[LoneGunman]

I think I bit off more than I can chew. I purchased a Caspian commander frame and slide to build my first 1911. The slide doesnt fit on the frame which I was told was normal, they must be fit.

A friend of mine told me to use JB bore compound on the rails and to tap the the slide with a rubber mallet on a little then back off until it fits. My problem is that it seems that its really far from fitting.

I got the slide on about an inch but it took like 2 hours. Now on top of the rails on the frame are are a groove on the outer part on each rail that is kinda deep. Im thinking the fit shouldnt be this far off. Should I take some material off the top of the frame rails where it seems to be hanging up the most with a file?

Thanks in advance for any information that can be offered.

 

[Kyle Farris]

You have a custom frame. It is designed to be carefully measured and properly filed, and fitted.

Once it is super-duper close...the JB will work.

You might want to seek outside help from someone with the proper tools and expertise.

 

[Mikey]

You are in for a lot of slow, careful, precise and sometime frustrating work. If you like that sort of thing, like I do, it can be done with hand tools (GOOD files, fine sandpaper, a flat glass work surface, etc) but it isn't easy or fast. You will probably need some guidance your first time.

If this isn't your bag then send it to a smith for fitting. You might want to send the barrel assembly and slide stop and have him fit that as well. These are the hardest and most critical fitting tasks when building one from scratch.

Mikey

 

[Gary Smith]

Call me if you can't get someone to help you.
Gary: 802 472 5217

 

[Dane Burns]

The Capian parts are some of the very best available. Some think the very best.

The frame and slides are made over size so that they can be hand fitted with zero tolerence if the builder likes.

The down side to that is they aren't what I would consider a "first time" project.

May be the guys @ "home builder" can help more?

 

[LoneGunman]

Thanks for all the help, im sure Ill need alot more as my project progresses. I fit the slide to the frame by carefully using a file to remove some material off the frame. I then followed up with some sandpaper then finally the JB bore compound. It took me around 6 damn hours, now I see why you guys get what you get to make custom pistols. Im hoping I didnt take too much off, there is a little bit of play. I was told there should be some because if its too tight it wouldnt be reliable. My Sig 220 has more play.

 

[gyp_c2]

...Way to go....Hang in there and stick with it...I'm already anxious to see the pics!

Good Luck...