Soft fit. Hard fit

[Jaco1234]

I am guessing this is the forum to post this question, as the transition took place around 1958, as I read in other post.

What is soft fitting?
What is hard fitting?

 

[DWalt]

I can make a good guess, but I can’t say for certain. With improvements in machining precision by the late 20th century, many parts that formerly required accurate hand fitting with files, etc. to function together correctly no longer did, and if hand fitting was required, it was simple and minimal. In other words, “soft fitting” meant little or no hand fitting of components in the traditional old-school sense was needed. Fewer and less skilled assemblers were needed and payroll cost could be reduced.

 

[DARE]

I think soft fitting was part of the manufacturing process. Before the gun was blued or nickeled it was assembled. Major parts had the serial number applied. Barrel, cylinder, yoke and back of extractor. The parts were then sent to be blued or nickeled. They had numbers so the right parts ended up on the right gun. Hard fitting I think was the final assembly of the gun after the finish was applied. Soft fitting ended in 1957.