Gunsmithing 1911 Stainless Refinishing?

[L3IRQ]

Have a Wilson Protector in stainless that I've been carrying for a while but decided to make it a range gun now and want to get some scratches out, but as I understand it wilson has quite a lengthy wait time right now. Can anyone recommend someone who won't promise me 2 weeks and then deliver in 11 months like so many guys out there

much appreciated in advance!

 

[camocorvette]

Re: 1911 Stainless Refinishing?

Fill out your profile. Gathering from your post you want to send it out, as I was about to recommend you try a block and fine grit on the flats, if your comfortable with that. But since your profile is not filled out I can not use your location for a Google search of your surrounding area and find a place to start.

So I would suggest you Google a search of " 1911 smith" , " 1911 refurbishing " with your locale on Google, and you should result a hit.

Other members from your area.. If they knew, may be able to recommend a reputable smith or plumber to handle the job. But if its to be a range gun? Who cares about scratches?

 

[L3IRQ]

Re: 1911 Stainless Refinishing?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: camocorvette</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fill out your profile. Gathering from your post you want to send it out, as I was about to recommend you try a block and fine grit on the flats, if your comfortable with that. But since your profile is not filled out I can not use your location for a Google search of your surrounding area and find a place to start.

So I would suggest you Google a search of " 1911 smith" , " 1911 refurbishing " with your locale on Google, and you should result a hit.

Other members from your area.. If they knew, may be able to recommend a reputable smith or plumber to handle the job. <span style="font-weight: bold">But if its to be a range gun? Who cares about scratches? </span>

</div></div>

I do obviously, hence why I asked, I am not longer carrying it so I want it to look nice since it will only be a range toy and not a serious use gun. Also doesn't need to be local and I am certainly not using a plumber to refinish a $3200 1911 unless he also happens to be a pistolsmith.

 

[seanh]

Re: 1911 Stainless Refinishing?

Sent you a PM of someone that I know is good.

Stainless is quite easy to refinish...you can do this yourself.

can you provide any pics showing the scratches?

 

[RADcustom]

Re: 1911 Stainless Refinishing?

Are they deep scratches or just scuffs?

A dark red/burgundy scotch brite pad works great for uniforming the finish on stainless steel. Use long, straight, parallel strokes.

 

[seanh]

Re: 1911 Stainless Refinishing?

the only problem with scotch bright is that it won't allow for crisp edges around the serrations and lettering. It's minor rolling but it's still there.

What I use is wet/dry paper on a hard surface or wrap the paper around a flat file (once around). It allows for very nice flats and crisp edges.

I've also used a a belt sander too...you have to have a very steady hand and have great concentration. If you lose concentration for a second and you've possibly got a problem. It can be fixed but it will be obvious that a mistake happened.

If I was in a hurry, belt sander for quick flattening but if I had time, I liked to do it by hand...