Resizing a Barrel

740 Views 7 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Rhino_66, Jun 26, 2004

Co7t

Discussion Starter · Jun 26, 2004

Gang,

What's involved in shortening a barrel? I understand that the barrel must be re-crowned, correct? What kind of tools are involved? The barrel I have in mind isn't an AK barrel but the process could possibly be applied.

I have a 1911 barrel that I want to shorten for a commander sized build I'm doing. Instead of spending $150.00 - 200.00 on a brand new commander barrel, I was wondering if I could simply have this extra full sized barrel I have sitting around just shortened by 3/4" and recrowned. I know some companies sell chopped barrels - has anyone used these and can offer up some advice?

TIA,
Co7t

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Co7t

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jun 26, 2004

AWESOME INFORMATION! I know what you mean by the 'tapered' barrels, the ones I have are straight, so I don't see that as a problem. I'm also planning on getting an oversized bushing to fit it super tight to the bushing/slide.

Hmmm...now you got me thinking of how I'm going to cut the thing and how many hours it's going to take me to get that crown perfect.

Co7t

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Co7t

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 26, 2004

just crown it with the big marble and bore paste

I was going to ask about the "big marble." Using a marble makes sense, and you do mean an actual marble right? I just want to make sure that it's not a name for some fancy tool that I'm not aware of...

You've really motivated me to do this. I'm going to contact a buddy of mine who's got a lathe to see if he can help me cut the barrel. Would a chop saw work for trimming the thing? I'm just concerned I may get an uneven cut, but I guess as long as I stay outside my line I can always file/shape it accordingly.

Added: Can I use a conical or round grinding stone and a dremel at low speed to recrown?

Co7t

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Co7t

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 26, 2004

I highly recommend The Simpsons as a time killer while doing this. I also recommend The Simpsons while cleaning your firearms. It seems to go quicker.

I was watching the simpsons the last time I was lapping my slide to my frame. Damn near took my pinkie nail off (mallet + slide + pinkie = *@!*@!). Good information - I'm taking it all to heart. One more question - If I did shorten a barrel that had a taper, would accuracy still be affected if the barrel is fitted tight to the bushing and bushing to slide?

Co7t

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