who runs a lightened slide?

[Nickoli]

I've got some questions for those who run slides with cuts. I'm going to build a Pro 9 for this season amd since I have access to a Bridgeport at work, I'm going to do some slide work.

My question is, if you have cuts in your slide, how much weight was removed, from where (either front, middle or rear), and what spring rate are you using now?

I was thinking of a SSS tungsten guide ride, ISMI 11-15lb springs, brass magwell, KKM barrel, and my cuts will taper from the front to the middle of the slide with more weight being removed as the cuts move back. I am thinking if taking 1oz. Out of the slide and seeing how it works, I will most likely slowly work at it to get it to function how I want it to.

Any thoughts for those of you that already have this done? Also this will be a limited gun.

[JMike]

I would think about this a little more and here is why:

Top shooters like Robert Vogel have stated many times in the past and recently in more than one podcast that slide lightning can cause more problems than it solves. Its value beyond aesthetics is questionable. Other top shooters believe the same thing and believe that spring weights are more important than slide milling. I tend to agree with many of the things he and others of a like mind have to say on the matter. I will admit though, some of the milled slides I have seen are works of art!

Check out the Practical Tactical podcast website and there you can find the link for the Vogel show.

[Ken_Bird]

Ihave my M&P 9 Pro with all the things you have stated for yours. I do not know the weight difference after the cut was made in the slide. Benny Hill did the work and I believe he knows what he is doing. For the record I shoot 124 JHP MG and have a 11# spring. Will run with aa 13 but better at 11. I will attach a photo for oue.

[Nickoli]

Thanks for the replys, JMike, ill check those out. I know slide lightening is a very controversial modification and I see both sides of the argument buty thought is, if major rifle manufactures use lightened BCGs, and lighter springs or less gas, there has to be a benefit from it.

Ken, thanks for the info, I have seen pics of your gun before and its similar to my plans but I think I would actually have less weight cut out of the slide than you do. Since I've seen it on several pistols and rifles, what is the full benefit of the TiN coating, and is it on the inside of the barrel as Well?