1911 long slide for pins?

[model 649]

I shoot a weekly pin match in limited class (essentially, a stock gun with any open sight, no comps). I have a Caspian based 1911 going together right now on the west coast. This will be a standard full size (5 inch) gun fitted out for my micro hands. Originally I wanted a long slide (6 inch) as I have always lusted after one (they just call out to me). While discussing the build with a former champion pin shooter I was strongly advised NOT to go with a long slide. He explained that, contrary to my thought, the length would make it harder to control the muzzle because of the mass and the slow speed it would move at. I was thinking, more sight radius + more weight (no comp.) would add up to more stability, hence, quicker times. As he is the more (much) experienced shooter, I went with his recommendation, including a finger-grip front strap and light-gathering front sight. I am sure this will be a good competitor, but that long slide idea still bugs me and I wonder if there are any people here with long slide pin shooting experience (and opinions). If I had the cash, I'd have both guns built (so for now I'm content to make myself crazy). What do y'all think?

Lusting in Livonia
Josh

 

[eerw]

The longer sight radius is good..I haven't shot much pins, but over the USPSA competitions..a lot of shooters are trying the 6" slide..however they are lightening them to the weight of the 5" slide..

this lessens the amount of mass that is moving..lessening the sluggishness and the felt recoil..( regular 6" slide has more mass to move and to stop )

go over to www.brianenos.com and post your questions..there are lot of old pin shooters over there that can give you their experience..

for a good luck at a lightened 6" gun go to www.triangleshootingsports.com

 

[model 649]

Thanks for the links, sir. Very helpful.
Josh

 

[CCW1911]

I've prefered longslides for years and they do have advantages. The sight radius is a good thing on pins because it really is more accuracy demanding that it looks like. You used to see 5 inch pin guns with 6 inch barrels and extended front sights to get the same effect. I find that the longslide points much better at least for me and my eyes focus on the front sight easier.

I internally lighten my longslides to about the same weight as the 5 inch slide and use standard length springs. With this setup I get the slide speed of the 5 inch gun with the extra sight radius. Also you get about 50 fps more velocity so you can use a little less powder in USPSA shooting or use the higher velocity for pins.

Ross

 

[eerw]

Listen to Ross..

knows his stuff...

Ross Carter

 

[CCW1911]

Yep, that's me. Thanks eerw.

Ross

 

[eerw]

Ross

just remember looking at the photos of the longslide you built for Michael Bane..
beautiful...where do you take the metal to lighten on the inside??? hoping someday to send you a project...

hope you are well..

stuart

 

[model 649]

Yes, where does one remove metal from the slide? Is it done like the exotic, skeletelized race guns I'm seeing lately? Looks like they just mill their way to happiness!
Josh

P.S. I shot a match a couple weeks back using a borrowed, bone stock, 80 series Commander and did surprisingly well for never having handled one. Got my season fastest table out of it, too. (So I'm thinking the long slide might do better still.)