ltwguns.com

I dont know where to post this question so moderators please move this to the appropriate area.

To All,
I am a new owner of a .45 colt combat elite. The slide to frame fit is on the loose side. I want it tightened. Is it worth it? If it is, then what is the right way to do it. Clamp/Vise method (like the one I saw at Brownells) or peening using frame rail insert. I am not going to do this myself. I just want to know the best way to do it, so I can look for the gunsmith who will do it that way.
Also, does the tightening last?
Thanks.

Frame to slide fit is not very important to a 1911s accuracy. Unless it's just driving you crazy, I'd work on other things first like reliability, trigger pull, barrel bushing fit, and barrel lug fit (in that order) before I worried about the looseness of the frame to slide fit.

_________________
Ted

Ted
Done those things. Feeding from 185 SWC, 200 SWC to 230gr RN is flawless. Trigger pull 2.0 lb (I use this for IPSC L10/SSC matches) and accuracy especially with the 200SWC is excellent. I am now using Kart bbl with no play fit. Extreme engineering kit including light hammer and titanium strut. FO front sight. All safeties are upgraded (Brown/Wilson). and magwell is Wilson ARCHED Speed Chute (old model). Guide rod is Shok-tek (Germany). 12.5lb RS and 17lb MS with Titanium spring cup. Trigger is single stack flat SVI interchangeable, Mitchell mag release and Wilson mags.
I just want to complete the package and improve it some more.

If you are already getting excellent accuracy with a Kart barrel as-is, then you won't see much improvement after tightening the slide/frame fit.

What will happen, however, is that after your gunsmith tightens the fit, he'll have to re-fit the barrel. When you tighten the f/s fit, you(or he) will lower the slides's location on the frame. He will for-sure have to recut the lower lugs and probably have to fit a new link. He may also have to fuss over the barrel saddle. (The curved groove in the center of the frame, jsut ahead fo the feed ramp.)

That can end up being a lot of work and expense for a marginal increase in accuracy. If you want it, do it. Just be aware it isn't simply a "bash the rails with a hammer and you're done" sort of job.