1911 Barrel link loose laterally - should I worry?

[Battler]

This is on a kimber compact (bull barrel).

The barrel link can move side-side, and I can get a little tilt on it.

Is that something worth worrying about? The gun assembles okay, and it stays locked perfectly when the slide is closed. However, when firing, could this cause battering that could cause it to come apart?

BTW - the gun has ~5K rounds through it - 230gr hardball.


thanks,
Battler.

 

[johnwill]

I don't know about worrying, but I don't see that as a normal thing. I don't have any experience with the compacts, all my 1911's are the standard full sized models, but I've never had a link that has lateral movement.

 

[George Stringer]

Battler, you should have a little side play in the link but it sounds like yours may have too much. I would contact Kimber and ask them what their tolerance is. I've never seen it happen but I guess the barrel could move enough to allow the hood to smack the side of it's recess in the top of the slide. George