finishing advice

[highcotton]

I have finished a 1911 project using a Caspian frame (still in the white) and an old military TZ slide. Most of the internal parts are old forged military stuff. It has a fitted Kart match barrel and is extremely accurate. The frame/Slide fit is the best I have had on a govt model gun.

I want to get it finished in high polished presentation grade blue without causing any problems with the frame/slide fit or other parts that are hand fitted to close tollerances.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Charles

 

[Fuego]

Is there anything more satisfying than building up a match grade 1911A1 from parts?
Are you looking for a premier grade gunsmith to do the blueing for you?
Are you on a budget?
You can get a pre-war Colt factory type deep, dark lusterous cjarcoal blue from a good gunsmith like Turnbull http://www.turnbullrestoration...id=19567&catid=19872
but it will not be inexpensive.
If you have a good local gunsmith that will do the blueing for you, talk to him and ask to see samples of his work.
Often you can bring the price down if you do the metal polishing yourself. Ask your smith.
One caveat: That military surplus slide may not be the same alloy or have a different heat treatment than the Caspian receiver. That can affect the final color. I have a .45 that has a dark blue slide and a dark plum receiver that almost match. Almost. But the blueing job is so good that I have left it alone for the last 30 years. It is a good shooter, and looks good too. Just not quite Colt factory "Presentation Grade" perfect.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

Nice looking 1911 Highcotton.

I did one about thirty years ago, Essex frame and Colt slide with colt parts.

It still is one of my favorite arms to shoot.

 

[jmtgsx]

A lot of the high end shops use Glenrock Blue. http://www.gunbluing.com/ I sent a slide to them on the recommendation of Jason Burton of Heirloom Precision on a Yost gun I wanted re-blued. Turned out beautifully. Very reasonably priced and the turn around wasn't too bad. Calling the shop will get better results than email. Beautiful grips, by the way, Charles. Nice gun!

 

[oldRoger]

There is A guy here in my neighborhood who comes well recommended and is nationally known; Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing.
http://www.fordsguns.com/
I have personally not had anything done there but have seen excellent work from his shop. Turnbull is I think the very best, probably backed up for years though. Specializes in very high end restorations.

 

[highcotton]

Thanks for the help guys. This pistol is one of those projects where everything just turned out right. It will be a definate keeper and I am willing to spend $300 or so to get the finish I want.

I made the grips from a chunck of stabalized buckeye I got from a friend who makes knife scales. What I like about the wood is the fact that it doesn't need any type finish.

jmtgsx that's a nice looking 1911.

Charles