Refinish my 1911

[ripcurlksm]

I want to refinish my Kimber Eclipse, in particular remove all of the black oxidation (?) from the upper and lower frame. I want to keep the brushed finish as seen on the slide.

1) Can anyone recommend a good refinisher/gunsmith who can do this?

2) Perhaps I could do it myself, sounds fun and I'm certainly willing.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[orionengnr]

Aside from destroying your Kimber's resale value, why would you want to do that? Why not sell it and buy a Kimber (or other 1911) with a brushed finish?

It's your gun, so it is your choice...but I just have to ask.

 

[ripcurlksm]

Destroy? Just trying to make it unique and I think it will look good.

 

[orionengnr]

Didn't say you are destroying the gun. Just it's resale value. And it's yours to do with as you will.

 

[ninja45]

+1.

You paid extra for the Eclipse finish, now you're tired of it. Sell the Eclipse and buy a newer and probably cheaper Kimber S/S. You'll save money and you'll have a new toy to play with.

 

[ripcurlksm]

I like the brushed steel as seen on the slide and lower frame. I don't want to sell it, its accurate and wonderful.

After a year of owning it, I wonder if I have other options besides black oxidation. Is this something that could be removed?

Stay on topic or kindly keep your advice to yourselves.

 

[Jimmie]

Maybe NP3 or hard chrome.

 

[ninja45]

Sorry, your gun, your decision...

If you refinish your gun with NP3 or hardchrome...you'll lose that brushed stainless look you want. It will definitely change the looks of your pistol (duller finish as opposed to brushed). Removing the black oxide finish may be your only choice. How? Hopefully there is a way without destroying the brush finish of the rest of your pistol.

Ninja45

Ninja45

 

[Spartacus451]

Hard chrome and NP3 can be done with a brushed finish. Both those treatments reflect the underlying surface prep. If you want to remove it yourself you could try steel wool with some kind of brass or wooden rod as a guide for contours and maybe some flitz or other MILD and NON EMBEDDING (breaks down as it is used) abrasive.

Be aware that not all the small parts may be stainless.

 

[safetyjoe]

Take a look at these guys. http://www.fordsguns.com/ If you wish to do a google search I would bet that you will find a lot of pics of their work. Apparently, they do a lot of restorations for Smith & Wesson guys (not the factory but S&W collectors/fanciers) and (from what I've seen & read) they are top notch and reasonably priced.