Hand-Picked Daily GUN DEALS, and Exclusive Coupons Codes >>>

1911 80% Tactical Machining Build, Part 8: Fitting the Slide

How to hand fit the 1911 slide with files, lapping compound, and tons of hammering.

You’ve gone through all the measuring and cutting to bring your 80% to 100%.  Now it’s time to make everything work!  Disclaimer.

Setup

Get your Dykem and files ready because they’ll be used a lot.  I first realized I needed a little wider of a channel towards the bottom of each side.  Basically to the line that came in the frame.  I hand filed it down so I could get the slide to just barely fit.

Hand Fitting the 1911 Slide Rails
Hand Fitting the 1911 Slide Rails

I brought out my plastic hammer and gave everything a good whack.  Dykem to see where you need to file down.  After a LONG time and tons of hammering…

Hammer Fitting the 1911 Slide
Hammer Fitting the 1911 Slide

Remember to go all the way through (sorry fuzzy picture).

Finished Hammering 1911 Slide
Finished Hammering 1911 Slide

Once you can hammer everything, start with your coarsest grit lapping compound and start going at it again.  Get through to the finest grit and it should feel like glass!

Next Lesson

Part 1: Intro (Finding the 80%)

Part 2: Tools

Part 3: Parts List

Part 4: Basic Fitting

Part 5: Cutting the Slide Rail

Part 6: Barrel Seating

Part 7: Hammer & Sear Pin Holes

Part 8: Fitting the Slide

Part 9: Assembly & Fitting

Part 10: GunKote Application

The Best Gun Deals, Coupons and Finds

Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email.

4 Leave a Reply

  • Commenter Avatar
    John

    From the looks of the rail cutting you went clockwise around the frame which is backwards. You always want the cutting face to cut CCW . You have much more control and a cleaner slot. CW can cause the cutters to dig in and pull the work piece. Same with a router.

    February 11, 2016 9:27 am
    • Commenter Avatar
      ehung

      Good tip, thanks!

      February 12, 2016 1:15 am
  • Commenter Avatar
    Daniel congiolosi

    What brand slide did you use?

    April 2, 2015 9:01 pm
    • Commenter Avatar
      Eric Hung

      I used a Fusion slide. Check out my parts list article: http://www.somuchtodo.com/how-to-guides/1911-80-build-part-3-parts-list/

      April 2, 2015 10:39 pm
Join the community! Log in
Please provide a valid email address.
Password is required.
or
Register
Please provide a valid display name.
Please provide a valid email address.
The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character.
Please accept in order to continue.
or
Trouble logging in?
Type your email address and we’ll send you a link to reset your password.
Please provide a valid email.
Password
Type your new password and hit button below to confirm it.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We already have an account registered for email address () which is linked to your Facebook account.
To log in type your Pew Pew Meter password below.
Field is required.
Account already exists
We noticed that you have previously logged in with your Account which is linked to the same email address () - we can link both of your accounts together.
In order to link your accounts, hit button below and log in to your Account with the same email as above.

Account in Pew Pew Meter means more

Check what do you get by creating an account
Check and save your reviews!
Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms
Manage your newsletter subscription
pew pew tactical logo

new here?

Personalize your experience.
Select what level shooter you are!

pew pew tactical logo

level up your gun knowledge

Thanks! We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared towards your level.

pew pew tactical logo

welcome!

You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns & gear.

$47 value

yours free!

targets targets
free

practice targets

printer icon printable

our 9 favorite targets and drills

free

practice targets

printer icon printable

enter your email to download

We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy.

success icon

Ready to Download

Click below to begin your download

download pdf