The pits. Question about refinishing.

[a_kayaker]

Hey, Well I mentioned some time ago my Colt long slide project. It is my first attempt at putting together a 1911. This time I have some pics and of course some questions. This is how it looks so far.

I think I want the gun done in a two tone finish. The frame in grey and the slide in black.  The problem is that the slide has some pits in it.  Now the story I got on this slide is that it was welded up from a 5" slide and made into a 6". Everything is clean and ready to go... except for some pits.

Of course the pits are right on the scalloped edge of the slide. I took the slide to a machinist yesterday and he said that the pits would have to ground out, rewelded and then ground and reblended with the slide. He basically reconfirmed what I thought was the answer.

So finally the question:  Will a gun finish fill the pits? Can I use some magic filler like JB Weld to fill the pits and then finish the gun? Or do I just leave the damn thing alone and have a finish put on it as is.

I have ordered a new hammer, sear, trigger and grip safety. So I have some time and some work to do.

Any help would be appreciated.

[a_kayaker]

Here's a pic of the whole thing

[Mikey]

A-Kayaker:  Geez, that's a nice looking pistol you have there.  That project should come out nicely.  You should be proud of your accomplishments.

I have an old Commander that has blood erosion on the slide (ain't mine) and a NYPD Officer's initials scratched into the frame.  I had spoken with the folks at Checkmate (?) in Florida about refinishing the piece.  It has the aluminum frame with the finish just about worn off and I too wanted a 2-tone gun, either black frame and nickle slide or go with one color - polished aluminum frame and nickle slide.  They said they could definately refinish the pistol for me and could eliminate the scratches and erosion by using extra plating materials rather than going the route your man suggested.  I just haven't had the chance to get the p[istol to them yet.  

I see their adds in the Shotgun News - you may wish to contact them.  

Hope this helps.  Mikey.
 :-D

[a_kayaker]

Hey, Thx Mikey. I think it will look great when it's done. I will definitly check on the different finishes and their filling capabilties.

I see that my pics have been killed. Boy, thx to freeservers for all their help. I guess I will have to find a new way to post pics.

Until then here is my meager site with some pics of the gun. This site has a lot of popups... I hate it, but it is free. Use a popup killer if possible.

www.payneco.8m.com

Eric