Bull barrel or bushing?

[harleypower69]

I am contemplating a new (to me) 1911. I see some offered with a bull barrel and no bushing. Seems to be opposing schools of thought on design. Can anyone explain differences as they relate to reliability and accuracy? Thoughts as to pros and cons?. I am looking to get a 5 inch barrel, steel frame for personal defense weapon.

Thanks,

Chris

[Aifwikir]

The Bull barrel is a little harder to tear dowm in that you have to have a piece of wire to put through the guide rod. (A paper clip works great)
With the bushing barrel (depending on fit) you only need to depress the spring plug and turn the bushing.
As far as accuracy is concerned it all in the fit (of either one). I've owned both and can say either one works very well. Although I think the bull barrel is a better idea on the 3.5" sub-compact's.



Aif

[Deltaten]

Everything AIF sez; plus this....
A bushing can be replaced once wear exceeds tolerance. *IF* you get wear on a bull bbl model; it'll be time to replace the bbl or slide. New OS bushing? $20. New slide or bbl? $150 and up!

I think I've replaced bushings an every 1911 I've ever had; with exception of the new Colt Combat Commander. Still not a high enuff round count ! First was a kit ODI... soft stainless bush coulda been it? Second was a MK IV / '70 with the prong type...*snap* OOOpsie! Third was new Colt Delta. 1K or so rounds and bush was real sloppy. Replaced w/ OS stainless bush and it's logged over 5K rds and still not "loose" by any stretch.

In comparison and in deference to bull types....
MY Springer and Colts topped comp guns ran cone-type (bushing) comps. Th 9mm wore plum out by 80k rounds. The .45 started ta wear about the time I had ta replace the bbl. The slide was worn enuff that the new bbl had very little take-up before it woulda run out of "wedging" and started ta slop. Of course, it had a fairly high round count, too