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View Full Version : Installing Beavertail on Alloy Frame

smithjd
25th May 2009, 11:04
Search done.

Friend has an alloy frame Commander and wants a beavertail fitted, among other upgrades.

I've installed several beavertails on steel frames, that turned out well. If I understand correctly, Alloy frames are "surface" hardened, and grinding away the tangs, and blending the GS will expose the softer alloy underneath. Of course, it would also need refinishing.

Can this be done well? Or, should I just tell him that its a drop in GS or nothing?

Thanks
sevenL4
25th May 2009, 11:57
Alloy frames are anodized which is not quite the same as 'hardened'. When you fit the safety to the frame you will not be working on an area that needs to be anodized. anodizing protects the bearing or friction surfaces like the rails and the feed ramp. By the way, an aluminum beavertails and mainspring housings are available. Come to think of it, I'd bet the aluminum beavertail is not anodized. What would be the point of anodizing a part that is going to be ground and filed? Anyway,I did the aluminum beavertail on my commander clone. Can it be 'done well'? Yep.
Wildcat Creeker
26th May 2009, 23:06
Alloy frames are anodized which is not quite the same as 'hardened'. When you fit the safety to the frame you will not be working on an area that needs to be anodized. anodizing protects the bearing or friction surfaces like the rails and the feed ramp. By the way, an aluminum beavertails and mainspring housings are available. Come to think of it, I'd bet the aluminum beavertail is not anodized. What would be the point of anodizing a part that is going to be ground and filed? Anyway,I did the aluminum beavertail on my commander clone. Can it be 'done well'? Yep.

What is your source of aluminum beavertails?
sevenL4
26th May 2009, 23:13
The one I used was a Caspian part.
Wildcat Creeker
26th May 2009, 23:35
The one I used was a Caspian part.

As far as I know, Caspian discontinued the aluminum beavertail a few years ago. I bought a couple of them on closeout. Just wondered if there was another source. Thanks.
kenhwind
27th May 2009, 00:01
The ones on their site have an A molded in them and the Widebody ones sure look like alum to me. The SS have an S.