So I've seen many videos on barrel lug cutting and the process and concept makes sense. I've seen mention of a minimum barrel feet width to try adhering to and how the back of the slide can be blended so its not important that the back lines up perfect. But how about the front? Especially if you have a full length dust cover and the slide is over/under the dust cover once you've stopped cutting? Cut the dust cover or slide (depending which one is extended ..read more

Howdy, question if you have a new gun and your not supposed to drop the slide on a empty chamber how you supposed to check for hammer follow or is that considered different than using a slide release to drop the slide from a locked position ? Thanks MS ..read more

I would like to learn to do my own work on 1911's and am looking for tools and media to be able to do that task. Checkering and lathe/mill work are not in my plans at the moment so please, skip recommendations on those tools. What tools should I get, which brands are better, and what would you consider "gimmicks" or tools not worth getting right away? Who/where do you suggest buying from (my default is going to be Brownells unless stated otherwise) Also wanting reference... Reccommended Tools & Reference Guides for Working on 1911's (short of using a lathe/mill ..read more

Im ready to dive in on my first 1911 build. Just a tiny bit of background...Ive been a fabricator lots(most) of my adult life. Ive spent lots of time building cars/race cars with high levels of precision/craftsmanship. I have been wanting to do a 1911 for years and always have just found excuses/too many other things in the way. Im at a point in my life where its time to circle back to this.....Im also at a point where I dont have much equipment anymore....lol. I used to have a nice... Best Colt to start with ..read more

Several years ago I purchased a Harrison Design True Radius Stoning Jig. I usually order their gunsmith sears and clamp them in my vise. IMHO they make sear polishing a breeze. Just wondering if anybody else uses one. There is also a youtube video on how to use them. HD-806 True Radius PRO sear stoning jig Sear Stoning Jig for 1911 Sears www.harrisoncustom.com ..read more

I am going to get the P320 X-Carry Legion for my wife as a nightstand gun. She loves how it shoots but does like the look of the threaded barrel. Is this simply a 3.9 in barrel? Also I do want to dress it up so am interested in new slide as well as new barrel. Any thoughts or recommendations on what to consider? thx ..read more

I'm looking at starting a build and I'm taking it slow, gathering as much information as I can. I just received a slide from atlas and I noticed there are some machine marks all around. What are some steps to smoothen them? What about machine marks at rounded areas/serrations ..read more

Just saw the thread on the Swenson Bobcat, the top of the slide is stippled and a friend has a NH that is stippled on top. For certain applications I can see the appeal and utility.. Any pointers on tool grinding profile and the art of stippling ? Thanks ..read more

My new Mil-Spec's staked front sight came from the factory slightly crooked. I sent it to SA for a warranty fix. The sight was replaced, but the replacement was defective...the cavity for the white dot had been drilled very far off-center. Back to Springfield it went. I had high hopes for round three. Springfield has now returned my slide, and I would like opinions on the quality of the work. I have two concerns. First, the sight is not fully seated flush against the slide. As shown in my... Please assess Springfield Armory's "Repair" of my staked sight ..read more

I have a Springfield Armory RO Compact in 9mm. I'm wondering about the recoil spring system and refitting it for the standard barrel bushing set up. Worth the time and money? If not, what spring set up should I go with ..read more