Question on Hard Chroming 1911 pistols

[valor1]

I was just wondering, what parts in a 1911 pistol do not require hard chroming? Or if you hard chrome some parts will it be an overkill or just plain ok? The Ed Brown Hard Core Parts for example are not recommended for hard chroming as per manufacturer's (it voids the warranty). Thanks.

 

[dfariswheel]

In general, the only parts that SHOULD NOT be plated are the springs.

If you're going to have the gun plated for corrosion resistance, it's kind of silly NOT to plate everything possible, since guns do corrode inside too.

A big advantage of plating is, the parts are easier to clean, the parts are at least partially self-lubricating, and they wear much better.
All of these advantages are due to the very hard, slippery hard chrome plating.
So, it's to your benefit to plate as many parts as possible.

If the manufacturer of some of your parts recommends not plating those parts, DON'T.

 

[valor1]

Thanks for the reply dfariswheel. The parts that I know that don't require chroming are the sears, trigger and hammer. The Wilson Combat Bullet Proof and Ed Brown Hard Core Parts are not recommended for chroming since they are "heat treated" and will become brittle with plating. Thanks.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

Research hydrogen embrittlement

but don't worry about it - the better platers will know more about it than most of us will ever learn.

If you can get Cobra Chrome from Tripp say, there won't be any more questions except your friends will be asking to buy your guns.