
Thanks! Me not being familiar with Mr Masaki, do you know how I can find him among the dozens of booths this weekend at the Blaisdel?
he it usually in a prominent place near the front (arena side) first aisle he will have a banner. Look for the  older Japanese gentleman surrounded by folks. photo: Hawaii Reporter.
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Zaytsev2013

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #10 on: March 16, 2016, 12:23:44 PM »
Ed is a good option, nice guy and passionate about the 1911.  He has been saying recently that he is planing to retire and has been treating members of the Hawaii Historic Arms Association to his 1911 accurizing "secrets" at our monthly meetings. He is generally at the same table, makai ewa end of the show and he brings his own coffee maker. 
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Inspector

Re: Job for a Gunsmith?
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2016, 01:38:09 PM »
Look for a gun that looks something like this. He loves showing it off at every show.





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