Colt 1911 refinishing cost, shockingly high

[PotatoJudge]

I have a satin nickel Series 70 in need of a refinish. I just called Colt and they quoted $400 with return shipping. I was suprised, but thought this may only apply to the nickel. I asked about a satin chrome and got a quote for $390.

I've always heard that Colt was competitive on their refinishing prices but this is way out of line from what I've seen.

I would have liked to keep the gun in original configuration preferably from the factory, but that's no longer an option. What would you guys do? Replate in the original satin nickel, or go for a much more durable but similar in appearance satin chrome? I was thinking of using Fords as they have good prices and a good reputation. I have looked at Armaloy in Ft. Worth, but I don't have anybody I trust to polish the gun prior to sending it to them. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Rail Driver]

I'd look around locally for a gunsmith with a good reputation. You're likely to find a good shop that does the same quality of work, for much less.

 

[NOLAEMT]

Robar has refinishing prices on their website. I think they do their np3 satin nickel with Teflon for 300 ish if not less

 

[rklessdriver]

Highly recomended re-finisher for the COLT style satin/E-Nickle.

http://www.mahovskysmetalife.com/PriceSheet Page 5.htm

Will