Replacing Slide on SA GI 1911??

[InnerVision]

Can I put a slide with the lowered ejection port on a GI model that the original slide didn't have? Or does it matter?

Also, would it have to be a springfield slide on a springfield base? Or can I mix and match brands?(like ar15s)

 

[Azrael256]

Brand doesn't matter. Fit does. A springfield frame with a Caspian slide, EGW hardware, and Colt factory grips is just fine (although maybe a little funny looking if the parts aren't finished together).

The trick is proper fitting. Get the rail widths to match properly with a slim tolerance, and you'll have a good fit. Try to slap one on the other without any measuring, and it's a crapshoot.

I would consider option #2: Having the existing slide machined to lower and flare the ejection port.

 

[InnerVision]

Does it cost a lot to have the existing slide modified?

 

[HSMITH]

It is a LOT cheaper to have the ejection port lowered on your slide than having a new slide fitted and your barrel fitted to that slide.

Send it out and have the ejection port lowered.

 

[Azrael256]

I've seen prices from $30 to $70. It will depend on the finish, really. Doing it on a gun with an NP3 finish will be more expensive than something with a simple blue (although a gun with an NP3 finish should have it done already). The actual machining work is brain-dead simple (for a good machinist), but touching up the finish afterward can get expensive.

Since your gun is parkerized, I wouldn't expect refinishing cost to be much of anything. I would expect to pay around $50 for it.

Unless GI models have suddenly exploded in cost, you'll pay close to the retail price of the gun to have a new slide fitted.