Colt 1911 Hard Chroming

[boldkharma]

My best shooting pistol is a 53' Colt 1911 that has been modified. Has anyone had Tripp hard chroming done to their pistol? I was wondering how the pistol is holding up, quality of service, etc. Also, can anyone tell me about restoring rollmarks? I would like my pony to show up better especially if its hard chromed. Thanks in advance.

 

[Sean Smith]

Tripp did the hard chrome on my Ted Yost-customized Delta Elite. I'm very happy with it; quick turnaround, no rust, no visible wear a year later, easy to clean.

 

[boldkharma]

Hey Sean, that Delta looks great. Was it a blued model? I have a SS that I just polish up with a scotchbrite when it gets scratched.

 

[Sean Smith]

It was blued originally. Hard chrome is much more scratch resistant than stainless steel is.

 

[wasrjoe]

I don't usually like chrome, but when it's done right... wow, is it nice!

 

[boldkharma]

Thanks Sean. I kinda like blue too, but my Colt is really looking worn from 50+ years of service. Its been modified quite a bit so its not really a collector's pistol. It is my most accurate pistol that I own and I shoot it alot. I would like to have a real durable finish on it. It would also be a big plus if I could get the pony stamped back in better too.

 

[boldkharma]

P.S. Sean, not that I would ever consider getting rid of my Delta, but how would hard chroming effect its value? Its a stock SS 89 pre-enhanced.

 

[Sean Smith]

They don't really have collector value anyway... Colt made too many of them. By the time they do, you'll be dead of old age. Hard chrome would reduce its theoretical book value, but make it more desirable for others.

 

[boldkharma]

Thanks for the info Sean. And if your the one who authored the 10mm tech page, thanks alot. I followed the advice and have a 100% running Delta.

 

[spj]

Hard chrome does not get better than Tripps. Highly recomended.

 

[Vic303]

Tripp is where everyone I know has gone for hard chroming. He also does something called CobraCoat, IIRC which is supposed to be pretty durable.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

My Commander just arrived there today for some customization and a hard chrome finish. This isn't the first pistol I have sent to Tripp Research and I'm sure it won't be my last.