tk2

I put a RIA 9mm slide on a CK arms frame. No problems and it has held up well, but I only have around 5000 rounds through it so far.

I disagree, I think it would slow the shooting down too much. It is already much slower than USPSA, doubling the penalty would slow it down that much more. I know if they make the change, I'm done with IDPA. I just don't want to shoot that slow. I guess it is just a decision each person will have to make for themselves.

CHA-LEE, I'm sure you are right, but I have shot a few nickle plated guns loose, so I thought maybe I would try hard chrome if it might keep it tighter longer. I have about 100,000 rounds through an older SV framed open gun. It still shoots good but it rattles when you shake it.

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll give hard chrome a try and see if it will preserver that tight slide to frame fit longer.

Will having a gun hard chromed extend the life of the slide to frame fit or will the thin layer of hard chrome just wear off quickly. I have a few guns that are electroless nickle plated and the plating wears off at the slide and frame contact points quickly. I was just wondering if hard chrome would wear better.

Thanks to the guys that put this match on. Great match, it was alot of fun with a nice mix of challenging stages and plenty of running and gunning.

I'm in for that one. I've always wished they made that mold in a 6 cavity.

I've found with the 1911 it is not about maintaining them, it is about getting them set up right in the first place. Once they are right they will run with any Glock. I had a SV open gun that I put over 100,000 rounds through and I didn't do anything to it except clean it and change the recoil spring once in a while. That gun just ran like a top. Now I run STI limited guns and they are the same way, I just haven't put as many rounds through them yet. I wouldn't hesitate betting my life on my 1911 style pistols, and I actually trust them more than any striker fired gun I've owned, including Glocks. I've just had too many light strikes with the striker fired guns, especially using imported ammo and reloads with wolff primers. The 1911's set them off every time.

I have a 6" 9mm that I use for steel challenge matches. I have it lightened to the same weight as my 5" 9mm. On most stages I don't think it makes any difference, but I think the longe sight radius gives me a slight edge on longer stages like outer limits.

I've got several STI complete guns, and have built about a dozen guns from STI slides and frames. Every one of them has been accurate and reliable with no problems. To say STI is a waste of time and money is rediculous. I would hate to guess at how many matches have been won with STI guns and parts.

His name is Mike Cusanelli, but I think he only does a little work for guys he knows, as he is not a full time gunsmith. If you ask around, I'm sure there must be some guys in your area that can do similar work.

It is my understanding that you can do custom mill work to the slide as long as it is not considered slide lightening. I've seen several one of a kind custom 2011's at major IDPA matches. We have a guy locally that does some really nice custom machining on 1911 and 2011's that are still IDPA legal. He does custom serations, different kinds of cosmetic cutts on top of the slide, and some cosmetic cuts on the frame. I think it is even legal to do a Hi-Power cut on the slide. With a little work you can definitely make your gun one of a kind.

So it would be legal for me to get a blank comp and put on my 5" gun right now? If so, that might be my next project. Might be nice to have the sight radius of a 7" gun.

I agree with co-exprs, this could get out of hand. If we start allowing blank compensators, sights fixed to the frame, gas pedals, etc., you have just created another version of open class. So why not just shoot open. I think we should leave Limited as it was intended, where off the shelf guns can be competitive. Right now, a 6" custom limited gun might have a very slight advantage over an off the shelf Para, STI, Glock, etc. but it is very minimal. Just my opinion.

Considering the new limited rule changes coming, I would thread the barrel and put on a comp with no ports and a dovetail for a front sight. I think it would be as good as a 6" sight tracker.