Barrel Link question

[Catahoula]

I recently bought a Springfield 1911.  When I disassembled the gun, I noticed that the barrel link pin will fall out on its own if I turn the barrel on its side.  Is this normal?  Should the pin be this loose, or does this require some attention?  Thanks.

[Grumpy]

I have a Springfield 45 also and my pin doesn't fall out. Take your firearm to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out. Good shootin'

[Bob_K]

It is not a problem if it is only due to a sightly undersize pin/oversize hole.  The pin cannot fall out in use since it operates within the milled frame area.  Match guns generally have a tight fit, and sometimes the link pin is staked on either side, but it is not required for a basic .45.  Having said that, if I had a tighter fitting pin, I'd use it.  I'd also check to see if the link pin holes were not cracked as a reason for the looseness.

[191145]

The link pin should not fall out. If it's a new gun, contact Springfield. If used, take it to a good pistolsmith - he can tighten it up in five minutes.

[Cat Whisperer]

Note what Bob_K said - tighter fitting link/pin is more accurate.  Get it fixed (easy fix - tighter fitting pin, no big deal).  

Enjoy.

[jamie]

When you contact Springfield be prepared to be called stupid and that it's your fault it happened.

[Mikey]

Catahoula:  I'm not so sure I would even worry about it unless it effects your accuracy.  A number of years ago I ordered some Bar-Sto barrels, in different calibers, and every single one of them did the same thing with the link pin.  It never affected a thing with either the operation or accuracy of the piece.  I called Bar-Sto and they said that if I wanted to send it back they would stake it in place but that a number of their customers perferred to use their barrels as is (was) and that was the way they sold them, or I could stake it in place or leave it as it is.  I left it as was and it never affected anything.

Bob_K already mentioned that it operates within a confined, milled space, which means it isn't going to go anywhere or screw anything up.  

I wouldn't worry about it.  Hope this helps.  Mikey.

[Cat Whisperer]

Mikey -
  It's like most of the other tuneup items, by itself the difference might not be noticeable, but in combination with six other small improvements the system becomes MUCH more accurate.

[Catahoula]

Thanks for all the info.  I'm replacing the pin ( slightly larger match pin from Brownells) , but sounds like it isn't an issue to shoot the gun as is.  Thanks again.

[191145]

The issue isn't the shooting, it's having the link and pin fall out every time you field-strip the gun, unless you're careful. If you were to do this at the range and lose a part, you'd be through for the day. I'd stake it or get the bigger pin.