1911 Longslide Conversion

[ar15barrels]

I have done many 6" long slide conversion for 1911s, bull, bushing type etc. and it is straight forward. Since you are buying a complete slide assembling from Fusion, just make sure they already fitted the barrel to the slide. It is also a good idea letting Fusion know you want to fit it to a Kimber Custom II, so they will let you know if there are any known issues in fitting.

The biggest fitting issues (if any) you will have is how well the slide fit to the frame rails, and how well the slide will lock up (barrel lug/link). If they don't fit right, unless you want to learn how to fit them, its best to have a competent 1911 smith fitted it for you.

You should not fit a barrel to the slide until AFTER the slide has been fitted to the frame so there's really not a way to have a barrel fitted to a slide without also involving the frame first.

[Che762x39]

Probably just a range toy -- there's little practical purpose, but as of now it sits in my bedside safe for home defense. I also bought a Springfield XD 5" because people scared me into thinking the Kimber wouldn't be reliable. It had issues with Wilson mags, but has been otherwise flawless. Maybe I'll retire it from HD duty after the install.

I don't reload, but I've been looking into it. I try to shoot .22 LR to save a little -- an afternoon of shooting .45 isn't cheap lol.

Definitely... I plan on doing a video first trip.

With the Wilson magazines I bet they were the 8 rounders. The 7 rounders are 100% reliable.

Turners has 45 ACP for $37 for a box of 50 rounds. So it is getting a little crazy.

Looking forward to the video

[GunsandBigUns]

You should not fit a barrel to the slide until AFTER the slide has been fitted to the frame so there's really not a way to have a barrel fitted to a slide without also involving the frame first.

If I understand you correctly, are you saying that some additional barrel fitting might need to be done if the kit doesn't slide on as is?

[GunsandBigUns]

With the Wilson magazines I bet they were the 8 rounders. The 7 rounders are 100% reliable.

Turners has 45 ACP for $37 for a box of 50 rounds. So it is getting a little crazy.

Looking forward to the video

Yep! All of them are the 8s. I have six... not sure what to do with them.

74c + tax per round... I've given up on looking for ammo deals. I'll buy some here & there, but I try to save for bulk online orders whenever possible.

Getting a little ahead of myself... I got a good deal on a RIA 1911 last night so I just went for it. I'm seeing a 7" video in the future as well

[ar15barrels]

If I understand you correctly, are you saying that some additional barrel fitting might need to be done if the kit doesn't slide on as is?

Yes.
And also if it does simply slide on as it is.

[walmart_ar15]

You should not fit a barrel to the slide until AFTER the slide has been fitted to the frame so there's really not a way to have a barrel fitted to a slide without also involving the frame first.

It is a good suggestion so I asked Fusion directly, since they advertise their complete upper to be test fired.

It doesn't matter much the hood has been fitted to the breech faces so the majority of the time this should just drop onto your lower.

Thanks again let me know if you need anything else
Tyler Serva
Fusion Firearms
941-485-2579

[ar15barrels]

It is a good suggestion so I asked Fusion directly, since they advertise their complete upper to be test fired.

That works when you are building sloppy mil-spec "drop-in" part guns.
Many people are looking for better accuracy on a custom built gun and you will not get the best accuracy with sloppy "drop-in" parts.

When you want better accuracy, you use oversized parts so you can specifically fit them together as tight as you want.

Parts that are commonly purchased oversized for fitting include slides, barrels, barrel bushings, barrel links, slide stops, triggers, disconnectors, fire control pins etc...

You can buy a bunch of old used GI 1911 parts and they will just "drop-in" to most 1911's as well but the gun will be so loose that it rattles when you shake it.

[MuayThaiJJ]

FYI - anyone interested in Fusion parts. I have purchased their match-grade barrels in 380acp, 9mm, 10mm, and 45acp. All have required fitting on the barrel hood, lower lug feet, and sometimes on their long barrels the lower lug areas contacting the frame. Also all their parts are oversized, including their FPB, bushings, etc. This is normal.

Also, their slides are oversized a bit. At the bare minimum you will need a caliper, vice, lapping compound, rubber mallet, and various files and sandpaper. Optimally, you should have a lower lug fitting kit from Brownell's and an EGW barrel block to align.

Once you do it, it get easier and it's really gratifying hand fitting and building your own 1911s. I have walked many buddies through the process.

Here is a recent Fusion and STI Trubor build I did. The Trubor barrel was a PITA to fit...

https://youtu.be/yMjqwviy6y0

[GunsandBigUns]

The 6" Fusion kit has been ordered. I got a good price on an RIA 1911 the other day so I might experiment with that, then eventually do something special with the Kimber in 7". I'll keep everyone posted. Thanks for the help!

[GunsandBigUns]

Is anyone familiar with the R.J. Renner builds? http://www.rjrenner.com/.45-super-longslide.html

I was thinking of going this route with the Kimber depending on the cost.

[freonr22]

Fyi, maybe others will chime in, bit, imho, toothpaste makes a good lapping compound