OM Barrel Suggestions

[Blacktri99]

Okay, First Post and First custom build, Long story goes behind this build, but the short of it is After 3 years and 2 layoffs, and Major cut in pay, I have finally got serious on building my first 1911, it all started I purchased a New Colt Enhance Parkerized Slide 3 1/2 years ago from Brownells for $215 and thought this should be easy, I have a great respect NOW for anyone who has attempted this. Anyway I bought a Caspian Officers slide (Great Product BTW) and Shelved the entire project, Layoffs, money. Anyway I got serious and started my adventure into the custom build, My little Officers has mostly Ed Brown/Wilson internals, a Wilson Beavertail grip safety (298S) I took my time and have not rushed anything in this buildup, the results are my lower end is now complete with a slide action that feels like glass, a crisp trigger pull of about 5lbs w/ no creep. I am very proud of it so far, and of me.
Anyway it is now down to choosing a barrel for this, I am leaning towards a Barsto, or Wilson, or Ed Brown, but have also looked at Storm Lake Does anyone have any thoughts as to the best for the dollar?

Thanks,

Jim

P.S. I will include Pictures as soon as I set up a Photobucket account:-)

[jaybo292]

Welcome to the forum. Ought to be a nice looking piece when finished.

Jay

[wichaka]

Welcome to the forum!

I've used Brown, Wilson, Bar-Sto, & Schueman..........all with great results. Kart is another that one should look at too.

Its mostly in fitting. If you have 5 dif. barrels with pretty much the same quality, the one that is fit properly/better, will be the one that shoots better.

For the most part, I find it's 20% quality & 80% fit.

[CJR]

Blacktri99,

Congratulations on your OM project! Sounds great. I've used Colt, Bar-Sto and Wilson 17-4PH barrels in OMs. My experience is as follows:
1. My first Colt OM barrel cracked and Colt determined it was defective and replaced it. The 2nd replacement barrel was shorter in overall length (?) but excellent and accurate. It was also marked "M" and "P" on the lugs, indicating the barrel had been Magnafluxed for cracks and then Proof-Tested (very high pressure loads); something that I feel all barrels should have.
2. My first Bar-Sto OM barrel cracked and was replaced by Bar-Sto. On the 2nd barrel, a small piece of the tip of the underside lug broke off. It was still usable, but I no longer had confidence in it and threw it away.
3. The Wilson 17-4PH OM barrel was outstanding in workmanship, strength, and accuracy and is my favorite for the OM. I've lost track of all the rounds through this barrel and it appears as new as the day I installed it.
4. As far as I know, KART doesn't make a barrel for the OM. However, KART barrels are my favorite barrels for full sized 1911s.

That's my personal experience. Hope that helps. Good luck on your project!!

Best regards,

CJR

[wichaka]

oops, missed the OM size.......yep, Kart doesnt make one for the OM.

[Blacktri99]

As promised, Here is my work in progress, There is no barrel Yet
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h170/blacktri99/OfficerACP.jpg

Jim

[John]

Schuemann Ultimatch. It is a bull barrel design so you will need a reverse plug as well, but that's a good time to get a FLGR for this. You will need to slightly machine/file the spring tunnel in your slide, but it is worth it.