Which drop in barrel ?

[Hylander]

I'm going to have a new barrel installed in my 1991A1.

What are your thoughts on the drop in Barrels.

Storm Lake
Ed Brown
Wilson

[Canuck-IL]

It's a random shot-in-the-dark, so to speak. You might have a fortunate fit that is reliable and, at the least, will last a while or, you may well find that a decent installation requires some fitting or even welding up the lower lugs. I don't personally think it's worth it unless the replacement barrel is at hand and essentially free. I had a spare SA 45 barrel that *almost* dropped into a Norinco that had sheared it's lower lugs - it works fine and is an adequate plinker.

I'd suggest a Kart EZ-Fit as a mid-cost route between a full gunsmith install and a true drop-in. The Kart approach can be done by anyone with a little patience and you have a high probability of a reasonably accurate, reliable gun when you're done.

What's the motivation for replacement?
/Bryan

[amd5007]

Well if you are going to replace the barrel for wear or a similar reason you might want to order a Colt barrel from Brownells. If you want to change it to for any other reason, the best truly drop in barrel, considering the three I have used, would probably be the Wilson Drop in barrel. The best barrel for you money and time might end up being the Kart. Although the Kart will definitely need some fitting, the Wilson maybe maybe not.

What is the motivation?

[amd5007]

Oh yeah, and keep in mind that the barrel hood on most Colt pistols, including the 1991A1, have a much narrower hood than other manufactures. That means if you go any other route besides a Colt barrel you will at least need to fit the hood if nothing else. You can see a picture of the difference in barrel hoods on the link below. http://www.thesixgunjournal.net/colt1991a1nrm.html

[Hylander]

Thanks for the replies;
I'm replacing the barrel because it is factory defective, Pistol is over ten years old and I'm not the original owne, so Colt will be no help.
My local Smith will install it. He prefers Storm Lake, but I thought I would get some more opinions.
amd5007:
My 1991A1 has the standard barrel hood, not the enhanced narrow hood.

[Canuck-IL]

If he's doing a proper 'install,' then you should order an oversize, ie. gunsmith fit' barrel, not a drop-in.
/B

[amd5007]

I have to agree with Canuck-IL. Well then if you are going to have your gunsmith do it your best route would have to be a match barrel. Like I said I have been impressed by Wilson barrels, their 33G is an oversized match barrel, but I have also heard good things about Ed Brown, despite being listed as "drop-in" I've heard they are nothing of the sort. Best of luck.

[Hylander]

I was going the Pre-Fit route because of Funds.
An over sized Match barrel is more money and then the fitting is more.
Total price for the Pre-Fit barrel and install is just 2 bills.
Money is tight right now.

[amd5007]

Yeah I hear that. I would then say go with the Wilson Drop in Barrel. So far they have just dropped in so you could try to replace it yourself and if it works you saved yourself from the install fee. Best of luck.