Cerakoting a 1911 frame

Irish64 · Jun 4, 2020

I'm in the process of building a 1911. Today the slide arrived, fit was too tight.
I measured mating slide and frame surfaces. Skimmed a little too much off and it's looser than what I was attempting.
I measure clearance of 0.005". The blueprint states clearance of .002 - .003".
Cerakote builds up .001" per surface. My question is, does cerakote provide a durable surface for this application? I know it's ceramic. Just curious if anyone else has coated an aluminum frame.
TIA!

303_enfield · Jun 4, 2020

Do you have the Shims" to squeeze the slide to fit? I've peened steel rails on loose 1911's but don't think I'd do it to aluminum.

Heat treated Cerakote will hold up. The spray bomb type will last a year or so if run hard an put up wet.

Good luck!

Irish64 · Jun 4, 2020

303, thanks. Don't have shims and would rather not squeeze the slide. After it's completely assembled, I'll check the slide again. Cerakote is my first choice if it feels too loose

Magnumite · Jun 5, 2020

What method did you use to measure the frame to slide clearance?

Irish64 · Jun 5, 2020

Magnumite, Mitutoyo dial calipers that I brought home from work. I'm a machinist

Magnumite · Jun 5, 2020

Got it. Thank you for the response.

Cerakoting a 1911 frame

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