havent see one of the versions of a Colt .45ACP

[Johnny C]

Do not like aluminum frames...just don't.
Do like the defender though.
So here is the thought...
SS Defender slide on a SS officers frame.
Have searched the web and cant find that this has been done.
Supposedly, the defender frame is the same size as the officers though, so it should work.
Will have to buy an SS officers model and an SS Defender though, unless I can find the halves available separately.
Or I could just mate the extra LW frame to the officers slide and sell it.


The goal is to have a full SS defender.

 

[88E30M50]

I have not tried the combo you are talking about, but I do share your misgivings regarding the aluminum framed guns. I have one that I really like, but I don't expect it to last forever. There is already some deformation around the area where the recoil spring guide rod sits against the frame. I really do like the gun though as it shoots well and carries easily. It just will never have the life expectancy you would get with a blued steel frame 1911.

 

[Mark 1911]

I share your misgivings on the aluminum frames. I have gone with steel frames and slides on my 1911s, but can not speak to the specific combo you mentioned. There are many good options out there for steel frame and slides in one package, if you're not dead set on the specific model you mentioned.

BTW, I know the quality of machining has a lot to do with the smoothness of the action. But generally speaking, I have found that carbon steel frame / slide combos tend to be a lot smoother than stainless for the same price range.

 

[ModernGunner]

Wait, Colt doesn't make a 1911 design with a stainless frame and slide???

 

[Johnny C]

Wait, Colt doesn't make a 1911 design with a stainless frame and slide???

not a 3" one

 

[SERparacord]

not a 3" one

3" is not a 1911.

 

[STEEL CORE]

I have a Colt "Silver Stallion" from days ago, a Officers frame and Commander slide IIRC. Nice NIB in my safe for about 20 years now.

 

[Johnny C]

3" is not a 1911.

Yep, I know the dealio

5" slide with full sized frame = 1911 Government
4.25" slide with full size frame = Commander
4.25" slide with short frame = CCO
3.5" slide with short frame = Officers
3" slide with short frame = Defender (or is it a full size frame?)

 

[DocIndy]

Why not just build a custom the way you want on a Caspian frame and slide? That's what I'm doing with my carry comp on a railed Recon frame.

 

[Johnny C]

I'm partial to Colts

 

[Bonehead]

I am gonna put this in here even after you said you are partial to Colts, and I know that Kimbers are either a love them or hate them thing for most people.
But with that being said, I was just going to add that Kimber's Eclipse Ultra is a 3" 1911 with a short stainless steel frame and 3" stainless steel slide.

I don't know your feeling about Kimber but wanted to mention that there is a manufacture out there making the combination you are looking for