1911 Slide-Frame Fitting Tool

[Wireman]

I've seen a lot of comments lately about a clever measuring tool from Everglade Ammo. The tool is a variety of inside caliper or inside parallel blocks used in machine shops. It easily measures the width between the 2 inside slide rails. I think the accuracy on this tool would be on the order of .001"-.002". See video here:
http://www.evergladesammo.com/gunsmithing/tools/1911-slide-measuring-tool.html

All the information makes it sound like this one dimension will get you a professional slide to frame fit, but in fact only one surface of a possible 5 slide-frame surfaces is being measured and stoned. Obviously not every slide and frame will be oversize in all 5 dimensions, but just fitting the inside slide rail can hardly be called a professional job. Worst case, you would obtain a fit with minimum side-to-side clearance, but you would be leaving the vertical bearing surfaces completely to chance. Every slide/frame combination is different and making an accurate print is certainly the first step before cutting anything. Sure, I would want this inside surface to fit nicely on a frame, but we're not done by a long shot as they suggest we are in the video.

Wire

 

[BBBBill]

True. You do have to fit the vertical also if you're looking for a pro fit. The tool is useful, but you need others to do the complete job.

 

[Wireman]

Thank you. After many years of making all the usual mistakes, I would like new builders to get a realistic idea of what to expect and what is necessary to make their precision fit gun. Being a big time machinist with lots of equipment makes the job much easier, but it is amazing what can be accomplished with sharp files and sanding sticks, provided you take the time to make an accurate print of what you have before removing metal.

Wire