Outside the Box/Throughback?

[Hdrifter]

I have six years till I retire, or change to a life of 1911's every day. Before all these off the shelf, out of the box parts were available, about a hundred years ago I saw an article about cutting a slide to a custom length. The slide was cut and welded along with the associated parts adjustments. My question is, does anyone have experience in the old ways or know of books the show the old ways. I can already change/fit parts. My first 1911 was a Caspian frame kit. It took two years and a broken thumb to fit the slide. The weapon will shoot under 2" at 25 yards from the rest. I want to take the next step.

[mike h. buness]

Thats a pretty big job for a shorter pistol. I 'd go for the aftermarket parts as a way to finish the job before I retired. Too big a risk ruining the slide and barrel. Mike.

[John]

Risk to the slide or barrel is unimportant. Risk to the shooter's life is far more significant. I won't advise anything like that, it's very dangerous if you do not know very well what you are doing.

[1911Tuner]

It used to be a fairly common modification, and not a simple one without a thorough understanding of metallurgy, annealing and re-heat treating.
A Commander or Officer's Model top-end would be the best route unless the object of the exercise is to build your own just for the sake of doin' it.

There's an old book by George Nonte that outlines the procedure.
"Pistolsmithing" Stackpole Books, published by Arms and Armour Press.
Long out of print. (1981, Last edition) One warning though...Although it has some very good information, Nonte doesn't have a real good handle on the function of the M-1911 pistol. Spotted a few...errors...in the text.

[Hdrifter]

The shorter pistol is not the reward. Learning the techniques and doing the job my self is the reward. I am not afraid to learn new things or ask when I don't know. That piece of metal that you shoot was machined and heat treated. Cutting, welding, machining and heat treating are all things I can do.
I do know that this was done in the past, like shortening Mauser or Winchester actions. I hope that all of you use a steady rest/vise to test fire new/modified products remotely. Any welded and rebuilt frame or slide should magnafluxed after a reasonable test period or high pressure/proof test. Then it goes for a new finish.
I guess I should just read. I'll just be seen not heard. Good By...........

[1911Tuner]

Goodbye?

Hmmm...And I was gonna try to find the book for ya...Pretty sure I know where one is.

Ah well. Onward...

[Hdrifter]

Johnny
I do appreciate it. I just found one on Ebay 6.99, Buy it now. It should be here soon.

Thanks again. Well back to my junk.

[1911Tuner]

Excellent! I know a guy who might still have his copy. I looked over it once.
Some of the information contained therein is a caution! I'll borrow the book and go through it again.

Keep us posted on the work. Nobody that I know has done the mod in years.
I remember that it required removing the forward barrel lug, but that's about it.

[grendelbane]

Prior to Al Gore's invention of the internet, everything I knew about pistolsmithing I learned from Nonte's book.

Likewise, everything I knew about reloading came from reading his "Handloading For Handgunners".

I still have all 10 fingers and both eyes!

Of course, while I have assembled Gov't model type pistols, I never tried to shorten one as he shows.

Sounds like a lot of fun, though.

Fortunately, I have other projects to keep me busy for the next decade.

For some strange reason, what I really want is a long slide.

Maybe I will get over that with time.

[Hdrifter]

I know what you mean about being busy. I have to build a house, road and shop in the next six years. Oh yea, did I say I have to do it myself, you probably already guessed that.
I am looking forward to reading the book, and learning new things. I learned a long time ago that if someone does not make what you want or you just want to be different, learn how and make it yourself. I may waste some material but I always do it safely.

[Hdrifter]

Johnny
"Pistolsmithing" came today. This is a good book. Thank you.
I knew that when the only short slide available was a Colt and that it was not available as a spare part from Colt, people made their own. This will be fun. I will post Pictures.