Slide to frame fit on Colt Combat Elite

[ramptester]

I recently bought a Colt Combat elite that has been used in LEO service. It has several features that I really like, as it is the non-enhanced earlier version, and has Heinie night sights with front dovetail, beavertail, etc. However, the frame to slide fit is very loose. It rattles easily, and when the front of the slide is lifted, you can easily see the springs above the dust cover. I have done extensive reading in the kunhausen books and have tried placing tthe slide in a vice between two pieces of hard wood. I also tried peening lightly the frame rails as described in those books.
I know that this supposedly has little to do with overall accuracy, but the Springfield that I just got will shoot one inch groups offhand at 10 yards, while the Colt is more like 6 inches. The barrel lockup seems OK and I replaced the bushing with a solid type.
I really like the gun, and was wondering if it is worth saving, or should I sell it and find a newer gun and spend the money on the external upgrades?

[mitchjoe]

ramptester:

6" @ 10yd's! :eek:

Typically the barrel fit and bushing fit ultimately matter more in accuracy, but those numbers are pretty bad. You've fit a new bushing and checked lock-up, etc., I wonder if the barrel may be flawed or damaged in some way? I'm a sucker for Colt's (and punishment :D), so I would try & work it out.

mitchjoe