Melt Bushing

[ScottT]

I recently decided to install a melt bushing on my 1911 build. Well to make a long story short, I fitted the bushing to the barrel and the frame. After I had finished, I went to re-assemble the slide and discovered that the melt bushing will not allow the recoil spring plug to be installed. I was thinking about shortening the plug a little to get it to go back into the slide. Anyone run into this problem?

[John]

We need to assume that you mean "fitted the bushing to the barrel and slide", right?

Typically, you shouldn't need to shorten the recoil spring plug. We need to know more details about your setup, type of guide rod and plug, etc. and if possible show us some pictures.

Rgds

[wichaka]

Yup, have run into it a few times. The flange around the bushing is to too wide to allow the plug to pass by.

I've done 2 things;

either take the flange on the bushing down a bit to allow the plug to pass by,

or you can shorten the plug a bit to allow the plug to pushed down further into the slide which will allow the bushing to be removed before the plug is taken out, or in this case.......put in.
You have to make sure that enough is taken off the plug to allow the plug to get under the bushing lug that locks into the slide when turned.

If you have a 1 piece full length guide rod, before shortening the plug, make sure the bushing will get by the guide rod as well. If it doesn't, all you've done is shorten your plug and you'll still not be able to remove the bushing. I've seen that happen too..........

Measure many times..........then measure again..........think about it, then cut if needed.

[ScottT]

Thanks for the replies! I ended up doing what Wichaka had done. I shortened the recoil spring plug about 3/16".