Thanks fellas,
I had no intention of re-welding the slide. I would have never done it the first time. As to why it cracked, I can only guess. The fella I got it from has since passed away. So no insight there. My guess is, that someone did some port work on it and got overzealous, or they were loading it a little warm. Just as williamlayton said. Either one, or both. The fact is, it's junk now and will be relegated to the scrap pile. The only reason I haven't scraped it yet is because it's a pretty good holder for all the parts it contains.
As to the differences in the frame itself, I figured they might be a little different. That's why I asked. I guess once I get the book here, I can see the dimensional differnces and decide whether I want to commander bad enough to start mod'ing the frame.
I had been looking at the caspian slides. Also had seen the myriad of accessory parts available from all of the different manufacturers. The ambi-safety is something I want/need, since I'm a lefty. Too bad I haven't found someone that has found a way to do an ambi-slide stop, yet. It's not that hard to reach, but is un-natural to the feel. But I've fought this on every semi-auto I've ever owned, so I guess it's not a huge hurdle.
I totally respect the fact that a good machinist is not necessarily a good smith. Any other pistol, without the wealth of information readily available, would be getting sent off to a specialist to get done the way I want it. But I like a challenge, and a good project now and then. I have an ability to read diagrams well, follow instructions to the last detail, the patience to see it's done right, and the common sense to seek help if I don't have the ability to complete a portion of the task myself. I am also willing to buy the necessary tooling to see that this job get's done without assuming things, and without letting myself get into a dangerous situation. As for the tooling costs...I'm not too awfully worried here. As if/when this one turns out to be a success, I might just seek out another junker to rehab. Kinda thought it might could develop into a hobby in the future. And who knows, it might be one that could turn a dollar. Although I know "hobbies" usually don't.
I'm not trying to minimize the work or knowledge that it takes to complete what I'm wanting to do. I know, like anything else, that it takes loads of experience and wisdom in anything to become a master at it. And I'd certainly be willing to apprentice under a master to learn what I want and do it myself. Unfortunately I do not have the master available to teach me. So as I see it, as I have with things I have become proficient at in the past, some things must be self taught, to a degree. Beyond all that, I also find great pride in completing a task, such as this, which most people would never think of undertaking on their own. But then again, I'm not completely without help. As long as I can bounce questions, sometimes even seemingly dumb ones, off of people out there/here who have that experience I seek. Ain't the WWW great?
Mikey,
Thanks for the suggestion on the parts. I'll look into McKormick. Don't know that I've seem that manufacturer yet. As for getting another pistol to use for a template, I don't think that's gonna be possible at this time. I'm not so against the longer model that I could wait on getting a commander later, if ever. Just thought if it's a do-able thing now, why wait? Just do it to this one since there will be a good amount of parts bought and work performed anyway.
