I do not want to beat a dead horse on this subject, I have read the multitude of posts on this subject, so forgive yet another one.
My pistol is a newer model (2003 i think). Upon purchase, the bushing was tight. Several hundred rounds later, the barrel moves up and down when pushing with my finger (due to the polymer wearing off). My questions are:
On your 97's, is there any play at all in the barrel (the bushing being quite snug to the frame, using the included wrench) when the slide is fully forward. I have several automatics, and I can not 'wiggle' the barrels at all when the slides are forward. The barrels simply wont budge when the slide is locked forward, even though there is plenty of clearance between the barrel and bushing when the slide is cocked open (of course).
Would you folks do the 'dremel' trick (or sand paper) if the front bushing is almost have way between the star-serrations? Or would you back it off? When I back it off and put my finger on the front of the barrel, i can 'wiggle' it up and down substantially more than when it is tight (when the slide is fully forward).
I do not want to sound paranoid, but with a lot of wiggle in the bushing to frame interface, the threads would have to wear over time.
The main reason why i seem paranoid is I purchased this pistol to compete against my father (a 1911 guy). He can generally kick my butt all over the place, so any gain in accuracy I can get, well you know...
thanks.