Here is the very first pistol I bought some 22 years ago. This old girl has been though the ringer, I've put countless rounds of 230 gr ball ammo down the pipe. I've finally made the decision to look for some pistol smiths to send it to and have it returned to its former glory and then some. Any recommendations on pistol smiths? What would you think would be cool to see done with the pistol? IMG_1840.jpg

That would really be a cryin shame. Gotta love the honest wear on that.

I was on the fence, but honestly I've always wanted a truly custom gun to carry on my hip for special occasions. and this being my first gun and a classy one at that i figured id go with it.

I don't see anything to bring it back. Looks fine to me. You can always use a Scotch-Brite pad and cover up a lot of use.

It's obviously up to you. But I would leave the old girl as is. On the other hand, you gotten plenty of use out of her, so if it's a custom job you want, go for it. Have you considered Cylinder & Slide to do the work ??

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John

I agree with my brethren above. I don't see anything wrong with that pistol. If it is as I think, namely, Parkerized in matte grey, it doesn't have much former glory. It's a basic 1911 work horse pistol, properly used and cared for as far as I can see, and deserves to exist as a proper example of a good gun that is still good. And I don't even like 1911s much and I'm still saying that. The cool thing would be to leave it as is.

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Come and take it!!

I like Classic guns & usually do my own (within reason) work. If you must send it off, how about the Nighthawk Colt look?

Colt Series 70 | Nighthawk Custom

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Watch & Pray

I’d buy a Nighthawk or Ed Brown or something to scratch that custom itch and leave this one as it is.

That beavertail has GOT to go. New sights and trigger would be on my list as well. I would get it hard chromed afterward and it would be good for life.

The pistol has already been personalized to you and it is not a display item or a safe queen. If it is comfortable and easy to shoot, then replace anything that is worn and spruce it up with a hard-wearing finish. It's a personal weapon, after all.

Make sure to show us pics!

Send it to Wilson Combat for a complete makeover!

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

Hard to tell from the small photo, but that looks like a 70 Series with the factory Coltguard finish (electroless nickel). I wouldn’t refinish it.

Nice gun! It could use a thorough cleaning and I’d probably polish the back of the barrel with Flitz. If it’s not shooting good, you can probably find a new replacement barrel and bushing.

WIth the money you’d spend on a custom build and refinish, you could buy a Dan Wesson Valor.

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"I also cook."

In autos and revolvers I have 15 handguns in caliber 45. The one I built for me, was a little rough looking from the start. Mostly used GI parts on a Essex frame. I sand blasted the slide and parts and Parkerized them, the frame has Essex very durable but ugly finish, so they don't color match!

It fits me and it shoots better than I can! Why mess with success?

Going to a party or function? The kids will be all about the Glocks, the people that really count will be impressed with your trusted friend! You might get a BBQ holster.

Ivan

I’m with the “leave it like it is camp”.
Strip it down, clean it, replace all the springs and worn parts. Polish the visible part of the barrel. Maybe a new set of grips and keep shooting it.
If you do the custom route you will erase all the memories.
Maybe buy a new 1911 to scratch that itch. 😎

My first thought is that if that is Colt's Coltguard nickel finish, it will be quite expensive to refinish as the nickel would have to be completely removed. I don't like the little drop in duckbill/beavertail grip safety. Honestly, other than on a 1911 used for something like IPSC/USPSA competition, I've not seen the need for such things. If it were mine, I'd thoroughly clean and lube the pistol, polish the corrosion from the exterior of the barrel and call it done.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I have to agree with s&wchad, that is the Colt electroless nickle finish. Clean it up, lube it, and replace any seriously worn parts and put her back in service.

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Judge control not gun control!

Normally I'd jump in here and tell you to get a full custom job leaving the original finish but after looking it over I'd suggest you have the trigger worked, and new springs and barrel and bushing if needed. Other wise the only other thing I'd do is put some G-10 grips on it and fit it to a custom holster to make it a true BBQ gun. I did similar to my EDC revolver and I'm really happy with the results.

'ell i was talked out of refinishing my pre model number .22 because the honest wear was what gave it chareter.

Very nice.

Here was my first.



My philosophy is that your first should always be something classy, that way when everyone is talking about their firsts, you've actually got something special worth sharing.

Personally, I'd leave her be. I think she looks perfect just the way she is.

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Walther_PPK-S_22LR_2013.jpg (124.8 KB, 161 views)

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Shooting Comfort is bilateral.

I'd give it a good cleaning and call it good.

Nothing wrong with honest wear.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

Hate the trigger and ducktail.

The finish ain't that bad, and it's orig Colt satin nickel. Just clean it, polish the rust off the barrel, and go back to stock on the trigger and ducktail - and maybe the sights.

Had a pair of those back in the day. Great guns. Spend your money on a new custom.

A little aside from the OP's post but I agree - the first handgun I ever bought was a 4" Model 19. The second was a 2" Model 10. I still have that Model 10.

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Come and take it!!

As posted, clean it up, inspect and clean barrel, remove the beaver tail(unless you have to have it), check sear, disconnector ,hammer and safety. Check slide lock/ safety plunger spring and install an adjustable trigger. I just install MEPO tritium sights on my old rebuilt L.W. Commander. Scales could be any rubber ones that give good grip.

I'd put a set of grips on it. A new set of grips always make a gun look better.

I would do a true hi rise beavertail grip safety and an undercut near the trigger guard. Maybe install a Colt National Match barrel. Fit an oversized barrel bushing. I'd do a more classic alloy three hole trigger and definitely something else for grips.

I fancied mine up a bit through the years.
20210820_080618 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Clark Custom Guns
Clark Custom Guns | Established 1950 | Princeton Louisiana
The Clark boys all know how to treat a 1911 , doing it since 1950 and they do very nice work . Target or Service Trigger job and a general tune up ...that would do her up nice !
I love their trigger jobs !
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Go for it. If it gets you excited about your first gun again, have at it!

Maybe do some personalized grips as well or stag, etc.

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Rather be outdoors

I'm firmly in the "leave it" camp. Guns always look great in their original clothes, and this is no exception. If I had the opportunity to buy that gun from you, I'd put it in my safe (and take it to the range) as is.

Mike

That's an Electroless Nickle finish, I remember them well.

The rough finish was a magnet for burned powder and grime.

For me, real good cleaning, maybe a set of better shape original grips..nothing more.

Want something more personalized....get a new one.

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I’d send it to glenrock blue for a proper polish and refinish after fitting a proper beaver tail or rat tail grip safety and buy a copy of the original grips