One last 1911 modification

dahermit · January 2, 2021, 03:09 PM

In regard to my very modified ("Franken Colt") Colt .38 Super Combat Commander, one last modification came after it arrived in the mail today.
After much searching for an extended slide lock that fits .38 Super, found one from Fusion Firearms for the seemingly reasonable amount of $44.95.

I modified the slide lock by adding a groove that allows the piece to cam the slide lock plunger out of the way when reassembling...something that keeps from making the infamous "idiot scratch" in the frame. Bench testing indicates it locks back when the slide is pulled back on an empty magazine, but will have to wait for a warmish day before I can function (notice I did not say "run"), test all the magazines for positive lock-back on empty.

Nathan · January 2, 2021, 07:24 PM

Got any pics of your handy work.

DMK · January 2, 2021, 08:00 PM

Nice Commander! I really like the way you have that setup. The Pachmayrs look great.

To each thier own, but I don't get the utility of an extended slide release. My CCO had one when I bought it second hand and it just was awkward. I've gotten into the habit of just slingshotting the slide on all my pistols. It's ambi and always works.

**Shane Tuttle** · January 2, 2021, 08:25 PM

.38 Super? I'm kinda jealous.

I'm with Nathan. Would like to see a close-up of the finished product.

Jim Watson · January 2, 2021, 10:01 PM

Be on the lookout for premature engagement.
You might have to make a detent and get it just right so it won't premature but will let the follower push it up.
I just gave up on the type.

dahermit · January 2, 2021, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Tuttle

.38 Super? I'm kinda jealous.

I'm with Nathan. Would like to see a close-up of the finished product.

I don't have a picture of the two or three I have so modified, but here is a link to the modification with pictures.
https://www.1911forum.com/threads/id...-proof.214653/

dahermit · January 3, 2021, 10:57 AM

Here is a picture of the modification that allows caming the Slide Stop plunger away from the stud of the slide stop to avoid the "Idiot Scratch", on 1911 frames. This is the Slide Stop that came with the gun, that I had previously modified. The lighting goes all to hell when I take a macro picture so I have added a Yellow oval around the groove so as identify what I am referring to. Not the best picture in the world.

An internet search will bring-up more pictures and explanations of the process and purpose. It is a very common modification for 1911's.

**Shane Tuttle** · January 3, 2021, 11:24 AM

I don't understand why these are made like that these days. It would make a world of difference in being able to reassemble without causing the idiot scratch as you said.

dahermit · January 3, 2021, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMK

Nice Commander! I really like the way you have that setup. The Pachmayrs look great.

To each thier own, but I don't get the utility of an extended slide release. My CCO had one when I bought it second hand and it just was awkward. I've gotten into the habit of just slingshotting the slide on all my pistols. It's ambi and always works.

I am under the impression that Pachmayr no longer offers their rubber covered, checkered, flat mainspring housing. If so, that is too bad...it gives a very secure grip when coupled with that wrap-around grip with the checkered front strap.

dahermit · January 3, 2021, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Tuttle

I don't understand why these are made like that these days. It would make a world of difference in being able to reassemble without causing the idiot scratch as you said.

Yes...a mystery to me why all 1911's/after market Slide Stops do not come with the groove already there. Seems like a no brainer.

HighValleyRanch · January 3, 2021, 09:03 PM

Might just be the lighting, but it looks like there's already a scratch there?

dahermit · January 3, 2021, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HighValleyRanch

Might just be the lighting, but it looks like there's already a scratch there?

The frame is no "Spring Chicken". I bought it in the seventies...it has seen a lot of use, and handling. So, yes the Blue is worn there as well as other places. The slide was already shop-worn when I obtained it also.

Steve in Allentown, · January 4, 2021, 09:47 AM

Here are a couple more pics showing the idiot scratch modification. I use a Dremel cut off wheel to make a shallow line that a round file will follow to make the groove. Then I'll wrap pieces of sandpaper of various grits around a punch to finish it up. The angle, depth, and diameter of the groove determine how much force is needed to overcome the resistance of the forward plunger and the plunger spring.

dahermit · January 4, 2021, 12:02 PM

That is a great picture with the layout dye...one of the best I have ever seen to illustrate the location and shape of the groove. Good job!

lunger · January 4, 2021, 06:12 PM

I have done this on a Norinco many years ago, although not as neat as the one pictured . Works great . Aside from not scratching it makes assembly easier

January 2, 2021, 03:09 PM	#1
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	One last 1911 modification In regard to my very modified ("Franken Colt") Colt .38 Super Combat Commander, one last modification came after it arrived in the mail today. After much searching for an extended slide lock that fits .38 Super, found one from Fusion Firearms for the seemingly reasonable amount of $44.95. I modified the slide lock by adding a groove that allows the piece to cam the slide lock plunger out of the way when reassembling...something that keeps from making the infamous "idiot scratch" in the frame. Bench testing indicates it locks back when the slide is pulled back on an empty magazine, but will have to wait for a warmish day before I can function (notice I did not say "run"), test all the magazines for positive lock-back on empty. Last edited by dahermit; January 2, 2021 at 09:59 PM.

January 2, 2021, 08:00 PM	#3
DMK Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2001 Location: Over the hills and far, far away Posts: 3,206	Nice Commander! I really like the way you have that setup. The Pachmayrs look great. To each thier own, but I don't get the utility of an extended slide release. My CCO had one when I bought it second hand and it just was awkward. I've gotten into the habit of just slingshotting the slide on all my pistols. It's ambi and always works. __________________ - Homeland Security begins at home: Support your Second Amendment - www.gunowners.org - www.saf.org - act.nraila.org - www.grnc.org

January 2, 2021, 08:25 PM	#4
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	.38 Super? I'm kinda jealous. I'm with Nathan. Would like to see a close-up of the finished product. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

January 3, 2021, 11:24 AM	#8
Shane Tuttle Staff Join Date: November 28, 2005 Location: Montana Posts: 9,443	I don't understand why these are made like that these days. It would make a world of difference in being able to reassemble without causing the idiot scratch as you said. __________________ If it were up to me, the word "got" would be deleted from the English language. Posting and YOU: http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/posting

January 2, 2021, 07:24 PM	#2
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	Got any pics of your handy work.

January 2, 2021, 10:01 PM	#5
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,539	Be on the lookout for premature engagement. You might have to make a detent and get it just right so it won't premature but will let the follower push it up. I just gave up on the type.

January 3, 2021, 10:57 AM	#7
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	Here is a picture of the modification that allows caming the Slide Stop plunger away from the stud of the slide stop to avoid the "Idiot Scratch", on 1911 frames. This is the Slide Stop that came with the gun, that I had previously modified. The lighting goes all to hell when I take a macro picture so I have added a Yellow oval around the groove so as identify what I am referring to. Not the best picture in the world. An internet search will bring-up more pictures and explanations of the process and purpose. It is a very common modification for 1911's.

January 4, 2021, 09:47 AM	#13
Steve in Allentown, Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Posts: 196	Here are a couple more pics showing the idiot scratch modification. I use a Dremel cut off wheel to make a shallow line that a round file will follow to make the groove. Then I'll wrap pieces of sandpaper of various grits around a punch to finish it up. The angle, depth, and diameter of the groove determine how much force is needed to overcome the resistance of the forward plunger and the plunger spring.

January 4, 2021, 12:02 PM	#14
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	That is a great picture with the layout dye...one of the best I have ever seen to illustrate the location and shape of the groove. Good job!

January 4, 2021, 06:12 PM	#15
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 443	I have done this on a Norinco many years ago, although not as neat as the one pictured . Works great . Aside from not scratching it makes assembly easier