The barrel ramp is an essential component of a 1911 pistol's barrel assembly, responsible for feeding and chambering cartridges smoothly and reliably. It is a part of the barrel that is machined to match the contour of the bullet as it enters the chamber.
There are different types of barrel ramps that can be found on 1911 pistols, each with its unique features and advantages. In this blog, we will discuss the different types of barrel ramps for the 1911.
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Standard Barrel Ramp: The standard barrel ramp is the most common type found on 1911 pistols. It is a simple ramp machined into the barrel that leads to the chamber, with no added features. This type of barrel ramp is reliable, easy to manufacture, and works well with most types of ammunition.
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Fully Supported Barrel Ramp: The fully supported barrel ramp is a ramp that extends all the way up the feed ramp cutout in the frame, providing full support to the cartridge as it feeds into the chamber. This type of barrel ramp is commonly found on 1911 pistols intended for high-pressure rounds, such as .40 S&W and 10mm Auto.
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Integral Feed Ramp: The integral feed ramp is a barrel ramp machined as part of the frame, rather than the barrel. This design provides a smooth transition between the frame and the barrel, reducing the chance of a misfeed. The integral feed ramp is commonly found on custom 1911 pistols.
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Hybrid Barrel Ramp: The hybrid barrel ramp is a combination of the standard barrel ramp and fully supported barrel ramp designs. This design provides some additional support to the cartridge, while still allowing for a smooth feed. The hybrid barrel ramp is commonly found on 1911 pistols intended for .45 ACP ammunition.
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Wilson/Nowlin Barrel Ramp: The Wilson/Nowlin barrel ramp is a design that features a steep, fully supported ramp that angles up toward the chamber. This design provides a smooth transition from the magazine to the chamber, reducing the chance of a misfeed. The Wilson/Nowlin barrel ramp is commonly found on custom 1911 pistols.
The barrel ramp is a critical component of a 1911 pistol, responsible for reliable feeding and chambering of ammunition. Each type of barrel ramp has its unique features and advantages, and the selection depends on the intended use of the pistol. Understanding the different types of barrel ramps available for the 1911 can help shooters make informed decisions when selecting or customizing their pistols.
