I have a perfect frame that has only been shot by myself. I've run about 40 round through the gun. I was attempting to replace the slide. I got a nice forged slide from Numrich. Today I clamped it in a vise and drove some 10-8 Performance sights in place. When I tried the slide on the frame again, it was very tight. Any suggestions on how I can correct this.
I see slide lapping tool, slide fitting bars, frame and slide grooving saw, slide/frame rail file. I'm wondering what would be the best way to correct this.
Slide frame rail file. Go slow and use dykem to show the high spots. Lap it afterwards to polish the railway.
"Very tight" is pretty subjective. Since it sounds like you may have squeezed the slide in the vise, you might just want to lube the rails and fire 100 rounds or so. If the slide is too tight it just won't cycle. Otherwise, repeated firing and cycling with lube may loosen the slide back to about where you started.
If you start removing metal from a slide that previously fit your frame, you may create a bigger proble
Glock man, thanks for the kind thoughts, but toooo tightttt for that! However, with all my might, I can get the slide on and off the frame. But, can't cycle the slide to chamber a round with or without oil...
Since clamping caused it, I would suggest a spreader to fix it.
Power Custom or Brownells sells slide spreader bars.
Thanks for the ideas. I have a hydraulic spreader that I was considering, but wanted to see what others suggested. I like your ideas. I found this at Midway for $10 less than Brownells and Power Custom web prices. Midway so for now, I'm going with that. Let ya know how it works out.
I used to work with an old gunsmith that purposely squeezed the slide in the vise. He then would put some valve grinding compound on the rails and beat the slide back and forth on the edge of the bench until it loosened up. I never did say anything to him about it but he had some grouchy remarks to make under his breath when he saw me using fitting bars for the same job. He owned the shop so I just went about my business. I don't recommend the vise method though... it's hell on the bench!