Barrel link damage, what can be done?

[Lnxgeek]

I have a 5 inch bull barrel on my STI, after cleaning the gun I was having a hard time with reassembly. The slide was not moving back enough for me to insert the slide stop again. I took it apart again and noticed the barrel link was stuck. I soaked the barrel in mineral spirits, the link moves now, but it does not move easily. I noticed this on the barrel:

Question for the experts, can this be fixed?

Do I need a new link and maybe file the damaged sides?

Is this a symptom of a bigger problem?

Thanks in advance

[jmbaccolyte]

I'd take the link out and inspect it and the pin it pivots on carefully. You may also be able to see the damaged portion of the lugs better too. How many rounds have been fired?

[GuildSF4]

Does the mark match the back of the guide rod? It looks like the guide rod head damaged the link area on the barrel. I would get it checked out by a competent gunsmith.

[Lnxgeek]

Does the mark match the back of the guide rod? It looks like the guide rod head damaged the link area on the barrel. I would get it checked out by a competent gunsmith.

Yes, it does match, I guess the guide rod did the damage like you discuss. Thanks,

[ltdmstr]

You should be able to cure this by filing the round surface on the back of the guide rod. Start about at the middle and file down on an angle toward the feet. Don't remove more than is necessary. Just enough so there's no contact where those marks are. Then take the link out and clean up the battered part of the barrel lugs. Use a small file to get rid of any burrs then wrap the file with some sandpaper and polish to finish.