N3WWN Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 The slide on my primary Limited gun has developed a crack of sorts. Since the slide is finished with Cerakote Elite and a Gun Candy top coat, I'm not sure if the crack is in the finish or in the slide itself. I can't see or feel (using cleaning picks, for instance) the crack on the inside of the slide or in slide wall/ejection port. Is there a way to tell if the slide is cracked/cracking or if this is limited to the finish? If the slide is cracking, is it safe to continue to shoot it? How many 170 PF rounds could you put through a slide that is cracking? Also, if it is cracking, what are my options? Can I replace just the slide? Do I need to replace the slide and barrel together? I've looked into barrels and have an idea of the fitting required for a bull barrel, but can't find a lot online about fitting a new slide to an existing frame. Most slide fitting info if for fitting a slide and frame to each other during initial building. If it matters, I would have to fit everything by hand - I don't have access to machining or milling equipment. I really like this pistol and can't afford to buy another one (unless I can find a used one for sale somewhere). With USPSA Nationals coming up in a couple of months, I'm trying to figure out what's up and what my options are... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ssanders224 Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 Yea, your slide is cracked. You could keep an eye on it, and shoot it a little more, but I prob wouldn’t. Gun will have to be rebuilt. Probably slide and barrel. Who built it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgj3 Posted July 18, 2018 Share Posted July 18, 2018 (edited) Just keep shooting for now. It will grow if its a problem. Likely could get by with just fitting a new slide. I wouldn't attempt doing it myself, personally. ETA - Guy above knows more than me... Edited July 18, 2018 by wgj3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
echotango Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 Time for a new slide. Should be able to use same barrel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talon75 Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 Could it not be TIG welded? I think that's what I would try first, but I know some people that can do it for me, and do it well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 Depending on the brand they may take care of you. If not, send it to a good smith and just have them fit a new slide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfinney Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 (edited) Used to be old school gunsmiths would weld 'er up. Now, slides are cheap, its the fitting that's expensive. But you will need a new one soon. Might want to take really good look at your barrel as well just to be sure... Edited July 19, 2018 by sfinney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powder Finger Posted July 19, 2018 Share Posted July 19, 2018 might want to drill a hole at the end of the crack to stop it. then replace after nat's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WWN Posted July 19, 2018 Author Share Posted July 19, 2018 Thanks for the responses, folks! [emoji16]It's a factory gun and figured the modifications I made to it would have voided the warranty and that they wouldn't touch it. That'd leave me fixing it myself or finding a gunsmith to send it to who I've never met.But, I just heard back from the manufacturer's Chief Gunsmith and they are sending me an RMA. I was also promised I'd have it back "way before nats"... so I'm a really happy boy now! Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soulbyte Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 RIA slides are can be found for around $100. You could most likely replace it with another without fitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hiker88 Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 On 7/20/2018 at 12:18 AM, N3WWN said: Thanks for the responses, folks! It's a factory gun and figured the modifications I made to it would have voided the warranty and that they wouldn't touch it. That'd leave me fixing it myself or finding a gunsmith to send it to who I've never met. But, I just heard back from the manufacturer's Chief Gunsmith and they are sending me an RMA. I was also promised I'd have it back "way before nats"... so I'm a really happy boy now! Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk That’s awesome. I don’t believe you can find that kind of customer service even with the more expensive makes or custom shops nowadays. Please keep us posted of the results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckS Posted July 21, 2018 Share Posted July 21, 2018 On 7/19/2018 at 6:41 AM, Powder Finger said: might want to drill a hole at the end of the crack to stop it. then replace after nat's. I got about 2500 rounds more through this open gun slide before the crack jumped the hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WWN Posted July 25, 2018 Author Share Posted July 25, 2018 RIA slides are can be found for around $100. You could most likely replace it with another without fitting.Yeah, I found some at Advanced Tactical (Armscor/RIA parts site) and narrowed it down to 3 different options, but was unsure which one to go with. Seems like a fun project for the future, tho! I've got a 1911 commander that I'd like to convert to 40 as my Single Stack backup gun.Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WWN Posted July 25, 2018 Author Share Posted July 25, 2018 That’s awesome. I don’t believe you can find that kind of customer service even with the more expensive makes or custom shops nowadays. Please keep us posted of the results.Gun was delivered to the gunsmith yesterday... now the waiting begins [emoji6]Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WWN Posted July 31, 2018 Author Share Posted July 31, 2018 Gun is due back tomorrow after repair. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superlifer03 Posted July 31, 2018 Share Posted July 31, 2018 I had a RIA barrel break near the link and they fixed it. You can't beat that kind of customer service. Good luck. I am glad they took care of you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary1911A1 Posted August 1, 2018 Share Posted August 1, 2018 A lot of the Korean Slides have been cracking according to my pistol smith and he recommends bar stock slides and only uses them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim m Posted August 2, 2018 Share Posted August 2, 2018 IMO don't screw around get a new slide and move on. Don.t wait for something catastrophic to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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