Semi-automatic pistol barrel with precision barrel muzzle bushings and method

In a semi-automatic pistol, the combination of a barrel bushing, the barrel bushing defining a bore for receiving a barrel therein for reciprocating movement during operation of the pistol, the improvement comprising:

• (a) first, second and third annular bearing surfaces formed on inner walls of the bore and against which the barrel moves during operation of the pistol;
• (b) the first bearing surface contacting and supporting the barrel during the recoil phase of operation, the first bearing surface defining a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel during recoil;
• (c) the second and third bearing surfaces residing in axially spaced-apart relation on opposite axially-extending sides of the first bearing surface and defining respective planes with respect to the first bearing surface which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel during lockup and on which opposite upper and lower surfaces of the barrel are supported during lockup.

A method of manufacturing a barrel bushing of a semiautomatic pistol, the barrel bushing defining a bore adapted for receiving a pistol barrel therein for reciprocating movement during operation of the pistol, comprising the steps of:

• (a) forming a first annular bearing surface contacting and supporting the barrel during the recoil phase of operation, the first bearing surface defining a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel during recoil;
• (b) forming second and third annular bearing surfaces in axially spaced-apart relation to each other on opposite axially-extending sides of the first bearing surface and defining respective planes which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the barrel during lockup and on which opposite upper and lower surfaces of the barrel are supported during lockup.