Polishing frame and slide rails

[schapman43]

How would I go about polishing the rails on my frame and slide? I would like to smooth out my gun a bit. I was thinking about putting some type of polishing compound in the rails and then cycling the action over and over again.

[1911Tuner]

Howdy Schapman,

There are several things that you can use that would surprise you. One is plain old toothpaste. The best thing since sliced bread though, is a slurry made up from J&B Bore Cleaner and CLP Breakfree mixed into a thin paste that
just sags off the end of a screwdriver, but doesn't drip. Allow it to stand open overnight, stir it again just before use. Apply liberally, adding as needed...or about every 50 cycles. Rinse with carburetor cleaner...air dry for 30 minutes...apply a good oil and go. Feels like buttered glass.

Du Pont polishing compound also works well, but is more abrasive than the slurry. Try a tooth paste with a whitening ingredient. If you want it smoother, go with the slurry. In the case of very tight slide to frame fit, the bore cleaner can be used straight for 50 cycles, and follow with the slurry
for another 100-150.

Luck!

Tuner