Our rail gauge is used in conjunction with your depth micrometer (best) or depth feature of your caliper. With the rail gauge, the correct spacer bar is determined for peening the frame rails. This gauge has the advantage of taking an averaging measurement in contrast to special micrometers which measure a point. Our gauge is much less expensive than the specialty micrometers and produces more meaningful numbers as a bonus. 

Alpha’s rail gauge being used with a depth micrometer to determine the correct spacer bar. The slide is a stainless Colt Gold Cup. If a caliper were used, more repeatable results are obtained if a "T Bar Base Depth Attachment" is used. These are available from industrial supply companies.

Rail Gauge: $31

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This tool has been featured in the American Gunsmithing Institute video on customizing the Colt 1911 .45 Auto pistol. Placed between the slide rails, it prevents over-tightening and possible cracking of the slide. Very precise adjustment of slide tightening enables one to tighten stainless slides to stainless frames. Comes with complete instructions. 

Slide Tightening Stop in use (click on the image for a larger view)

Alpha’s slide tightening stop being used to tighten a stainless Colt Gold Cup. The stop is positioned over the entire contact area of slide to frame contact when locked in battery. Pressure is applied with a vise using heat treated aluminum blocks. Pressure is applied until the stop cannot be moved, then pressure is released, the stop moved one inch, the slide repositioned on the blocks, and pressure applied with the vise. This procedure is repeated until the slide/frame contact area has been covered.

Slide Tightening Stop: $64

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Our slide tightening blocks are a specially heat treated aluminum alloy (same as used for Colt, Sig, Beretta, etc. auto frames) to resist deformation of the blocks and avoid marring the slide. When used with our Slide Tightening Stop, slides are quickly and accurately fitted to the frame with no danger of damaging the slide when instructions are followed. Must be used with a sturdy bench mounted vise. Five to six inch is the most useful vise size. Fulcrum bar included.

Slide Tightening Blocks: $45

For a printable Order Form to use with Check or Money Order Click Here