1911 slide interchangability - The Firearms Forum

RunningOnMT · 06-30-2012, 02:20 PM

A few questions:

1. Will any full size 1911 slide work on any full size frame?

2. If you own a brand like Para that has odd size dovetails for sights, would locating a different brand slide with good sights be a reasonably economical alternative to buying new sights and having the dovetails milled to fit?

3. And finally, just out of curiosity, does anyone make slides with extra material left on the rails so that you can tighten up the fit on a sloppy piece?

hstout1143 · 06-30-2012, 02:37 PM

I would think that if that everything was milled to milspec then they would be interchangeable, I don't know the answers to 2 & 3.

Hammerslagger · 06-30-2012, 03:55 PM

Type 1911 slides that meet U S Ordinance Drawing (blueprint) specs will interchange.

Unfortunately, some slides do not meet said dimensional specs. I have personally seen interchangeability problems with some slides, especially Argentine made ones from the 1930's.

Helix_FR · 06-30-2012, 09:32 PM

Replacing the slide as a way to fix a problem with finding sights is not a economical way at all. the dovetails usually can be recut to a novak size. to my knowledge there is no oversized rails for sloppy fits.

KWM · 07-05-2012, 11:26 AM

Para at one time sold just the lower portion for various models of the 1911. I bought one for my Combat Commander in the early 90's. 13+1

06-30-2012, 02:20 PM	#1
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	1911 slide interchangability A few questions: 1. Will any full size 1911 slide work on any full size frame? 2. If you own a brand like Para that has odd size dovetails for sights, would locating a different brand slide with good sights be a reasonably economical alternative to buying new sights and having the dovetails milled to fit? 3. And finally, just out of curiosity, does anyone make slides with extra material left on the rails so that you can tighten up the fit on a sloppy piece? __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!" -->

06-30-2012, 02:37 PM	#2
hstout1143 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: California Contributor Posts: 1,735	Re: 1911 slide interchangability I would think that if that everything was milled to milspec then they would be interchangeable, I don't know the answers to 2 & 3. __________________ NRA Life Member Kids that hunt and fish don't mug old ladies. "Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives." - Ronald Reagan "Deo Duce, Ferro Comitante", With God as my leader and my sword as my companion

06-30-2012, 03:55 PM	#3
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: 1911 slide interchangability Type 1911 slides that meet U S Ordinance Drawing (blueprint) specs will interchange. Unfortunately, some slides do not meet said dimensional specs. I have personally seen interchangeability problems with some slides, especially Argentine made ones from the 1930's.

06-30-2012, 09:32 PM	#4
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,618	Re: 1911 slide interchangability Replacing the slide as a way to fix a problem with finding sights is not a economical way at all. the dovetails usually can be recut to a novak size. to my knowledge there is no oversized rails for sloppy fits. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

07-05-2012, 11:26 AM	#5
KWM Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Contributor Posts: 31	Re: 1911 slide interchangability Para at one time sold just the lower portion for various models of the 1911. I bought one for my Combat Commander in the early 90's. 13+1 Last edited by KWM; 07-05-2012 at 11:28 AM..