Problem with Precision of my Gold Cup Series 80

[Achim]

Hi, i own a Gold Cup Series 80, approx. 15 yrs old. Within the last years i have experienced that it is not as prcise as it was in the first years. I have changed some things on this 1911 (sight, trigger, link). The variance on the target is about 4,5 - 5", distance = 80 feet. If i wiggle on the slide i can feel that is has some tolerance. But newer 1911 which i had in my hand had even more tolerance and were a lot more precise.
My questions are:
- can this problem be caused due to abration ?
- has the barrel-link big influence on the precision ?
- some other ideas how to improve my good old Gold Cup ?

Thanks and regards from Germany
Achim

[wichaka]

Check the play at the barrel bushing first.

Most 1911's will have some play at the frame & slide. If its got a bit loose over the years, it may need to be tightened, but I would start with the bushing.

The link has to do with lock up/timing of the barrel and slide during cycling....
But if you got excess play in the link, its possible to change the point of impact of your rounds, slightly. As the barrel may not be locking up consistantly anymore.

Also check your slide stop pin where the link rides on it. The slide stop pin should measure as close to .200" for best fit. There are some very good aftermarket slide stops that have a .200" pin.

What was the reason for changing the link?

[Achim]

Hi wichaka, thanks for this quick reply. I changed the link because i used a new guide rod from Wilson. With this guide rod i received a special link (looks different to the normal). Afterwards I tried again to shot the Pistol in its origin configuration, but there was no change in pricision. I'll check the barrel bushing first.
Regards, Achim

[tonyboyz]

Hi, Why there is no colt 45 Pistol 1911M available in the gunstore in Cebu, Philippines.

Tonyboyz in Cebu, Phil.

[wichaka]

If you got a link with the guide rod, I'd say you got one with the Dwyer Group Gripper?

If that's the case, then the link would not be suspect, at least not at this stage.

I got your email.........the bushing is the first place to look, way too much slop.

[SAWBONES]

Precision is everything. Accuracy (on average) can be adjusted, but precision is innate. My Series 70 Gold Cup had too much downward movement of the barrel hood with applied pressure, and I'd recommend replacing the Collet bushing with a fitted solid bushing and fitting the barrel hood so that there's no movement in lockup.

[care-less]

Not trying to stir things up, but did your accuracy go downhill after you started to "improve" your pistol? You cannot for instance just haphazzardly change out the trigger. The bow may be just a hair longer or shorter, the angle at the rear may be off one way or the other by a degree or two; all of which will affect the disconnector, sear, and on down the line. Just because companies make "drop in" parts; doesn't mean that "you" can just drop them in. New guide rod and barrel link? These pistols and the interrelationships of their various parts are a whole lot more complicated than most people think, and should not be casually "improved" by the average person.

[Achim]

Wichaka gave the tip for the solution of my problem. After inserting a new barrel bushing (fitting was necessary) the accuracy of my Cold Gold Cup was a lot better than ever. I bought an oversized bushing at Brownells and did some fitting on the outer and inner diameter.

Thank you Wichaka and all others !