Did I cut the barrel ramp too deep?

[Peacekeeper1408]

This is my first 1911 build. It is a 9mm Kart barrel. Just want to know if there is too much brass exposed and if the experts think it is safe to fire?

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a336/peacekeeper1408/IMG_3162.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a336/peacekeeper1408/IMG_3161.jpg

[David Thomas]

This is my first 1911 build. It is a 9mm Kart barrel. Just want to know if there is too much brass exposed and if the experts think it is safe to fire?



I am no gunsmith, but I do not think that looks promising. I would also be concerned about the angle of the feed ramp.

[HighSpeedDreams]

+1 on the feed ramp.

[Gunfighter13]

Heres what it should look like. I would not attemp to shoot your barrel.
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh75/Gunfighter13/PICT0024.jpg?t=1199684547
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh75/Gunfighter13/PICT0027.jpg?t=1199684636
http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh75/Gunfighter13/PICT0026.jpg?t=1199684670

[Peacekeeper1408]

Anyone have pictures of a 9mm barrel? The angle is fine, it feeds dummy rounds very smoothly. I just need to know if it's gonna blow a case out if I fire it.

[Gunfighter13]

Anyone have pictures of a 9mm barrel? The angle is fine, it feeds dummy rounds very smoothly. I just need to know if it's gonna blow a case out if I fire it.

The amount of exposed case is the same on the 9mm as it is on the 45. All you have now is a paperweight.

[Trim2L]

First, that isn't a ramp it is a relief. Second, didn't the barrel come with the relief already cut?

[Drummer]

Congratulations, please accept your diploma below. You are now eligible for a career with Century Arms.


is safe to fire?

In short, NO! Please step away from the dremel tool!

I don't know about a 9mm, but on a .45 barrel, .090" is generally considered the maximum allowable exposed cartridge sidewall, measured from the cartridge groove ramp/case wall intersection.

[Gunfighter13]

didn't the barrel come with the relief already cut?

Kart barrels come ready to install except for minor fitting to insure lockup. no need to touch the feed ramp or relief.

[RD62]

Is it ground offset to the left?

-RD62

[Bolt_Overide]

yep. that ones ruined, go buy a new one.

and for the love of god, dont sell anyone a gun you built... ever.

[SuicideHz]

Yes, it's all "caddywompus" or however that is spelled.

It looks like you cut a channel in the barrel- not a relief or "ramp." It looks almost as flat as the rest of the face of the barrel, just inset a little.

Better luck next time? Sorry, I'm not trying to be negative.

And, so that you may avoid any other problems, perhaps you should explain any other work you did and maybe someone can help out there as well? It might save some trouble in the long run.

[Peacekeeper1408]

I was planning for failure on the first one anyway. It was just a practice barrel I picked up. The reason I had to work on it is because the barrel was overhanging the ramp area on the frame. It was the only way I could get the 1/32" space between the barrel and ramp. This was the only problem I ran into on the gun other than the barrel has an extremely tight chamber. I have installed .45 barrels, but this was my first 9mm, so I'm still learning on it.

[eng208]

It is far easier to fail. If we plan for success, we may not always get it, but if we plan for failure, failure is definitely what we will get.:D

Is the gap that you speak of with the slide locked back? The barrel moves rearward when the slide moves back. Keep that in mind. But I am by no means a "Gunsmith". Maybe you can use that barrel for a pen holder?

[Peacekeeper1408]

It is far easier to fail. If we plan for success, we may not always get it, but if we plan for failure, failure is definitely what we will get.:D

Is the gap that you speak of with the slide locked back? The barrel moves rearward when the slide moves back. Keep that in mind. But I am by no means a "Gunsmith". Maybe you can use that barrel for a pen holder?

I guess that was a poor choice of words on my part. What I really meant was I was planning for success, but I was also prepared for the worst possible outcome. This project was meant to be a learning experience from the beginning. I have learned from my mistakes. The pen holder might be pretty cool. I was just going to file it away in the parts box for "what not to do" reference.

[JohnN]

http://http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a336/peacekeeper1408/IMG_3162.jpg

That is one of the primary reasons 1911's get such a terrible rap for reliability.

[hoveyh]

I have a Colt Govt 9mm ... that looks Way too BooKoo of a grind job. 9mm's work at very hi pressures .... my personal opinion is that you went beyond the point of safe operation. Post this same question and pics to www.1911forum.com and the absolute truth will be rendered by the countries top smiths. Harold H.

[eng208]

Don't beat yourself up too bad. If you never have the courage to try to do something, you never accomplish much. The smart people know when they screw up and you do something different. Just don't try to fire a round through it and it will be a momento.:p

[dubb-1]

That barrel is just fine...keep it in your pocket in case you have to throw it at someone!;)