Briley barrel-n-bushing question

[egumpher]

Hello,

I would like to replace the barrel in my Lightweight Commander not so much that it realy needs it but rather for the improvement and knowledge gained.

The thing is that I can buy an aftermarket barrel for $150-$300 and pay a smith $150-$250 to install the barrel. This is great but I would spend about $300 and learn nothing.

I would rather buy a lug cutting kit from Brownells and buy a less expensive barrel/bushing and install myself knowing that I can always put the original back in if needed (I mess it up).

I have come to fancy Briley barrels' and bushing for $150 a set because they seem to eliminate some fitting and the bushing seems to provide some benifit.

Does anyone have experience good or bad with Briley barrel/bushing sets?

Thank you and best regards
Eric

[wichaka]

I think the fancy bushing is an answer to a question that no one has asked.

People tend to go overboard when spending their money on things to improve accuracy, when most of the time the gun could out shoot the user anyway.

For range use and a personal defense gun, a regular bushing will do you fine. I really doubt you'd notice a difference unless you put it in a Ransom rest. Even then, I don't think the difference would be that much.

Barrels that come on todays 1911's from Colt, Kimber, and even Springfield's 2-piece barrels are very good quality.
I pack a Springfield Loaded with it's original 2-piece barrel, and usually out shoot anyone around me.

I would recommend an EGW thick-flange bushing, that's fitted .001" clearance from the barrel to the bushing, and another .001" from the bushing to the slide.

In studies, the biggest bang for the buck in accuracy improvement, is a good fitting bushing.

[egumpher]

I think the fancy bushing is an answer to a question that no one has asked.

People tend to go overboard when spending their money on things to improve accuracy, when most of the time the gun could out shoot the user anyway.

For range use and a personal defense gun, a regular bushing will do you fine. I really doubt you'd notice a difference unless you put it in a Ransom rest. Even then, I don't think the difference would be that much.

Barrels that come on todays 1911's from Colt, Kimber, and even Springfield's 2-piece barrels are very good quality.
I pack a Springfield Loaded with it's original 2-piece barrel, and usually out shoot anyone around me.

I would recommend an EGW thick-flange bushing, that's fitted .001" clearance from the barrel to the bushing, and another .001" from the bushing to the slide.

In studies, the biggest bang for the buck in accuracy improvement, is a good fitting bushing.


Thank you for the reply.

I already ordered an EWG bushing for my stock Colt barrel and slide using dimensions that I measured about 4 weeks ago but still no bushing yet. I suspect that EWG is burred with orders like all other firearms manufactures. I guess that I am getting impatient.

The Colt barrel is really just fine.

Perhaps I should resist the urge.

Rgds
Eric

[bbeard]

I assume you are talking about the Briley Spherical bushing. Teddy Jacobson has a picture of one on his website that had a spectacular failure. Maybe for a target gun but not on a carry gun.

[John]

Wichaka spoke wisely. Listen to him.

[egumpher]

Wichaka spoke wisely. Listen to him.

I agree......I needed someone to help guide me away from the temptation.......I will wait for the EGW bushing I ordered....

Rgds
Eric

[log man]

The Briley Bushing is not an answer to something no one has asked. It is simply another way of controlling the barrels position in the slide muzzle at lockup/battery. It is used in several factory production target pistols. Properly fitted or should say sizes properly chosen will give very good and reliable results. The Briley Bushing can be as tight as will allow proper function without ever being concerned about springing and stringing the group. Not true with a solid bushing where .0005" will spring the barrel an almost undetectable amount to your checking, but can affect POI. Choices. Makes it fun.

LOG

[OD*]

If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.

[wichaka]

Have run a .001" clearance for years using EGW bushings, with no barrel springing.

[Ben H]

I have a Briley bushing on an old 1911 9mm PPC gun Bob Marvel built for me in the 90's. It's never given me any trouble and is exceptionally accurate.

[Joni Lynn]

I have guns with the Briley bushing and ones with properly fit traditional bushings. There's not any detectable difference in their accuracy. I like both.

[log man]

I have guns with the Briley bushing and ones with properly fit traditional bushings. There's not any detectable difference in their accuracy. I like both.
Exactly, my point, Briley makes quality everything, and there's more than one way to do things right!

LOG

[Jerry Keefer]

log man]Exactly, my point, Briley makes quality everything, and there's more than one way to do things right!

LOG

Log; I am with you. I have used the Brileys since they first became available, and can name more than one National and World class record holder..They eliminate all tension and stresses imposed from misalignment, including the springing you referred to, 360 degrees.
Set up the components; frame; slide; barrel; bushing, and measure for concentricity and bore C/L alignment. Unless ""each of these are zero"", the barrel is going to be under stress from one or more directions. It can't be any other way..I have never seen any one of these, frame;slide;barrel;bushing, in perfect alignment from the manufacturer. So if the poster, {with due respect}, has a functional pistol with .001 clearance and full contact at the barrel/bushing, there are compromises elsewhere in the system..

