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AR15.COM
4/1/2014 11:42:07 AM EDT
I have a Springfield 1911 that was a prize at a shooting event about 10 years ago. Not a cataloged item but looks like a National Match frame with a basic model slide. I want to mod the frame for a beavertail and want to know if the slides are interchangeable with Colt 1911s.

I have access to a Colt Commander slide and hammer and want to know it the parts are interchangeable.
4/1/2014 11:49:08 AM EDT
[#1]
Contact Alchemy Custom Weaponry. They can tell you for certain. Best I can offer is, maybe. But I'm fairly certain that you'll need them to be fitted together to ensure perfect function.
4/1/2014 12:17:42 PM EDT
[#2]
Commander frames have a shorter dust cover and shorter rails.  Commander slides also have different lengths.

Due to 1911s being different all around I wouldn't mess with swapping slides and frames.

Beavertails are a no brainer.  There are two types.  Just pick out the beavertail you like and get the jig that corresponds.
4/1/2014 2:14:11 PM EDT
[#3]
Also, if it's a newer Colt, you would have to remove the series 80 fp block (although the slide wouldn't work on the frame, anyway, unless you sunk a whole lot of money into producing some weird and impractical hybrid).
4/2/2014 4:00:51 AM EDT
[#4]
It's a series 70 and thanks for the replies.
4/2/2014 4:33:21 AM EDT
[#5]
NM prefix serial number does not mean national match
4/2/2014 4:56:49 AM EDT
[#6]
In a commander frame, the recoil spring shelf sits farther back than on a govt sized frame.

Bear has made/makes commanders on govt sized frames, they kind of know what they are doing.

Just slaping a commander silde on a govt frame will look like ass and may not function without some other part changes.
4/2/2014 4:57:43 AM EDT
[#7]
http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29
4/2/2014 10:23:12 AM EDT
[#8]
NM prefix serial number does not mean national match
View Quote


DUH!

My description was based on a late 90's Springfield catalog. Mine did not match any offering in that catalog but the frame and slide looked like they came off of two different models. Rumor had it Springfield would slap together pistols from parts on the shelf for prize guns.

Here's a better description. looks like it might be a Mil-Spec at first glance but appears to predate both the Mil-Spec and the GI models. Differences from current models include;

front strap under trigger guard not cut back (as in NOT an A1 frame)
slide is marked 1911A1 CAL 45
high cut ejection port
NO loaded round indicator
3 dot sights
Cartouche is behind Springfield Armory stamp on slide not in front as on current models
angled slide serrations
sides of hammer not parkerized but shiny silver color
no beavertail but has extended standard style tail
serrated short trigger
Serial number in the NM 112000 range
standard short guide rod
stainless barrel marked S.A. .45 AUTO
curved and serrated back strap
4/3/2014 4:05:02 AM EDT
[#9]
Sounds like a MilSpec or older GI model.

NM prefix indicates that final fitting and assembly was done in the US.

I fit a beaver tail GS on mine in a little over an hour using a Wilson jig ($40) and Wilson beaver tail GS ($80)

Very simple and good videos on YouTube.

Having the logo in the place it is can be very desirable to some in  the MEU-SOC 45 thread.