Simmer down wrote:Call from the gunsmith. The barrel I dropped off to have fitted won't work due to headspace issues. I chose a drop-in Kart barrel ($250 OMG) versus a $450 massaged to fit barrel Yeow!
I bet the gun didn't cost $25 new.
There is no such thing as a "drop-in" Kart barrel. The Kart "EASY-FIT", or "XACT-FIT" (new name, same game) is a barrel that is made with the "three point fit" pads in place "as manufactured". The absolute best possible fit of a 1911 barrel is achieved by a laborious process that involves indexing the barrel and machining two "pads" at 120 degrees from each side of bottom dead center. These pads are finessed to create positive repeatable lockup and smooth link-down. In addition to modifying the pads, the Kart barrel has to be adjusted for head space and hood width, ramp clearance, and sometimes for bottom lug fit (and the bushing needs to be fit to the slide). I had to stare at the barrel, the instructions, and the ordnance drawings of the 1911 for a month before I understood what I was supposed to do. Then I slipped with the file and had to have a wee blob of weld metal put back on the hood ;^)
After much wiggling and filing I wound up with a truly awesome fit. But it's nearly as far from drop-in as a "hard-fit" barrel is! The Kart barrel is top-of-the-line, bar none. I do wish they left the chamber just short of being finished, so that making headspace perfect was possible. There is a reason they don't - Because the 45acp cartridge does not really headspace on the rim. However, it is also easy to argue (though I'm not sure it's true) that cutting the chamber for "proper" headspace creates a more reliable gun (think firing pin).