I have Colt Series 70 Government Model made in 1981. It has the collet bushing and accurizer barrel. The collet bushing is in good shape but I was wondering if I ever have to replace it is there any problem using a regular bushing? The reason I'm asking is the accurizer barrel is fatter at the end. I have a new Colt bushing for a Government Model and I slid it over the end of the barrel and it fits the fat end perfectly but is there any problem when it transitions from the fat end to slim section of the barrel? Thanks for your help.
I believe you're not supposed to remove the collet bushing from the barrel.
Quote:
I believe you're not supposed to remove the collet bushing from the
barrel.
I haven't removed it. I just pushed it back and slid a regular bushing over the end of the barrel to check the fit.
Collet bushings are a neat idea but they flex every time the gun goes into battery. Over time they fail and when the finger breaks off it Often Jams the gun up solid. Take the gun apart with a mallet solid. (soft mallet but mallet)
We would encourage you to ditch the collet bushing.
geo
www.egwguns.com
If you didn't know it, George Smith is the owner of EGW, the makers of premium parts for 1911s. I would second his advice (even if it came from someone else, in this case). Using a conventional bushing that provides a good fit to the muzzle in battery will work just fine. Some newer pistols come from the factory with the end of the barrel slightly fatter than the rest. It allows the barrel to tilt more without interfering with the bushing.
If you remove the collet bushing now, before it breaks, you'll always have it available if you decide to retire the pistol from active duty and wish to restore it to original configuration.
I think I'm going to retire the collet bushing while it is still functional.
If the standard Government Model bushing I have fits the fat end of the slide nicely is there any reason not to use it and have a bushing custom fitted? Are bushings that are custom fitted for an accurizer barrel different than a standard bushing?