took apart the 1911 today. look what i got myself into (56k to be)

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

I finally found time to take apart the new 1911 commander I got, and boy was that easy. Had to be careful with a few of those springs, but other than that... no problem. While apart, I was cleaning and lubing...and thinking. Mainly about how much I didn't want to pay $38 for a polished beavertail, and trigger, and other small parts.... so I decided not to, but to refinish them myself..............................................................................................................................................................................................19 hrs later. WOW I didn't realize that a dremel could have saved me so much time. Anyhow, here are the before and after pics. I need to take the parts to work, the buff out the fine scratches, but not bad for sanding it by hand.

BEFORE

AFTER

Oh ya... I also changed out the grips to a hard rubber grip... much more comfy.

Thanks to those of you who posted how to's on un-bluing a weapon.

Edited January 27, 2011 by NashvegasMatt

[Guest spoolie]

So you didn't actually change the MIM parts...just sanded the "blue" off? After 1000 or so rounds...look at the barrel bushing and sear.

[lowery100]

I don't believe the bevertail and magazine catch are stainless. If not those parts will rust pretty quickly without the blueing.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

nope just the blue, I am trying determine what to do next to seal it, because I don't like the parkerizing look. I put some protectant on there for now, but am doing some research.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

agreed... well i forgot to mention in my post that I had already purchased a couple of the dress up items before I came to this conclusion, so I went ahead and did the ones I got replacements for anyway. never know till you try it right.?

[Guest spoolie]

Instead of looking for a sealant, just replace them with SS parts...it's not that much money.

[Guest Moody]

Looks good, but as-mentioned - I'd like to see if your modifications hold up in the looks department after some handling (oils from skin). Looks good, though - great color contrast.

[willis68]

Instead of looking for a sealant, just replace them with SS parts...it's not that much money.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

Instead of looking for a sealant, just replace them with SS parts...it's not that much money.

like I said in my original post, we're talking 20-40 a piece for the major parts, so overall I'm looking at about $100+ whereas I don't mind doing the work myself if I can find a legitimate way to do it and maintain it. Right now I have $0 into this project, so if a sealant costs me a few bucks and I have to disassemble again, it's no hard feelings. I've read that a thin coat of wax would keep them from rusting, just like on a car, but I must keep it up. Any thoughts.

[skwirl]

Dremel tool + 1911 = wrenches + Harley.

I hope it works out for you long term.

[Guest spoolie]

Ok...but look at this first. Non MIM parts.

Match trigger 15.49

Magazine release 7.99

Grip safety 15.99

Stainless barrel bushing 15.79

And make the weapon a little better and keep the look you want for $55.26...you'll shoot that up in one range visit, and from experience with this gun (just bought and sold one, ran 5200 round through it) replace a few parts to make it better.

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

Ok...but look at this first. Non MIM parts.

Match trigger 15.49

Magazine release 7.99

Grip safety 15.99

Stainless barrel bushing 15.79

And make the weapon a little better and keep the look you want for $55.26...you'll shoot that up in one range visit, and from experience with this gun (just bought and sold one, ran 5200 round through it) replace a few parts to make it better.

Other than the trigger and mag catch which is aluminum (not SS, which means dull finish) and the beavertail that you're showing me, which is not SS , the bushing which is for a government model... I see what you're trying to get at, but if I were to buy the correct SS parts, it would not be $55. You've just thrown together a bunch of random finished parts, and I want them all to match finishes. I have browsed the internet for what I need and with no luck. A SS beavertail alone is at least $25-30 alone. BTW, did you notice that pic of the S&W bushing, if that's what it looks like in real life, they're gonna have a hard time not getting those returned. Way to under-sell the product midway!

Edited January 27, 2011 by NashvegasMatt

[Guest NashvegasMatt]

what i should do is send these parts off to a shop that does plating (chrome etc.). Since this is not my everyday carry, the finish wouldn't be in jeopardy. Anyone know of a plating shop in Nashville or close by that does misc. parts for cheap? I'm still trying to figure out what the beavertail is made of though...