I am looking at a Springfield Armory long slide an note that it does not have a bbl. bushing yet the 5" model does have a bushing and the shorter models do not have bushings. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a bushing vs. nonbushing on a 1911 auto?

Gil:
Have onwed and shot both types...and if there is any difference in a well set up gun, can't find it. Either the barrrel is held stable at the muzzle or it's not...if not, the bushing is more easily repoaced/fitted than the cone barrel/slide system....the cone barrel/slide system seems to last longer without needing refitting and give the barrel more freedom of movement (no friction) when the slide is being driven back.

Have managed to wear out and replace two barrels on a Colt Ser. 70...the 3rd is in the gun now. First one was part of a general re-build at about 20K rounds...barrel was just loose on the OUTSIDE, and I wanted a new bushing fit...found a good deal on a barrel and bushing set, so fitted the pair.

The second barrel died do to a local caster's contaminated lube (although the bullets themselves may have been contaminated as well)...grit...was like a light lapping compound, and the barrel didn't last 2K rounds.

So...the third barrel and bushing were fitted...still in the gun, working fine.

Haven't a clue how hard it is to fit a coned barrel....haven't needed to do it, but suspect it may be frustrating.