*UPDATED 1911 catastrophic failure PIC (gunsmith dfw?)

[MoJo]

I have seen a failure like this once. The advise to send the gun to Springfield is spot on. Your bushing broke and since that's what holds the recoil spring in that's why everything flew out. Let the manufacturer know about the failure and let them fix it on their dime. While it's there get them to put the sights on it you want.

[RSJ]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I do not have a bull barrel after all (I=1911 noob). The end of my barrel (like 1/2 inch) is wider than the rest, you can feel a "lip" where it begins to open up, slightly. So whatever that is called, I have that, haha. If anyone wants pics I can post em'.
Regarding fitting, the bushing was extremely tight, so tight that I had to use a bunch of force with one of those removal tools to get it off, before it broke.
edited to add, the "bull" part starts where the discoloration starts, I would say it BARELY has a ridge on it (like <1/10 inch), rather than most smooth/flush barrels.

[E.Marquez]

Link no workie....

Works on three different computers for me, two on military non secure networks and this lap top in my room on a local afghan network

But what ever, google
"barrel bushing broke Colt Officer Models"

It was Interesting.. Much more common then I thought

[tbrown]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I do not have a bull barrel after all (I=1911 noob). The end of my barrel (like 1/2 inch) is wider than the rest, you can feel a "lip" where it begins to open up, slightly. So whatever that is called, I have that, haha. If anyone wants pics I can post em'.

That's so the barrel locks up when in battery but doesn't drag and bind when it tilts as the slide cycles.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

Not original owner, recently acquired this 1911. I am not sure but apparently I have a bull barrel and trigger work.
I am a 1911 noob, and frustrated already :-(.

How many rounds were put through it before you bought it?

Probably no way to know.

It sucks when parts break, but if you shoot enough, it's not a matter of "if", but "when". Most folks don't shoot enough to ever get to that point, but if you ask anyone who rents guns, or competes regularly, you will find that parts breakage is far from uncommon, but the "norm" over time.

Factory parts usually do their job throughout the life of the typical gun owner, however, weak parts do "slip through the cracks" from time to time, and fail early in the life of the gun. The only thing you can do is monitor your round count, and keep an eye on your parts through regular maintenance and inspections. There are times when you can start to see wear or stress marks on a part, and you can then replace it BEFORE it fails in the gun. Sometimes, however, a part will simply break with no visible warning.

[cbunt1]

There's a million things that could cause a broken bushing, but the only one I ever saw with my own eyes was related to the Federal ammo recall a year or so back. There was a few batches of over pressure .45 ACP out there.

That said, its still more likely a combination of factors that caused your broken bushing.

The good news is that its not likely truly catastrophic...just a part to refit, a spring and plug to replace, and maybe a guide rod. A good Smith can check it pretty quickly.

1911s sure are spectacular when they come apart though, aren't they? Luckily this probably looks worse than it is. Of course I'm not looking at it first Hand, so have a good smith check it out.

[RSJ]

Thanks for the replies above! To note, I was using cheap TULA ammo (yeah, I know) , so if anything the round would likely be underpowered.
Round count= no clue, it appears to be a few years old, the barrel has some wear (as pictured above)
I'm going to call Springfield tomorrow and see if they will resolve the issue. I will post an update!

[rm9792]

Just for your own edification, google a bull barrel. The end is huge, much bigger than that little lip on yours.

[RSJ]

Called Springfield, they are sending out an package for the Champion. I will post an update when I know more.

[RSJ]

UPDATE:
Got the gun back a week or two ago, just took it to the range. Guess what? Stovepipes, jams, etc.

Springfield JUST had this in the factory and replaced the barrel bushing and swapped my full length guide rod for a different recoil setup....

Ammo used today was Lawman .45 230gr and I had three shooters try the weapon to ensure I wasn't "limp-wristing" it.

REALLY upset with Springfield at this point....

[rm9792]

Do they even bother to test fire?

[AEA]

New recoil springs do have to take a set before they start working correctly.

[v-rog]

Or better yet, a Smith & Wesson M&P 45...

[RSJ]

New recoil springs do have to take a set before they start working correctly.

Do they even bother to test fire?

The work order says it was test fired. I shot 4 different mags, loading each one at least twice (>50 rds or so) and could not get a SINGLE stream of 7 shots to preform without at least 1-2 stovepipes.

I will post a picture of the "new" recoil stuff soon vs the old full-length guide rod