Rebluing of 1911 Colt Factory High Polished Slide?
I'd appreciate some advice on getting a Colt 1911 Factory Slide reblued.
It's not like this slide is a collector type item that by having it refinished that would destroy its value. I do think it could be restored very close to its original finish if done correctly. This is (or was) a very nice high polished blue Colt slide which now has quite a bit of finish ware, finish fading and some light scratches all over. My main concern about having it refinished is I don't want some over zealous yahoo refinisher to get crazy with a buffer wheel and totally destroy or ruin the lettering and logo. I've heard too many horror stories not to mention having seen way too many examples of some so called "gun refinisher" who apparently had a grudge against someone or something and took it out with a buffing wheel or polisher on some poor gun.
Would it be better to send it back to the Colt Factory and have them refinish it? That is assuming they can refinish it or are willing do refinishing on this type of item. One of my main concerns here is that Colt may want too many arms and legs (i.e. $$$$) to do the refinishing.
Any suggestions concerning this would be appreciated or may be someone knows who does a super job of refinisher as a possible alternative (as long as I don't have to sell the lower 40 pay for getting the refinishing job done).
Thanks for any help or advise that may be offer.
It's not like this slide is a collector type item that by having it refinished that would destroy its value. I do think it could be restored very close to its original finish if done correctly. This is (or was) a very nice high polished blue Colt slide which now has quite a bit of finish ware, finish fading and some light scratches all over. My main concern about having it refinished is I don't want some over zealous yahoo refinisher to get crazy with a buffer wheel and totally destroy or ruin the lettering and logo. I've heard too many horror stories not to mention having seen way too many examples of some so called "gun refinisher" who apparently had a grudge against someone or something and took it out with a buffing wheel or polisher on some poor gun.
Would it be better to send it back to the Colt Factory and have them refinish it? That is assuming they can refinish it or are willing do refinishing on this type of item. One of my main concerns here is that Colt may want too many arms and legs (i.e. $$$$) to do the refinishing.
Any suggestions concerning this would be appreciated or may be someone knows who does a super job of refinisher as a possible alternative (as long as I don't have to sell the lower 40 pay for getting the refinishing job done).
Thanks for any help or advise that may be offer.
0
-
Just the slide? What about the rest of the gun?
Call Colt tomorrow and ask whether they will do a slide alone.0 -
Hello. Get some local references and ask to see their work. If they don't have one on hand go somewhere else.Either they send the work out or don't do many colts. The sides of the slide, in your case, could be polished on a hard, flat surface with wet/dry sand paper(not crocus cloth!!!) finishing to a mirror finish. The sides are then taped and the rear, top and front/bottom are matte finished. If the pro doesn't know the correct grit to match the factory either go somewhere else or accept a reasonably close match. The frame can be finished in the same manner, removing the grip screw bushings and plunger tube first. This job can be done using power equipment in a knowledgable manner. You don't want it coming out looking like a worn bar of soap. Good luck. 0 -
Best I've ever used is the Cylinder & Slide Shop. They turn around fast for a top-end company and respond VERY quickly to emails with specific turnaround times and costs.
They are not cheap, but I wouldn't entrust my pride and joy to any less of a company. For many years they specialized in high-end Browning Hi-Powers, and let me tell you from experience, there is no one better.
www.cylinder-slide.com
They are now part of Wilson Combat.
And yes, I am that "Wilson".
In my dreams.
Doug0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
3 comments