Slide rail width measuring tool

[pklin1297]

Out of the blue I decided to visit Matrix Precision's website just now, and noticed they have a new tool out:

http://www.matrixprecisionparts.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=153

This is basically the same tool as this tool from Everglades Ammo:

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/action-frame-tools/frame-tools/1911-slide-measuring-tool-sku100015691-71245-150700.aspx

This would be a useful tool for measuring the inside rail width of the 1911 slide. I've been able to make do without this tool for a couple of builds so far, but have always wanted one so I grabbed it, especially since it is half the price of the Everglade's version.

Just thought I'd share. I always like to visit Matrix every now and then to see if they have anything new cooking. They are pretty open to ideas of new tools also if the commercial value is there.

Here's a picture:

[ar15barrels]

I always though the everglades tool was obscenely priced as well.
I have gotten along with gauge pins and gauge blocks just fine.

[pklin1297]

Yeah, that's what I've been using also, the gauge pins, but they can be a pain in the butt trying to keep in the slide rails...

BTW Randall, I did grab that additional etching machine a couple of months back. I will try to test it as soon as I can and if it does indeed work, I'll figure out a way to get it out to you.

[Psychbiker]

Hey guys, I just came across this and my woodworking mind can't grasp how it transfernover to a a frame. I turned my first and only frame into a paperweight and been too busy to try another.

After measure the width of a slide, say .7525 for discuss sake, what now? Calipers to measure the actual depth of the frame cut is still needed right?

[ar15barrels]

Hey guys, I just came across this and my woodworking mind can't grasp how it transfernover to a a frame. I turned my first and only frame into a paperweight and been too busy to try another.

After measure the width of a slide, say .7525 for discuss sake, what now? Calipers to measure the actual depth of the frame cut is still needed right?

The measuring tool expands to fit snugly within the slide, and then you can measure the larger area of the tool as it will be the same width.
Once you know what the slide's width is, you would use that dimension to determine your frame's rail width, while also taking into account however much clearance you desire.

So if your slide measures 0.7520", you might mill your frame rails to 0.7516 or 0.7518.

The width of the frame rail cuts in the slide have nothing to do with how deep you cut into the slide to create the rails on the slide.
You figure that out by measuring the width of the slide BELOW the rails.