Best way to refinish an old Colt 1911?

[Sha]

I just asked for general opinions about this gun in the handguns forum. If I decide to refinish it, what should I consider? I don't think the gun has much trade value so everything is on the table from matte or gloss bluing to cerakote.

The roughest spot on the gun is the slide stop, which you can see in the picture.

 

[Sha]

So, the general population is saying to leave it alone and appreciate the history. I'm still interested in knowing my options, but mostly focusing on cleaning up the rust spot and making sure its good to shoot.

 

[sloughfoot]

I really wish you wouldn't. I wish you would just trade it for a Colt with the finish you desire.

Since I'm spitting in the wind, I happen to enjoy a bright blue on a 1911.

 

[AllenM]

I bought a DIY parkerizing kit for one I had. I thought it came out nice

 

[churchmouse]

So, the general population is saying to leave it alone and appreciate the history. I'm still interested in knowing my options, but mostly focusing on cleaning up the rust spot and making sure its good to shoot.

Buy one with the finish you like and leave that old war horse as you found it......."Please"

 

[riverman67]

I would have a good 1911 smith check it out and if given the ok. shoot it.
I think it looks just fine the way it is.

 

[Sha]

So I'm coming around on leaving it. A question to those of you who advised--do you feel the same way about me removing the rust? Or just the overall finish?

 

[halfmileharry]

Since the slide stop is your issue then you can replace with era correct stop easily and cheaply. Prob solved.
A major part of the attraction to this era 1911 is the finish like you have. Clean it, oil it, use it, just the way it is.

 

[sloughfoot]

A little steel wool soaked with gun oil will clean up the rust on the slide stop.

I would love to own that pistol.....

 

[churchmouse]

A little steel wool soaked with gun oil will clean up the rust on the slide stop.

I would love to own that pistol.....

Me too.

Clean it up and respect the history.

If it were a 42 (I know, they did not make them....But) Ford that ran and had some patina I would leave it be and drive it.

 

[Sha]

The advice is greatly appreciated, everyone. That's why I asked before I ran out and did anything. I can only imagine how many people have refinished old guns only to wish they hadn't after its too late to go backward.

 

[T755]

if you do refinish ir do it right and all the way. I had one that was over buffed and refinished to death. I sent it off to "Gunfancy", "Gun Engravers, Gun Engraving, Firearm Engraving,Lettering Restoration". and had Dale re letter the markings and square it up. I had it properly refinished and its a great gun. The value wasn't a concern as it was a family gun and was modified already.

 

[Sha]

Thanks for the tip, looks like a good place.