Finding the best 1911 barrel may be a challenge for some people. That’s because there are so many of them that are available on the market. However, there are a select few that can be considered the best available. With that being said, we’ll be reviewing some of the best 1911 barrels.
Each has its own special features along with its own set of pros and cons. Most of these may even be yours to own on your gun or pistols.
| Barrels | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ed Brown 1911 Drop In Match Barrels 9mm | Most Recommended Option 1. Heat treated and cryo stressed for long life | 10/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Nowlin – 45ACP Gunsmith Barrel 6″ Non-ramped | 1. High quality | 9.0/10 | SHOP NOW |
 | Sig Sauer .45ACP Threaded Barrel | 1. Heat-Treated for Toughness and Durability 2. 578 x 28 TPI Thread Pitch 3. Knurled Threat Cap | 8.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Kart Precision Barrel Kit | 1. Crafted from 4150 ordnance steel 2. Excellent durability. 3. Available in three different lengths | 7.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
 | Nowlin – 10mm Barrel 6″ Ramped | 1. Comes with a pre-hit stainless steel bushing 2. Includes link and pin 3. Easy installation. | 7.0/10 | Currently unavailable |
The Advantages of Investing in a Quality 1911 Barrel Upgrade
Like other upgrades, investing in a top quality 1911 barrel has its advantages and benefits. However, you’ll need to consider some of the gunsmith benefits of a good quality product. Here are some things to consider before making your concluding decision:
Better Accuracy
It is at no surprise that owners want their pistols to be accurate. If you choose to invest in a quality gunsmith 1911 barrels, then you’ll get to enjoy the great advantage of having a more accurate gun.
Long Lasting
Some factory 1911 barrels may not last as long as you wish it to be. That’s why it is important to invest in a better quality choice. You should find one that is made from durable enough material that would make it easy to clean and less disposed of to long term damage.
Compatibility with Bullets
In the past, some 1911 barrels have worked well with resonating points. Over time, some don’t feed hollow points as smoothly as they do long ago. A prodigious product should be one that will work smoothly with most bullets, including lead bullets.
What Makes a Great 1911 Barrel?
This is a common question that most best barrels owners will ask a lot. What are some of the aspects that make these barrels great compared to some of the five options that are on the market? Here are some of the things that may factor into what would make one stand out:
A Perfect Fit
Obviously, the best 1911 barrel has to be one that fits your gun nicely. It doesn’t matter if it’s convenient to install or if it needs to be installed professionally by a gunsmith. If it can fit your gun perfectly, then chances are that it will stand the test of time and usage when compared to cheaper models.
Affordability
Sometimes, finding the best 1911 barrel may be a huge products budget problem for Sig Sauer guns. However, just because you’re on a tight budget, doesn’t mean you have to find a cheap one that will factory up only lasting a short period of time. So, find the best guns that you can afford in terms of quality. The last thing you want is to fork out more money each time your device fails.
Length
Sometimes, you’ll have to consider the length as one of the best leading factors in your decision. Typically, the shorter the length, the faster you can get a shot off. This is an important thing to remember if you’re planning to use your 1911 for home defense purposes. A shorter barrel may also be ideal if you’re using your gun for competition purposes. Other than that, the length of a 1911 will regulate the feet per second of every pre fit accuracy round you shoot off.
The Best 1911 Barrels – A Quick Review List
The following are some of the best 1911 barrels that are currently on the factory as of this writing. As you go through each option, be sure to take note of some of the special features of each one. Of course, they do come with their own set of best unique pros and cons. If one of these stands out, feel free to do more extensive accuracy research on them.
1. Sig Sauer .45ACP Threaded Barrel
The first 1911 barrel we will review is the Sig Sauer .45ACP Threaded Barrel. If you want a 1911 barrel that would make a great replacement or upgrade from your current model, then you should give the Sig Sauer an extra research.
This is a threaded barrel that is chambered in .45ACP that offers the ability to attach a suppressor or a muzzle device. This also has a knurled thread cap is used to protect the end when no other attachments are needed. This is the perfect choice for anyone who owns a .45 caliber 1911 that are match grade kart.
Sig Sauer has long been a reliable brand on the market for gun option and enthusiasts. Even though it will process perfectly with Sig Sauer 1911s, it can also work well with other .45 1911 kart models too.
If you want better accuracy for your .45 and want a drop-in barrel for convenient installation, then this Sig Sauer will probably be your best bet.
2. Kart Precision Barrel Kit
As always, it’s important to include an option or two that is within reasonable price to those who are on a budget while looking for a barrel. One of the best choices for the money is the Kart Precision Barrel Kit match barrels.
Here is why it is the best you can possibly get your hands on without breaking your bank: first, it is crafted from 4150 ordnance steel, making it very durable. This is also available in 3 different lengths – 5 inches, 6 inches, and the Commander, that is measured at 4.25 inches match barrel.
This is one of the best option if you’re a competitive shooter or if you’re using your 1911 for target practice or home defence. If you’re looking for a replacement and don’t want to spend a lot of money, then this Kart Precision may be the best choice for you.
Sure, there may be some good quality match barrels that you can get your hands on that are on a budget. However, the Kart Precision Barrel is considered one of the best of the bunch. Replacing your factory device with this will help improve your accuracy significantly.
At the same time, it will even straighten out any feed issues that you may have now. So, if you’re dealing with either issue or both, then get this Kart Precision Barrel.
