1911 Barrel link pin

Sp00ks

Sp00ks

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I have a relic colt 1911 that basically I won't let out of my sight. It's been a couple year since I've inspected it but I need either a new barrel link pin or have the original re-peened.

This was my fathers issue weapon in Korea and I would like my little sister to be able to shoot it at least one time.

Do I need a smith or is this something I can do myself? I've done some basic parts swaps and trigger installs, etc. Nothing that had to be "fitted".
 
If you describe the problem someone will provide a solid recommendation.

@John Travis still around, been a while.
 
I had a 1911 that I ran for 5000 rounds that the link pin would come out when I cleaned it if I let it. I had other problems with that gun, but that wasn’t one of them. Maybe I should have been concerned.
 
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@Sp00ks I’ve got a center punch, bench vice with anvil, and plenty of hammers if you want to see if we can stake that thing.
 
Can the link pin come out while the barrel is in the pistol? I thought it was held in by part of the frame and did not need to be staked. I am curious about what the problem is.
 
Charlie said:
Can the link pin come out while the barrel is in the pistol? I thought it was held in by part of the frame and did not need to be staked. I am curious about what the problem is.
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I just took one apart to look. That pin can’t come out. Leastways not in this Springer.
 
While staking the lug to capture the pin is a quick fix, it's a band aid. The pin should correctly be a firm press fit. You can order larger pins in half thousandth increments. You'll need to measure yours with a micrometer...not a caliper... to see how much you need to step up the diameter.
 
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fieldgrade said:
I had a 1911 that I ran for 5000 rounds that the link pin would come out when I cleaned it if I let it. I had other problems with that gun, but that wasn’t one of them. Maybe I should have been concerned.
Click to expand...
That's where I'm at. It runs fine and the frame keeps the pin captured I suppose but I'm putting it in my little sisters hand so I'm a touch concerned.
 
John Travis said:
While staking the lug to capture the pin is a quick fix, it's a band aid. The pin should correctly be a firm press fit. You can order larger pins in half thousandth increments. You'll need to measure yours with a micrometer...not a caliper... to see how much you need to step up the diameter.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for your feedback, However; I don't have a micrometer, just a couple of cheap digital calipers.
 
Digital calipers are more precise than dial or vernier, but I wouldn't trust them to get to within .0005 inch.
Is there a small machine shop in your area? You could get it miked there, and possibly even have them make a pin out of drill rod.
 
My 80s vintage series 80 has the same issue, the pin falls out when the barrel is removed from the frame. The only issue is losing the pin if one isn't careful. I'll get around to ordering a couple larger pins from Brownells.
 
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