Springfield Armory 1911-A1

Gil Martin · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 2:23 pm Post subject: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

I took a Springfield Armory and an Auto Ordnance 1911-A1 down to my gunsmith to get the arched mainspring housing replaced with a 1911-style flat mainspring housing. Just a matter or personal preference and the gunsmith finished the swap and installation of those parts the next day. The gunsmith then asked me if the Springfield had a two-piece barrel. I was never aware of it, but Springfield did utilize two-piece barrels on some if their .45 ACP handguns and my pistol had one. I could not believe it. The gunsmith said if the seam on the barrel starts to open up, quit shooting the handgun and replace the barrel with a one-piece variety. I always learn something when I visit my 'smith. Just an FYI. All the best...
Gil

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 4:04 pm Post subject: Re: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

Even some modern barrels are two piece, but not many. I believe KART barrels can be had both ways, but no idea why. Seems like a bad idea to me. All mine wear Wison barrels.

Gil Martin · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 4:25 pm Post subject: Re: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

Not sure why Springfield would furnish two-piece barrels after they encountered some problems. My gunsmith says it was a cost reduction measure and he has re-placed a number of Springfield two-piece barrels. I plan to contact Springfield and request a one-piece barrel. They can have the two-piece one. All the best...
Gil

Vince · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 5:00 pm Post subject: Re: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

Two piece barrel...interesting concept. Where is the join...at the chamber barrel junction? That junction seems like the logical place, but it would also be where it is likely to encounter the most stress.

Elvis · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 5:49 pm Post subject: Re: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

the only time Ive seen it was in testfire of a shotgun....they had extension of about 6" that screwed on to the choke thread so you could have best of both lengths. 20" for that type of shooting or 26" for other.....
I can see a niche market for threaded section of smooth oversized barrel coming up....loads of guys cut off and threaded barrels for current fad of super short with a suppressor......... if you no longer want to use suppressor its too short to use as noise is far from ear friendly (read blow eardrums) a say 6" section of internal dia of say .45 would move blast away from user without projectile touching barrel extension.

Gil Martin · Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 5:55 am Post subject: Re: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

Vince,
The barrel is joined at the front of the chamber area. There is a fine line that is hardly noticeable. If that seam opens up, you have a problem. I am curious to see what Springfield Armory customer service has to say when I contact them. All the best...
Gil

Vince · Posted: Sun Sep 03, 2017 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Springfield Armory 1911-A1

That's where I thought the join might be Gil. I suppose it allows for ease of machining and headspace adjustment.

Gil Martin · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2017 6:51 am Post subject: Update

I spoke with a very nice person at Springfield Armory Customer Service at 800-680-6866. She confirmed that they did in fact sell two-piece barrels on some of their 1911-A1 handguns that were manufactured in Brazil. They no longer sell two-piece barrels for the 1911-A1, that practice stopped about five years ago. The representative mentioned that their handguns have a lifetime warranty and if the barrel ever did fail, they would replace it with a one-piece barrel at no cost. If I wanted a one-piece barrel now, I would have to send the pistol the Springfield and they would install a new one-piece barrel for about $100 to $150. That's the answer. All the best...
Gil