Can you put a full size (5") slide on a SW1911SC frame?

[cmm]

Here is a newbie question regarding a S&W 1911SC I picked up recently. The gun is great, has 4 inch barrel with fixed sights.

Someone is offering me a Kimber 1911 target upper with adjustable sights, 5 inch barrel.

Can I put this on the SW1911SC? Will there be a gap between the lower part (dust cover?) and the front of the longer frame? If there is a gap, will it be gaping and obvious? Will the gun function (I am guessing yes)?

I know that a commander (4") upper can go on a Government frame, but I am not sure if a 5" upper can go on the 1911SC frame?

Would it just be better to replace the rear sight on the 1911SC with a quality adjustable sight? This is a range gun only.

Any info would be much appreciated. I am new to 1911s. Thanks!

 

[cmm]

Here is a newbie question regarding a S&W 1911SC I picked up recently. The gun is great, has 4 inch barrel with fixed sights.

Someone is offering me a Kimber 1911 target upper with adjustable sights, 5 inch barrel.

Can I put this on the SW1911SC? Will there be a gap between the lower part (dust cover?) and the front of the longer frame? If there is a gap, will it be gaping and obvious? Will the gun function (I am guessing yes)?

I know that a commander (4") upper can go on a Government frame, but I am not sure if a 5" upper can go on the 1911SC frame?

Would it just be better to replace the rear sight on the 1911SC with a quality adjustable sight? This is a range gun only.

Any info would be much appreciated. I am new to 1911s. Thanks!

 

[Gunhacker]

You may have an additional issue to look at besides the difference in length of the frame recoil spring tunnel and slide.... and that's putting a Kimber upper on an S&W frame.

If I remember right, Kimber slides are known for having a really close tight fit on their frames, so it may not be just a "drop in" fit on the S&W. There could be enough of a difference between the frame rail dimensions on the S&W and slots in the Kimber slide where it would need to be hand fitted to the Smith frame.

You didn't mention whether or not "being offered" the slide means for purchase or as a gift/freebie. If you are being given the Kimber slide, I'd probably opt for selling it and using the cash to have the fixed sights on the 1911SC swapped out with an adjustable. There are a number of good aftermarket adjustable sights being made that will fit a Novak dovetail cut... check these out, they also carry night sight versions: Champion Sights

 

[cmm]

OK, thanks for the info. It is probably a better option to just switch out the sight itself. I don't want to mess with fitting slides.

 

[torrejon224]

A 5 inch slide can be mated to a 5 inch frame with some work. Howver if you have no experience with the 1911 platform, it's best left to a pro. Just buy the sight you want and get them installed, a lot less headaches!

 

[Vanman]

I put a Novak adjustable on my Gunsite PD and a fiber optic on the front. Got 'em from Brownells.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.as...REME%20DUTY%20SIGHTS

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.as...BER%20OPTIC%20SIGHTS

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by cmm:
Here is a newbie question regarding a S&W 1911SC I picked up recently. The gun is great, has 4 inch barrel with fixed sights.

Someone is offering me a Kimber 1911 target upper with adjustable sights, 5 inch barrel.

Can I put this on the SW1911SC? Will there be a gap between the lower part (dust cover?) and the front of the longer frame? If there is a gap, will it be gaping and obvious? Will the gun function (I am guessing yes)?

I know that a commander (4") upper can go on a Government frame, but I am not sure if a 5" upper can go on the 1911SC frame?

Would it just be better to replace the rear sight on the 1911SC with a quality adjustable sight? This is a range gun only.

Any info would be much appreciated. I am new to 1911s. Thanks!

In addition to the other warnings given in the response, don't forget the interplay between the firing pin safety device in the S&W and the similar one in the Kimber (or lack thereof).

You might be better off to get an S&W 5 inch top half to put on your scandium lower.