Slide stop window

[Sport]

George,
I figure if anyone can answer this,
it will be you.

I am comparing my series 70 Colt and
my Kimber Gold Match. The Kimber's slide
stop window is cut all the way through the
frame rails, thus creating two shorter
rails as opposed to the full length rail
on the Colt-which has the "closed" window.
Since the Colt is the older gun-and the
"original" design. why would Kimber vary
the design?

 

[James K]

If I may, George, and check me if I am wrong.

1. Prevents cracking at the top of the window, a problem with Colts.
2. Cheaper, since a cutter can be run right down through.

Jim

 

[Sport]

Thanks Jim.

Imagine. A design improvement and cost
cutter all in one.
American ingenuity is a marvelous thing,
indeed.

 

[James K]

It may not be a design improvement, as cutting the "window" that way weakens the frame a little and may allow more strain at the slide stop pin hole. The cracking at the top of the "window" indicates that strain is being put on that area and that means that it is adding strength. Some 1911 type makers went the other way and thickened the top of the "window" for that reason.

Jim