slide and frame fitting

[brongy]

newbie question to the gunsmiths out there.. having an oversized frame and slide where do you remove material?from the frame only, slide only, or both?

[Jediwarrior]

Both.

The sides of the rails of the frame depends on the measurement of the inside slide rails. Usually from 0.756 to 0.754 in. for new STI or Caspian slides.

The bottom of the slide depends on the rail height on the frame. Use slide rail micrometer from Brownells. For STI frames, usually around 0.114 in.

Edited December 16, 2013 by Jediwarrior

[outerlimits]

This

[Redstag]

First I measure slide rail width with calipers, and measure the frame rails width. Then indicate centerline of the frame and work of this dimension and mill the frame rail width to what the slide measured. For the height use gage blocks on the frame to measure the width of the slot on the rail. Then measure the height of the rail slot of slide rails. Then I indicate the slide in an remove the difference. Be sure to break all sharp edges and corners on the frame and slide. After this process I use AL oxide lapping compound 400, then 600 to lap the slide and frame together followed up with polishing compound,

[xdcr]

Take dimensions from your slide and frame as per the attached then follow Redstag's procedure and you will have it. This is one I just completed with an STI frame and slide. Milled 0.003 from the slide and 0.006 (total) from the frame then lapped.

2011 9mm slide to frame fit.PDF

[Jediwarrior]

I would like to add that some frames. like Caspian, may be oversized at the top as well.