Jerry

[egumpher]

log man]Exactly, my point, Briley makes quality everything, and there's more than one way to do things right!

LOG

Log; I am with you. I have used the Brileys since they first became available, and can name more than one National and World class record holder..They eliminate all tension and stresses imposed from misalignment, including the springing you referred to, 360 degrees.
Set up the components; frame; slide; barrel; bushing, and measure for concentricity and bore C/L alignment. Unless ""each of these are zero"", the barrel is going to be under stress from one or more directions. It can't be any other way..I have never seen any one of these, frame;slide;barrel;bushing, in perfect alignment from the manufacturer. So if the poster, {with due respect}, has a functional pistol with .001 clearance and full contact at the barrel/bushing, there are compromises elsewhere in the system..

Jerry


Thank you Jerry.....moreover I would think that the Briley "system" would be easier to install with higher confidence. This is why I wanted to choose this design over others. To minimize "smithing" that is.

I intend to keep all my original barrel/bushing and not touch the slide if possible so I can always put the original part back in if I don't like the Briley system.

Rgds
Eric

[Jerry Keefer]

Thank you Jerry.....moreover I would think that the Briley "system" would be easier to install with higher confidence. This is why I wanted to choose this design over others. To minimize "smithing" that is.

I intend to keep all my original barrel/bushing and not touch the slide if possible so I can always put the original part back in if I don't like the Briley system.

Rgds
Eric
Eric, for the smith who lacks the sophisticated instrumentation,etc. it's the way to go..but keep it wet. Even though the insert is titaninum nitrated, it requires lube..

Jerry

[egumpher]

Eric, for the smith who lacks the sophisticated instrumentation,etc. it's the way to go..but keep it wet. Even though the insert is titaninum nitrated, it requires lube..

Jerry

Truthfully the smith would be me. I only have calipers, micrometers, files and stones (I wont mention the Dremel tools ;) ). I want to buy a $170 lug cutting kit from Brownells and a $170 Briley system. For about $350 I can do it myself and learn in the process.

I have read too many posts about people botching a barrel install or even making things worse. I figure the Briley system would eliminate allot of risk.

Also, I use Brian Enos's Slide Glide so I would assure that the bearing was lubed.

Rgds
Eric still on the fence deciding where to fall.

[wichaka]

If a standard barrel bushing is set up to have a clearance of .001" from the barrel to the bushing, and another .001" from the bushing to the slide, there is no springing or compromises. And nothing done to the slide, and there is no 'smithing that needs to be done.

If someone setting it up this way has springing in their barrel, or has to compromise something, then something during the process has been done wrong.

Why talk of National or World Records, when we are speaking of a Commander probably being used for personal defense.

The people that run the competition circuits such as USPSA etc., look for everything to give them the edge over the next person. If the Briley was all that, they'd be using them more widely.

Use what you will, and whatever you choose will do you fine.

[log man]

LOL, Open guns don't use bushings. Why not a solid bushing with .001" and on barrel clearance, a press fit to slide. This is fine, but if the front lower and upper rear edges aren't clearanced for lock up it will bind. This is the reason Bar-Sto fits the bushing with a .003" straight bore that will zero out at lock-up. Lots of ways to make this thing work and better is better. All that works well is to be respected and nothing wrong with a different method of success.
Rob Leatham runs bull barrels in his USPSA and Steel Challenge Limited guns.
LOG

[egumpher]

If a standard barrel bushing is set up to have a clearance of .001" from the barrel to the bushing, and another .001" from the bushing to the slide, there is no springing or compromises. And nothing done to the slide, and there is no 'smithing that needs to be done.



I was referring to/including the barrel too. I can buy a combination bushing/barrel from many manufactures but still need a loosey/goosey bushing to cut the barrel lugs.

I though that the spherical bearing in the Briley would allow me to cut the lug with the spherical bearing installed thus saving time, effort and assuring success.

Rgds
Eric

[wichaka]

Open? as in Open Class? as they can use a compensator......ok, one class out of how many?

I'm not saying the Briley isn't good, I don't see a need for it for the average person.

And as I stated in my earlier post, if the competitors like Leatham and Jarrett thought it would give them that much of an advantage, they would be using them.

They have their place.


This is fine, but if the.......

There is no "....but if the....." in EGW's bushings, or the way anyone could install the bushing given the clearances I stated.

For a personal defense/range gun, a standard bushing is more than able to handle the job, with more than enough accuracy than about anyone could hope, for less money.

Like I said, whichever is chosen it will do anyone just fine.

[wichaka]

Eric, I'm really not knocking what you're wanting to do.

If you are set installing a barrel and want the Briley, than I say please go purchase it and install it yourself, it will be a very good learning experience for you. For that matter, any barrel/bushing combo you choose will be a good experience.

