1911A1 What surface to file? Frame to Slide fit Question

[AFhack]

I've never fit a frame to slide (sort of trying to do some gunsmithing by myself just as a hobby). I have a frame (Essex) and a slide (Auto Ordinance) that won't slide together and I'm wondering which surface I should file down. I've measured every dimension on both parts and the only one I can find that doesn't fit together is the top rails of the frame are 0.105" wide (vertically) and the slots for them in the slide are 0.102" wide. Seems like I have three choices:

1) Narrow down the frame rail by filing the whole top of the frame
2) Narrow down the frame rail by filing the bottom side of each rail
3) Widen the Slide rail inside dimension


Which is the best way to go?

 

[HSMITH]

Make darn sure there is no other interference.

With just .003" of interference I would take a thou and a half off the top of the frame with a file, then I would lube it up well and drive the slide on with a rawhide mallet. Then I would drive it off, and lube with some lapping compound in 400-600 grit and do it again. It takes a lot of elbow grease but the fit is rock solid. 400 grit should give you about .001" of clearance when lapped in. Plenty tight, but plenty of clearance too.

Make sure you are straight and level when driving it on.

 

[AFhack]

HSMITH thanks....


How do you make sure you're straight and level when driving it on with the mallet?

 

[HSMITH]

I use a properly calibrated Mk1 eyeball.

I've only built 10-12 of these things. Hopefully some others will chime in and offer opinions too.

 

[HD]

please note AO parts are crap , pure and simple crap...

don't waste a good frame on a pos slide..
anything you do with AO parts is asking for trouble...

 

[scott.cr]

LOL. Actually I prefer "Mk I sensor."

Agreed on the questionable quality of Auto Ordnance slides. Very soft steel; on all other 1911s, the slide is harder than the frame.

PS: I have a new, uncut STI slide. Yours cheap if you want it. Drop me email or PM.

 

[greatgoogamooga]

Just got my Essex frame last week for a build. Did you have to wait 4 months to get one also?

In my case, I needed to remove material from the inside of the slide and the underside of the slide rails. I did not touch the frame. I can get a slide fairly easily, the frame is the more expensive, harder to get part.

Get out your calipers and measure everything 3 times and draw a diagram to help you visualize where you are removing material.

Goog

 

[AFhack]

Thanks for all the help.

Greatgooga.... I didn't have to wait, Brownells had them in stock I ordered thru my local gunshop last thursday, got it yesterday