jesseskinner Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I would like to shorten a goverment model slide down and run it on a short/wide dustcover full size STI. My plan is to hacksaw/then trim up on the mill to 4.5" from the original 5", cut the slide for a reverse plug, shorten the barrel and thread it for a cone comp, on a lathe, and use a commander length guide rod and spring. Is there anything I am missing in my plans or any suggestions from someone who has already done one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I use full length great assy. Seems to run smoother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesseskinner Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 @jcc7x7 Are you saying keep the guide rod full length and use a full size reverse plug? If so, do you have a picture of this setup, I am trying to picture how it would look. THANKS!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 Picture at home But guide rod plug sticks out under bbl however short you cut the slide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tripod Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 I cut this 5" slide and guide rod down to 4" and made my own guide rod plug. Guide rod does not stick out past end of muzzle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WFargo Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 My god, what a beauty!....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesseskinner Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 @Tripod Very nice work. I would love to see pictures of the guide rod plug or the front end of the slide. Did you use a trimmed up commander length bull barrel or a cone or something else? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltdmstr Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 (edited) If you're going to go to 4.5 inches a Commander guide rod is going to be too short because those are 4.25". But you can get a 5" and cut it down. You'll probably have to redrill the hole for the takedown pin and you'll probably also have to cut the shoulder for the reverse plug deeper as well. Edited September 24, 2019 by ltdmstr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jesseskinner Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 @ltdmstr isnt the length difference of the recoil spring tunnel between a commander and full size such that if you cut a 5" to 4.25 you wont be able to use a commander length spring? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ltdmstr Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 For a 4.5" barrel, you'll have to use a 5" rod (cut down) and a Commander length plug. Or better yet, I would section and TiG weld a 5" plug, then cut the shoulder to the standard depth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tripod Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 I will try for some pictures tonight. I put a sleeve on the barrel. Also chambered the barrel for 38SuperComp. Make a nice carry piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tripod Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 Jesseskinner I use a 1/4 guide rod from Nighthawk so I can use flat wire springs. The rounded bull nose is something I did later on but I left enough material in the end of the guide plug so could round it off. Barrel is 5" cut down to 4" and sleeved. PM me if you want more information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Watson Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 Many moons ago, I had an IPSC Modified gun built that way. Shorten GM slide to about 4.4"; cut for reverse plug. Fit barrel with cone + single chamber compensator to fit Modified Box. Install GM plug and guide rod. The bottom of the compensator was grooved to let the plug protrude. I shot it in the American Handgunner IPSC Postal Match of the 1980s. I really miss it. I took off the compensator when I got IDPA Fever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powder Finger Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 I shot it in the American Handgunner IPSC Postal Match of the 1980s sure it wasn't the early 90's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Watson Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 Might have been. Long enough ago that there is no longer a Modified Division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powder Finger Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 i see now, those mod guns were pretty crazy kind of like a jigsaw puzzle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcc7x7 Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 7 hours ago, Jim Watson said: Many moons ago, I had an IPSC Modified gun built that way. Shorten GM slide to about 4.4"; cut for reverse plug. Fit barrel with cone + single chamber compensator to fit Modified Box. Install GM plug and guide rod. The bottom of the compensator was grooved to let the plug protrude. I shot it in the American Handgunner IPSC Postal Match of the 1980s. I really miss it. I took off the compensator when I got IDPA Fever. My Limited gun is basically set up like this. I have an island bbl with the sight on it, think compensator without any ports in it. 5" slide cut down to 4 3/8", just how it worked out, Full 5" guide rod with reverse collared plug and a recess in the bottom of the island to allow clearance for GR and plug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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