Description
Fitting a 1911 barrel hood is one of those jobs where a fraction of a thousandth matters, and trying to hold the barrel steady by feel usually ends in guesswork. The EGW Lock-Up Gauge takes that headache off the bench. It drops between the slide rails and holds the barrel square in the slide so you can cut the hood length and sides accurately without constantly assembling and tearing the pistol back down to check your progress.
What the Lock-Up Gauge Does on the Bench
The milled lug slot seats over the lower lugs and keeps the barrel from twisting side to side, which is exactly what you need when you're shaving the hood down to fit the bolt face slot. Because it centers everything for you, you get a clean visual reference for hood-to-breechface fit and skip the repeated assembly and disassembly that eats up an afternoon. Gunsmiths who cut hoods on a mill lean on this block for the setup, and plenty of hand-fitters use it just to keep the barrel honest while they file.
Dual Slots and the Dial Indicator Hole
This gauge is cut with two slots, .362 inch (9.1mm) and .369 inch (9.3mm), so it works across a range of common 1911 barrels. There's also a hole machined into the body that lets you rest a dial indicator right on the barrel. That way you can confirm the barrel is staying in proper alignment while you check vertical and horizontal lockup, which is where accuracy really lives on a 1911.
Built From Anodized Aluminum
Machined from aluminum with an anodized finish, the block runs about 3 inches long and holds its dimensions trip after trip. It may need a touch of fitting to your particular slide to seat snug rather than sloppy, which is normal and actually part of getting a repeatable hold. If you're building or accurizing 1911s and want your hood fits to come out consistent, this is a tool that earns its spot in the drawer.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: EGW (Evolution Gun Works)
- Manufacturer Part Number: 70210
- UPC: 841370107889
- Platform: 1911
- Slot Sizes: .362" (9.1mm) / .369" (9.3mm)
- Material: Aluminum
- Finish: Anodized
- Length: 3.0 inches
- Width: 1.0 inch
- Dial Indicator Port: Yes
- Tool Type: Barrel Block / Lock-Up Gauge
What’s Included
- EGW 1911 Barrel Block / Lock-Up Gauge (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EGW Lock-Up Gauge do?
It holds a 1911 barrel square inside the slide so you can fit the hood length and sides accurately. The milled lug slot prevents the barrel from twisting, and it gives you a quick visual check for hood-to-breechface fit without repeated assembly and disassembly. It also aids in checking proper lockup, which ties directly into accuracy.
What are the two slot sizes on the Lock-Up Gauge?
The block is cut with two slots, .362 inch (9.1mm) and .369 inch (9.3mm). Having both sizes lets it work across a range of common 1911 barrels so you're covered for most builds and accuracy jobs.
Do I need a mill to use this gauge?
No, though it's popular with gunsmiths cutting hoods on a mill. Hand-fitters use it too, mainly to hold the barrel centered and square while filing and to keep measurements repeatable. The dial indicator hole lets you verify barrel alignment either way.
What is the dial indicator hole for?
The hole in the body lets you mount a dial indicator directly on the barrel. That way you can confirm the barrel stays in proper alignment while you check lockup, which helps you get repeatable readings and avoid alignment errors that hurt accuracy.



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