1911 38 Super barrel length question

[kywoodwrkr]

Have a 38 Super 1911 barrel.
Outside dimension is .498(,500?) so from post 1955.
Question I have is when did Colt make a barrel length of 5 1/2"?
Anyone have any insight into this additional 1/2"?
Thanks.

[bruce drake]

If you aren't inteerested in using this barrel, send me a PM to see if we can dicker for the barrel.

Thanks,

Bruce

[xacex]

Cant say my post war is any longer than 5". Interesting possibility of someone changing it out later on. I know the feet on mine are worn at the lockup point so much that the slide moves forward another 1/8th inch no matter what length link I put in it. Time to weld it up and re-fit it. Put a 9mm barrel in there for the time being. Mine has no stamp on the barrel, but has the same colt bone ash bluing on the barrel as the slide. It fits 9x23 in it too without issue, but 38 super fit is a bit sloppy in the chamber. This is out of a super match. What is yours out of?

[kywoodwrkr]

Bruce,
You have a PM.

xacec,
Was given the barrel(only) as a different caliber(38AMU).
It is 38 super as hood is for semi rim case.
It is full 5 1/2", not just a few thousandths over.
Picture is 5" compared to this one + 2 other pictures.

There is a three digit number stamped under barrel.
Thanks for any information.

[xacex]

Now you have me questioning my barrel. Mine is not cut for a semi rim case.No marking what so ever.

[bruce drake]

Dave,

Looking at pictures above, I'd recommend getting a chamber cast done on the barrel to verify the chambering as the barrel isn't cut for 38Spl based off what I saw in your photo. Considering the known age of the barrel , more than likely its a 38 Super cut to headspace off the rim.

Bruce

[kywoodwrkr]

Now you have me questioning my barrel. Mine is not cut for a semi rim case.No marking what so ever.

It's my understanding the later Colt barrels were not cut for the semi rimmed case, but were chambered to headspace on the mouth of the case ala 45 ACP.
In piddling about with the 1911,of which I am a neophite, and there is a whole lot not known, compared to what seems to be known or documented.
In trying to find out what this barrel went to, I just want to make sure I don't foul it up should it be useful, well more than just a regular 38 super barrel.
Had some feedback on the 1911forum.com but, well, I seem to get more information here.
Probably due to fact that the audience here, was there, and did that!
Thanks.

[kywoodwrkr]

Dave,

Looking at pictures above, I'd recommend getting a chamber cast done on the barrel to verify the chambering as the barrel isn't cut for 38Spl based off what I saw in your photo. Considering the known age of the barrel , more than likely its a 38 Super cut to headspace off the rim.

Bruce

38 Special and 38 AMU will not seat in the chamber.
38 ACP sit in it very nicely.
It may have been a barrel removed from service or anything.
Just strange length.
Thanks.

[Willbird]

Leaves enough to thread for a supressor .