Colt 1911 question

Nanook85 · 09-12-2007, 08:10 PM

I recently got a colt 1911 pistol for my birthday. (Sometimes younger brothers can be pretty cool). Anyway, I downloaded the owner's manual from Colt and disassembled it following the instructions as best as I could. However, after I put it back together, (again following the instructions) I noticed that when the slide is locked back, the barrel moves side to side ever so slightly, it's not much, but I can tell it does move. Is this normal or did I screw something up?

BigJ71 · 09-13-2007, 12:10 AM

Normal.....

Slight play in the barrel when the slide is locked back is perfectly normal.

James B · 09-13-2007, 06:18 AM

Yup Normal.

Nanook85 · 09-13-2007, 06:45 AM

Thanky, I feel a heck of a lot better now

eldeguello · 09-14-2007, 11:21 AM

As the other folks have said, it is normal. A standard M1911 has a lot of built-in slop (large tolerances) to make sure it will function under adverse conditions, like when it is dirty, etc.

The match-grade versions are generally tighter, but you might still get some side-to-side motion of the barrel when the slide is locked back......

Bulzeye · 09-14-2007, 07:23 PM

What's important is that it stays put while in battery, with the slide forward. I'm sure it's fine.

Congrats on the new gun.