[scott.cr]

Hey gang, I've posted before on this project. It's an SW1911 frame with a new STI slide.

I've been having problems with the S&W frame not quite being true to 1911 blueprint specs.

Yesterday I received my new long-awaited STI oversized slide, and wouldn't ya know it, the darn thing slips right on to the S&W frame! Up-down shake is maybe .001 to .002" but left-right shake is .008-.010".

How does this stack up against a typical production 1911?

(Other than that, the STI slide is absolutely gorgeously machined!)

[Old Fuff]

>> I've been having problems with the S&W frame not quite being true to 1911 blueprint specs. <<

Indeed so?? Do you actually think that these manufacturers pay any attention to the original blueprints? Is it your opinion that there is any standardization between the different makes? That anybody's tolerances match up to any recognized standard? Well think again ... :banghead:

>> Yesterday I received my new long-awaited STI oversized slide, and wouldn't ya know it, the darn thing slips right on to the S&W frame! Up-down shake is maybe .001 to .002" but left-right shake is .008-.010". <<

Well you did say you were building a project. The slide can be squeezed to reduce the gap, but you risk cracking it.

>> How does this stack up against a typical production 1911? <<

I have seen worse, but not often. I would consider it acceptable on the lowest cost "mil-spec" or "GI" guns, but nothing else. Oh, and on those I would correct the condition.

I would call STI (very nice people) and explain the problem. They might be willing to exchange the slide for a better (tighter) one. A "selective exchange" of slides would be the best solution.

Don't be surprised if they ask, "why didn't you use one of our frames? We would have checked the fit before we shipped the parts?"

[scott.cr]

Thanks for the reply Fuff. Actually when I say "not quite true" to original 1911, what I really mean is "not even close." It's almost like the SW1911 is not even a 1911!

Anyway, I'm in California so we can't buy frames here. A reasonable excuse for not going with the usual oversize bare frame I think. ;-) The guns sold here have to undergo a "safety" drop-test. One would think that a bare frame would pass a drop-test with flying colors, yes?

I don't want to screw around with squeezing the slide or peening the frame for a better fit, otherwise I would have kept the original S&W slide and worked with it. Too many places for me to screw something up.

[Old Fuff]

I understand.

Take my suggestion and talk to STI about it, and be sure to explain the circumstances relative to California laws. I think they will try to help you find a solution.

I wouldn't try squeezing "that" slide either. It's too expensive to take the risk.

[Dean Taylor]

Dave Skinner who owns STI is a nice guy andI agree that calling STI is likely to get you some help as mentioned above.

Also another source of help is Dave Dawson of Dawson Precision. I have bought parts from him and had him do some machine work for me a few years ago.. He is excellent to deal with. He used to work for STI but now has his own business and is an STI distributor.

Dean
deanrtaylor@att.net
410-952-7848