[Lapping Slide/frame Rails]

Agree with HSMITH. You need to tighten the slide to frame then lap. Repeat until you get the smoothness desired without play.

[Checkering Front Strap]

Been toying with the idea to do it myself. What stuff do I need & is it really worth it or just send it out & have it done.

thanks

I lay the lines out on a mill then finish up with a single file. 20lpi. Hate to try it anyother way.

[S_i Extended Mag Catch]

I believe that STI releases are already extended to some extent. You might want to look at the buttons at www.gansguns/BUTTONS.html. They vary in height from .050 to .100. Actually, you can grind down the length of the STI release some and add a thin button and end up with an overall length not much longer than when started. You could turndown or grind down the diameter of the .400 button if you don't want the bigger size and end up with just the extra length.

[Comp For Standard Barrels]

What caliber?

I have a springfield 1911 in 9mm and was looking at getting a match barrel bushing compensator. Is there any dis-advantage to this type vs. the cone style?

Thanks,

Scott

There is a difference between a barrel bushing comp (which is a fake or copy of a real comp) and a real bushing style comp. The bushing comp will be longer due to it being screwed onto an extended threaded barrel and may weigh a bit more. If needed, you can go back to the stock barrel since the original bushing system is retained.-------The coned comp is a more compact set up and is generally used for most open guns. It can be installed on the stock barrel if threaded. It will require a reverse recoil spring plug which makes it more difficult to go back to a standard barrel and barrel bushing.-----Note that if you are going to install an efficient size comp, it will slow down the cycling of the slide and you will probably have to lighten the slide accordingly.

[The Moonsetter Tool]

Have you seen the full moon clip loader at Gunbroke item 48100502?

[Increasing Hook To Breech Face Distance...]

You can do it with the Aftec. You might want to try it without the firing pin stop installed first. If it will not go forward enough, you might need to grind some off the front of the barrel portion of the extractor just ahead of the slot until you get the distance you are looking for. When finished, it is a good idea to clean the pocket in the barrel that the hook fits into and coat it with a black magic marker. Then cycle the slide a few times to make sure that the extractor is not hitting the barrel anywhere. If it is, clearance it as necessary.

[Comp For Standard Barrels]

You might look at www.gansguns.com/MAINCOMPS.html.