Collet Bushing Fitment?

[Gypsy]

I'm getting ready to restore my 1911 to it's former glory. It came from factory with a collet bushing that broke one day shooting. Before handing it over to a reputable smith, (recommendations welcome) I would like to know what all is involved in installing a new collet bushing. Money is not an issue.

I looked for a while trying to find this information, but to no luck. Maybe if someone knows something about it, this thread could help future people with the same question.

Thanks,
Gypsy

 

[V98]

I think the problem will be finding a collet bushing. My series 70 had the original collet bushing and barrel.

I removed it and installed a solid bushing fit to the original Colt barrel. I did this because I feared it would break.

I still have the collet bushing to be able to restore the pistol to it’s original state.

I’ll keep an eye on this thread. Best of luck!

 

[Gypsy]

I might have found where to get them.

 

[Profreedomokie]

I was told Gold Cups were known for this. I had one for a while but, traded it off.

 

[Gunbuffer]

Dump the collet
Bushing and get a prefit standard bushing. EGW probably sells one that will work

 

[KurtM]

The collet bushing was one of the worst designs Colt ever did! I can't think of any of them that didn't break at some point in time. Some lasted a couple thousand rounds, most only lasted a few boxes. You would be FAR better off replacing it with a standard bushing, or you will be replacing it again, and again, and again!

 

[Gypsy]

The collet bushing was one of the worst designs Colt ever did! I can't think of any of them that didn't break at some point in time. Some lasted a couple thousand rounds, most only lasted a few boxes. You would be FAR better off replacing it with a standard bushing, or you will be replacing it again, and again, and again!

The problem with this is if I want a standard bushing on a 1911, I'll go buy one with a standard bushing.

I plan on having a standard bushing fitted as well, but I want the collet on there to restore it to its original state as posted earlier in the thread. Much of what I'm reading says it's mostly a drop in part? If there's anything special about installing one I want to know.

Thanks,
Gypsy

 

[V98]

As long as you have the correct barrel it should be a drop in. The collet barrel is/was tapered differently than a non-collet barrel. I’m not a smith but that was both my understanding and experience.

 

[mr ed]

45 years years ago in gunsmith school we were warned to throw away collet bushings and fit a real one.

 

[KurtM]

Got it! Yes any Colt Collet Bushing will drop right in, no fitting required.