On my SA 1911 (a 91 model equivalent of the new MilSpec), when the slide in closed, you can push down on the barrel hood and it moves downward. I that this is not good. What is the fix? (fitted barrel link?).
Nope... It's not the link. It's the barrel. More specifically, the vertical dimension between the lower lug and the locking lugs. The lower lug isn't being supported by the slidestop crosspin, allowing the movement that you describe. Also could be a vertical dimension or tolerance stacking condition that sits the slide too high on the frame rails... or a combination of all the above.
Do I need a new barrel? (I bought it new in 1990, but have NO idea where the paperwork is, etc.) Will SA work on it?
Depends on how bad the vertical play is. If it's just a tiny bit... about .003 inch... I wouldn't worry too much about it. A lot of production pistols have a little play. If it's a lot... like a 64th inch... it could be a problem.
Springfield will work on the gun, I'm sure... but since their warranty repairs take priority, you could be in for a long wait, plus you'll probably have to cough up the money for the work.
If you're within driving distance of Lexington, NC, I'll be happy to take a look and see what it needs... No charge.
Thanks much! I live in Northern VA - probably not a short drive. I will do some more shooting first. When I got the gun, it did some good shooting, and I really need to try some different ammo. As far as I am concerned, if it is reliable and accurate, I don't care what it feels like. It has always had this barrel hood play. The last time I shot it, it also would not feed reliably. It was a cool day, and I was using some Garand grease on the slide for the first time. The grease was fine on my CZ, but it made the SA choke (FTF). It has been factory throated and ramped, so it should feed well.