Colt frame anodization service?
Gentlemen:
I have a Colt Cobra that I was able to obtain quite inexpensively because someone has sprayed some sort of flat-black enamel on the aluminum frame and side plate assembly, which (I believe) should be anodized.
Can any of you folks recommend a reliable service that will strip and properly re-anodize the affected parts? Should I contact Colt's and see what they will provide?
Additionally, if I were to remove the crane/cylinder assembly, may I ship the barreled frame using USPS without violating federal law? I am equipped to screw the barrel off, but am quite reticent to do so because it is my understanding that these frames are subject to being easily cracked during the process.
Thanks in advance for any info or suggestions!
I have a Colt Cobra that I was able to obtain quite inexpensively because someone has sprayed some sort of flat-black enamel on the aluminum frame and side plate assembly, which (I believe) should be anodized.
Can any of you folks recommend a reliable service that will strip and properly re-anodize the affected parts? Should I contact Colt's and see what they will provide?
Additionally, if I were to remove the crane/cylinder assembly, may I ship the barreled frame using USPS without violating federal law? I am equipped to screw the barrel off, but am quite reticent to do so because it is my understanding that these frames are subject to being easily cracked during the process.
Thanks in advance for any info or suggestions!
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The frame is the registered part. I think you can mail cylinders without issues but I bet the frame needs paperwork.
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So I looked in my "old school" book, it has several processes for blacking aluminum. At least one might work with the barrel in place.
I suspect your Colt was originally anodized. I don't think that process can be done with the barrel installed (it might be possible to shield the barrel from the chemicals), but it would be a lot easier with the barrel removed. If Colt would have used the proper anti-seize compound, barrel removal would not be as big an issue.
Google has lots of listing for FFL anodizer's like this outfit e-mail is cheap to ask http://www.alphametal.com/services/anodizing/firearms-anodizing0 -
Charlie is correct, the frame is the gun as far as Federal law goes.
You are also correct: the aluminum alloy frame is easily damaged & is not repairable. I would ask Colt if they are willing to refinish your gun; if not, I'd just keep the gun as is.
Colt doesn't really want to work on older guns. They do not maintain repair parts beyond current production models, so they could not replace worn/broken/missing parts if they are required.
Neal0 -
It is legal for a private party to ship a firearm (the part with the serial number or the entire gun) to a licensed (FFL) repair facility and for the facility to return same to the legal owner. This would have to be done via UPS or FedEx as the USPS won't take pistols for shipment. Call and discuss the matter with the repair facility before you do anything.
The paint you are seeing on the frame may be a spray finish called "Aluma-Hyde" it is made and sold by Brownells. It is an epoxy based spray that is supposed to put a very durable finish on aluminum, if the proper steps and procedure are followed. You might want to contact Brownell's in Montezuma. Iowa - 1-800-741-0015. Their tech people are very helpful and can give you guidance as to how to determine if it is their product or something else.0
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