3. Nowlin .45ACP Gunsmith Barrel 6 Inches Non-Ramped
Next on the list, we will be taking a look at the Nowlin. This is currently the best 6-inch 1911 barrel on the market. This is a triple heat-treated, high-quality, super match-grade barrel that is made to give your 1911 the best accuracy possible.
This also has groove and bore tolerances that hold to an amazing .0002 inches by ECM (or electro-discharge cathode machining). The Nowlin has a unique, pre-cut design of the leading lugs. In order to achieve maximum lug engagement, it may only need minor fitting.
Given that this is a longer choice, the smooth bore helps boost the velocity of your bullets. The edge is angled on the driving band so it upsurges gas seal for reduced fouling with all types of bullets.
This also guarantees that the barrel will continue to last you a long time. The rifling of the Nowlin is ultra-smooth, uniform, and accurate. In order to achieve headspace, it will need reaming.
What really makes this stand out is the way it is heat-treated. For it to be heat-treated 3 times, you’ll know that this is the most hard-wearing and strongest on the market. So, if you’re looking for that “last barrel you’ll ever buy for a long time” kind, then get this Nowlin.
4. Ed Brown 1911 Drop In Match Barrels 9mm
For 1911 owners, one of the firearm brands that they trust the most is Ed Brown. This is a perfect option if you’re looking to convert your gun to a 9mm. According to one feedback on the Brownells site, he converted his .38 super to a 9mm on his Series 80 Colt 1911. This is a drop-in barrel, which means that the installation won’t be a huge pain.
It is CNC machined with scopes that are bigger in sizes to ensure secure lockup and a “velocity fitting quality” product drop-in fit. The Ed Brown has a machined stainless steel bar stock that is treated to protect from heat and is cryo stress relieved to guarantee that the product lives a long life and greatly helps with overall accuracy.
The precise, proposed cut rifling provides outstanding accuracy with bullets of all kinds (including lead). The kit includes a pre-fit, bushing, link and pin and a match-grade barrel for a relatively fast installation product fitting process.
Once again, we come across a 1911 barrel that may be the strongest, most durable barrel on the market. If you place barrel durability high on your list of priorities, then you’ll probably love the Ed Brown. This also may be your best choice if you’re looking for one that is stress-free to install.
Some minor fittings may be possible, but usually you can simply install it in just under 15 minutes and then take it out on the shooting range.
5. Nowlin 10mm Barrel 6 Inches Ramped
For our last barrel for review on this list, we revisit the Nowlin brand again. This item has a stainless steel bushing with a link and pin for stress-free installation. Little to no fitting will be needed. This also features a pre-fitted hood, top lugs, and bottom feet that provides a very close fit and better accuracy for most 1911 match barrels.
It’s always convenient to have a Nowlin barrel that will take very little time to install. The Nowlin will probably be your best choice if you are looking for something that’s not only easy to install but can fit your 1911 really well. A perfect fit plus increased accuracy is what a lot of gun owners want in their Nowlin barrels. If that’s what you are looking for, you should totally get the Nowlin.
Conclusion
Finding the best 1911 barrel that fits does not have to be difficult. You should really find one that fits your gun perfectly and will also help improve your accuracy and your overall shot. Remember to do your due diligence of researching the 1911 barrel if that 1911 barrel sticks out as a possible favourite. You shouldn’t make a final choice based on a whim. Research user forums and if possible, glock product additional product reviews that matches well with the barrel you’re considering to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I put up a 1911 barrel on my gun?
Fitting a 1911 barrel can be a challenge for some people. But with clear instructions, you can make it relaxed just by following along. Here are the straightforward steps you’ll need to take to fit a barrel on your 1911:
Step 1: Slip the barrel into the stuff and check the hooded sides. Each sides should be clear the lower locking lugs are true up and down.
Step 2: Next, check the 1911 barrel length. You should try assemble the barrel to see if it will fit up into the slide locking recesses. If it won’t, then proceed to remove a small amount of length.
Step 3: Now, install the barrel with the link, link pin, and bushing, then trial assemble slide, barrel, and frame. If it properly fits like a charm, then it will hit hard on the back of the hood. It will also hit really hard on the lower locking lugs and evenly on each side of the top locking grooves. It should never touch any place else, except for the bushing. At this point, you should be able to press the gun in the locked position with only your thumb pressure. It will have minimal, if any, movement in any direction.
Step 4: The barrel is locked at 0 at the lower locking lug. Further movement will wedge everything else into position, except the link when the gun is locked. You’ll notice a flat in between the slide stop pin lower locking area and the front radius on its lower locking lugs. The measurement for appropriate operation should be .030. It can be increased to .060 to help the slide be flusher with the rear of the frame. If you really want this, remove the metal from the rear of the locking lug with a 3/16 inches rat tail file or a milling machine. This will allow the stop pin to lock the barrel somewhat further to the rear. If the .030 inches is increased, the link pin hole will most likely open up to prevent binding.
Step 5: Once you’re satisfied with the fit, slide, and frame assembly, then install the link and the link pin and check for any link pin interference. If you have the slide upside down in your hand and the barrel installed, you can still be able to move the link slightly more while the slide stop is pressed to its rear. If not, you’ll need to open the slide top pin hole in the link slightly on its bottom side.
Step 6: Finally, you’ll want to end the chamber with a .45 ACP finish reamer to 0.898 inches or up to 0.91 inches measured from the end of the hood. This may not be needed if a small amount of hood material was removed during the original fitting. You’ll also need to finish with a 9mm reamer to 0.754 inches to 0.776 inches measured from the end of the hood. Then, use a .38 Super finish reamer to .890 inches to .900 inches.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.