Reuse frame and grip or not

[Chris iliff]

Cracked my slide today on my 2011 open gun. Here's my dilemma. When I had it converted to 9mm I was told that it seemed worn by the smith. I got the gun used about 5 years ago, who knows how much it was shot before. Should I just by a new slide, or should I get a new slide/frame/grip. I don't know anything about how long frames last. I've got to think that this frame and slide have way over 100,000 rounds through it, possibly close to 200,000. What do you guys think? I just don't want to put good money on bad so to speak. So I need some advice.

[yoshidaex]

on the cheap, do a crack check using dye pentrant to see if there are any cracks in the frame. if there is, call the manufacturer and see if they will sell you a frame with the same numbers. It usually entails you sending your frame to them and they will send you a new one in the exact same configuration (i.e standard, wide long, etc, etc).

along the same lines, if your slide isn't too modifed (i.e. lightened) the manufacturer may give you a new one. though usually 9mm slides come with a very limited warranty. 45 acp and 40 s&w slides carry a better warranty.

results may vary by manufacturer.

[Kingman]

I have definitely reused frames. Depends on your budget.

[scirocco38s]

In the event that the frame is cracked Sti will rebuild the frame. It is actually a neew frame with the old number.(I believe they call it a california rebuild). It isnt much cheaper than a new frame but it does keep you from having to get permits and such.

If your gunsmith feels that it is worn to much then listen to him if you trust him and buy a new frame.

[yoshidaex]

iirc STI charges $150 to restamp your old numbers into a new frame.

someone correct me if i'm wrong.

Edited May 4, 2009 by yoshidaex

[Chris iliff]

Slide got lightened 2 winters ago, fairly extensive. I guess the main thing is ....How long will a frame last? Should I be hesitant to throw on a new slide. Let's say the frame looks good, my concern is it has a lot of rounds on it..... any hesitations from anyone?

Gunsmith didn't state specifically what was worn, he just mentioned that the gun was wore when I talked to him on the phone.

Plan on shooting Production until I get the Open gun fixed, never really thought of a budget because I want to do it right ..... hence the "Should I use the frame again?" question. I didn't know you could get the same serial number, but that is not really an issue for me. Thanks for the input, keep it coming I guess I was hoping for more of a definitive answer on the longevity of a frame.

Edited May 4, 2009 by fourtrax

[Intel6]

Not sure what he meant by worn but if the rails are worn down mabey it woudl be a good candidate for building a gun using accurails?

Neal in AZ

[jjanglin]

If you really have doubts about the frame have it cryogenically treated , it will make the frame just like

new again unless it is cracked.

I would not have any fear of reusing the frame, have a smith look it over.

I have stuff cryo treated all the time, frame and slide costs about 75.00.

Jim/Pa

Sailors