Barrel/bushing fit

[CWPINST]

What is recommended amount of clearance between barrel and bushing for top accuracy shooting? I have an Springfield Mil-Spec that has the stepped down barrel and the stainless bushing. The slide fit is tight, as is the bushing fit in the slide, but the ID of the bushing is .005 greater than the OD of the barrel at the muzzle. I added a FL guide rod and a buffer. Accuracy is so so.

[wichaka]

Welcome to the forum!

.001" between the barrel and the bushing, and the same from the bushing to the slide.

[T.Sensei]

I was wondering. What tools are used to measure these sorts of things? .001 inches? What kind of ruler do you use to accurately measure that size?

[wichaka]

A slide type Micrometer. Mic the barrel, then the inside of the bushing. Then do the same with the outside of the bushing and the inside of the slide.

Most Colt barrels run around .578" +/- .001" on the outside diameter. The inside of most Colt slides will run around .700" +/- .001"

Other manufacturers will vary somewhat, but not a whole lot unless its a special model etc.

[CWPINST]

The OD on my barrel is 0.581. Where can I find a bushing with an ID of 0.582?

[wichaka]

I have all my bushings made by EGW (Evolution Gun Works). They will make one to your specs for around 20.00, which is pretty good for a custom bushing. You can also specify the size of the flange.........

Or check out Brownells, they stock quite a few different makes & sizes.

[brickeyee]

A 'gunsmith fit' bushing wil have anundersized ID and an oversized OD. The ID is reamed out to size and the OD is turned down to fit the slide.
Unless you have access to adjustable reamers, a lath, and fixtures, ordering one to size is a lot less expensive.
Precision adjustable reamers are not cheap. The holding fixture for outside turning is rather simple, but requires a lath for making it and using it.