Kart makes a universal barrel fitting kit, that includes the loose bushing, a lug file and barrel holder. The only thing missing is the lug cutter.

I just think for a Commander for personal/range use, maybe some competition, I think its a bit overkill.

If you run into any problems with the install, come on back...we're all here to help you get thru it.

[egumpher]

Eric, I'm really not knocking what you're wanting to do.

If you are set installing a barrel and want the Briley, than I say please go purchase it and install it yourself, it will be a very good learning experience for you. For that matter, any barrel/bushing combo you choose will be a good experience.

Kart makes a universal barrel fitting kit, that includes the loose bushing, a lug file and barrel holder. The only thing missing is the lug cutter.

I just think for a Commander for personal/range use, maybe some competition, I think its a bit overkill.

If you run into any problems with the install, come on back...we're all here to help you get thru it.


Thank you. This is the information I was looking for.

I do want to install a barrel. Not because it really needs it but for experience and "maybe" more accuracy. I wanted to learn if the Briley system is "wiz-bang-knock-out" or just hype.

I didn't know that the Kart barrels included the dummy bushing. I do now. Thank you.

The only thing that turns me off of the Karts is their unfinished hood. I have spent a good deal of time making my Commander reliable, consistent and good looking. I don't want to dull it up with the unfinished hood.

I noticed that Schuemann barrels are "prudy" too but cost a lot.

The Briley has a decent finish on the hood.

My Purdy Colt:
http://i536.photobucket.com/albums/ff327/ewgewgewg/IMG_6202.jpg

[DuckRyder]

Eric,

The loose busing is in the EZ Fit installation kit.

Do XSE commanders have a narrow hood? My 5" XSE does, so be prepared to do a good bit of fitting on the hood if it does.

The Kart barrel hood polishes up nicely with a bit of emery paper and the shoeshine method.

[egumpher]

Eric,

The loose busing is in the EZ Fit installation kit.

Do XSE commanders have a narrow hood? My 5" XSE does, so be prepared to do a good bit of fitting on the hood if it does.

The Kart barrel hood polishes up nicely with a bit of emery paper and the shoeshine method.


Yes, my XSE has the newer/narrow hood. Thanks for the heads-up. My jewlers file set is getting worn. I will get new files and some stones too. This should help ease the fitting work some.
Rgds
Eroc

[log man]

Kart Easy-Fit barrels come with a bushing oversize for the slide and fitted to the barrel, the correct link and pin. The Kart gunsmith fit barrels do not come with any parts. The bench bushing comes with the fitting kit.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7611&title=1911%20AUTO%20EASY%20FIT%20KART%20BARREL%20KIT

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7615&title=1911%20AUTO%20PRECISION%20QUALITY%20BARREL

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=24734&st=Kart%20barrel%20fitting%20kit&s=

LOG

[egumpher]

Kart Easy-Fit barrels come with a bushing oversize for the slide and fitted to the barrel, the correct link and pin. The Kart gunsmith fit barrels do not come with any parts. The bench bushing comes with the fitting kit.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7611&title=1911%20AUTO%20EASY%20FIT%20KART%20BARREL%20KIT

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7615&title=1911%20AUTO%20PRECISION%20QUALITY%20BARREL

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=24734&st=Kart%20barrel%20fitting%20kit&s=

LOG


This is great....thanks.....I was going to buy the Brownells lug cutting kit for $170......your advise will save me money for "other" things.

Rgds
Eric

[egumpher]

Kart Easy-Fit barrels come with a bushing oversize for the slide and fitted to the barrel, the correct link and pin. The Kart gunsmith fit barrels do not come with any parts. The bench bushing comes with the fitting kit.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7611&title=1911%20AUTO%20EASY%20FIT%20KART%20BARREL%20KIT

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7615&title=1911%20AUTO%20PRECISION%20QUALITY%20BARREL

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/productdetail.aspx?p=24734&st=Kart%20barrel%20fitting%20kit&s=

LOG

Hello,

I was just looking at Kart's selection but didn't see any "easy fit" barrels for my Commander (4.25")?

Do they sell 4.25" easy fits?

I did see Kart gunsmith fit barrels in 4.25.

Rgds
Eric

Rgds
Eric

[log man]

Maybe it's time to buy some tools. Call Fred Kart, nice guy. (910) 754-5212

LOG

[egumpher]

Maybe it's time to buy some tools. Call Fred Kart, nice guy. (910) 754-5212

LOG

Now your talking.....thanks

Eric

[DuckRyder]

Do they sell 4.25" easy fits?


They do, you will probably have to order it directly, I don't know of anyone who stocks them.

An EZ-Fit barrel and the kit are all you need to fit Kart's EZ-Fit naturally.

I second call Fred, he is a nice guy, if he has it he will set it aside while you send a check. He might even narrow the hood for you if you ask.