Posted: 1/4/2017 11:10:16 PM EDT
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I cant seem to find anything here about tuning the slide to frame fit. I have a couple of 1911 smithing books and I know there is something on the subject on one of them, but their in storage.
So, onto the point. I have an older auto ordinance 1911AI that I have been tuning on off and on for the last 5-6 yrs and I would like to take the next step and tighten up the fit of the slide to the frame. Moves and jiggles like crazy and drives me nuts. I've got a vice and was thinking I could just squeeze the slide a touch then lap to fit, but not sure that its safe for the gun. Is there a way I can tighten this up using what I have or am I doomed to just build another from scratch? |
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You can peen the rails, which i would do over the vice squeezing. Google it, i think Brownells has a whole article on it.
But basically, you hit the front and rear of the rails with a ball peen hammer, then lap it with the slide. The first hit won't do it, because you will automatically try to stop the hammer. 
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Quoted:
You can peen the rails, which i would do over the vice squeezing. Google it, i think Brownells has a whole article on it. But basically, you hit the front and rear of the rails with a ball peen hammer, then lap it with the slide. The first hit won't do it, because you will automatically try to stop the hammer. Thank you! |
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you can also gently squeeze the slide. Both options are short lived.
Don't know if I would try either if the AO is a cast frame/ slide. Slide to frame fit is the least for accuracy increasing. you would be better gained getting a EGW custom fit barrel bushing. I would measure then order the fit to be .001 oversize. |
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Quoted:
you can also gently squeeze the slide. Both options are short lived. Don't know if I would try either if the AO is a cast frame/ slide. Slide to frame fit is the least for accuracy increasing. you would be better gained getting a EGW custom fit barrel bushing. I would measure then order the fit to be .001 oversize. +1 From what I've read, peening frame rails or squeezing slides is best done on forged frames/slides. Cast components tend to crack. Same reason golf club fitters won't or don't like bending cast club hosels to change lie and loft angles. |
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Accu-Rails still a thing? Might be your best bet verses cracking a cast slide or frame. Yep, $250 will get your pistol fitted and a spare set of rails. I'm not sure I'd invest that in an Auto Ordnance, but hey it's your cash. Acc U Rail by Doug Jones |
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I would just let it rattle. I have an AO I built from a frame and slide 20 yrs ago. It has a bit of rattle. I used a semi fit barrel and it shoots well enough for what it is, the tiny gi sights being its biggest limiter.
If you have to have it rattle free, here is the way to go https://evolutionarmory.com/product/frame-rail-weld/ |