6" 1911 Long Slide
Project Overview
This build began with a California-compliant Rock Island Armory GI-pattern 1911 donor pistol and was reworked into a 6-inch “long slide” configuration. The goal was a classic extended-slide profile paired with upgraded sights, refreshed internal components, and a durable parkerized finish. Below is the full parts list along with before/after and build-progress photos documenting the transformation.
What Was Done
- Used a GI-style donor frame as the base platform.
- Converted to a 6-inch long slide setup with matching slide, barrel, and guide rod components.
- Upgraded to an LPA-cut sight system for a modernized sight picture.
- Refreshed springs, pins, extractor, and related internal components.
- Applied a parkerized finish and installed upgraded grips for the final look.
Parts List:
- Rock Island donor frame: GI STANDARD - 45ACP (CA Version 51417-CA)
- Fusion Firearms: 6" 4140 Carbon steel Slide. LPA cut
- Fusion Firearms: 6" 2-Piece Guide Rod with End Cap
- Fusion Firearms: Grip Screw Kit - Torx, Blue,Thin
- Fusion Firearms: Firing Pin Stop Plate Full Profile
- RemSport Mfg LLC: 6" Long Slide Barrel & Busing Non Ramped
- Smith & Alexander, INC: Grip Safety Std. BL S70
- Kensight: LPA Sight Set Rounded Blade And Serrated 0.200" Front Sight
- Klonimus: Fully Machined commander hammer + strut
- Wilson Combat: Spring Kit
- Wilson Combat: Blue Pin Set
- Wilson Combat: Bullet Proof Extractor
- Allegheny Arsenal Parkerizing solution
- VZ Grips
Before:
After:
Build Pics:
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3 comments
So would you guys say this is pretty much the only way to “build” a 1911 in CA? Custom Frame to slide fitting out of the question? I was hoping to take on a new project and do all the fitting/filing…. Do I have any options at all to your knowledge? Appreciate any insight
Nice job on the RIA! I have the RIA tactical and I love it.
I live in California too, and I did a 6" slide on a Rock Island 1911-A2 frame. It was a standard GI style. I changed all the basic parts to a tactical level.