Polished 1911 finish question

[Spectre044]

This seems like the correct subforum to post in so here it goes.

I've recently acquired a stainless Dan Wesson Valor that was polished by the previous owner. The gun is in great condition and the previous owner actually did a good job polishing it, but it's too damn shiny for my taste. The gun itself locks up nicely, is well fit, and just plain feels good but that finish is going to drive me insane, and this is where the crux of my problem lies. Is there a way I can go back to a matte finish? I would rather not spend inordinate amounts of money on a new finish. $150, give or take a little, is about what I woullike to spend.

[JAD]

That should be plenty of money to get a gunsmith to bead blast it to whatever RMS pleases you. There may be a 'smith on the forum who will volunteer. With your limited budget, you might want to use somebody local to avoid shipping costs.

[TAP]

Contact Matt Lilley at Spartan Armory in Alpharetta. 770-655-5324. http://www.spartan-armory.com He does a bunch of different coatings and refinishing. Although I'm not a customer, I know several guys who have been happy with his refinishing.

[Spectre044]

Contact Matt Lilley at Spartan Armory in Alpharetta. 770-655-5324. http://www.spartan-armory.com He does a bunch of different coatings and refinishing. Although I'm not a customer, I know several guys who have been happy with his refinishing.

You are the man. I will give him a shout in the morning. Gotta love this forum and its timely application of knowledge. Thanks all. :D

[JHC]

This seems like the correct subforum to post in so here it goes.

I've recently acquired a stainless Dan Wesson Valor that was polished by the previous owner. The gun is in great condition and the previous owner actually did a good job polishing it, but it's too damn shiny for my taste. The gun itself locks up nicely, is well fit, and just plain feels good but that finish is going to drive me insane, and this is where the crux of my problem lies. Is there a way I can go back to a matte finish? I would rather not spend inordinate amounts of money on a new finish. $150, give or take a little, is about what I woullike to spend.

no No NO!!! ;) Check out some pewter (simulated silver) grips. The nickel/high polish SS with silver grips is THE HEAT down around the border. I remember a couple of old (retired?) Texas Rangers (they still wore the badge) in the coffee shop in the Bexar County courthouse with such 1911s tucked in their belts; Mexican carry. Learn to love it. A Valor no less!

http://www.amazon.com/Pewter-Grips-Amendment-Engraved-Design/dp/B0032U5TII

http://www.amazon.com/Pewter-Grips-Scroll-Engraved-Design/dp/B0032TXW5G

[Spectre044]

no No NO!!! ;) Check out some pewter (simulated silver) grips. The nickel/high polish SS with silver grips is THE HEAT down around the border. I remember a couple of old (retired?) Texas Rangers (they still wore the badge) in the coffee shop in the Bexar County courthouse with such 1911s tucked in their belts; Mexican carry. Learn to love it. A Valor no less!

http://www.amazon.com/Pewter-Grips-Amendment-Engraved-Design/dp/B0032U5TII

http://www.amazon.com/Pewter-Grips-Scroll-Engraved-Design/dp/B0032TXW5G

I got one heck of a deal on it and it seems to be well built. Time will tell but it doesn't have any timing issues and the fit is great. Aside from the awful shininess, I like it a lot.

[LittleLebowski]

I'm quite taken with polished Melonite slide flats myself.

[NickA]

no No NO!!! ;) Check out some pewter (simulated silver) grips. The nickel/high polish SS with silver grips is THE HEAT down around the border. I remember a couple of old (retired?) Texas Rangers (they still wore the badge) in the coffee shop in the Bexar County courthouse with such 1911s tucked in their belts; Mexican carry. Learn to love it. A Valor no less!


Still a popular choice a few years ago when I would see them out and about during lunch.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[Wes Peart]

I may or may not have rubbed an entire gun once with emery cloth (brown fibrous abrasive pad) to cure the situation you are describing. Gave it a nice brushed stainless finish that wasn't as subdued as blasting but was much better than the pimp gun look it had before. Try it on a piece of polished metal first to see if you like the look.

[Odin Bravo One]

I had an SA in the same boat. Great gun, great price, awful pimp daddy bling finish. I bit the bullet and had it CeraCoted. Though I have been known to use Krylon, Aervoe, and if I am feeling especially competent, some spray and bake from Brownells.

Though, the emery cloth, and sand/bead blasting suggestions are sound advice. Much cheaper than professionally applied coating, and much better looking that garage applied spray paint.

[Spectre044]

I might have to give the emery cloth a try since spartan armory is in the process of moving locations and won't be able to bead blast it for quite some time and I am just not familiar with many good gunsmiths in GA.

If I were really going balls to the wall, I might try the Hard Hat treatment by Severns. I have heard good things about it, but I just can't bring myself to spend that kind of money on it.

[SecondsCount]

I'm quite taken with polished Melonite slide flats myself.

+1

A simple glass bead blasting would help dull the finish as well.

[Sparks2112]

I can't say enough nice things about Mark H and L and M precision gunworks.

[TAP]

I am just not familiar with many good gunsmiths in GA.

Call Mark Kuczka at Accurate Ordinance. They are in Winder and specialize in rifle builds but I know they do refinishing too. Mark will shoot you straight and recommend someone else if necessary.

http://accurateordnance.com/contact/

[tmoore912]

Another option could be to get your gun treated with Atranite by Freedom Gunworks in Camilla, GA.. Bobby Keigan is the owner, and I had him do a CBOB for me early 2011. Stuff was amazing and tough as nails. It is a heated metal treatment, not a coating. He can do an entire gun including small parts for $150.00. Shipping will go over your stated limit though.

http://www.freedomgunworks.com/services.html

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=130871

Before

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Dan%20Wesson%20CBOB/IMG_2459.jpg

After

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Dan%20Wesson%20CBOB/IMG_2535.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii218/tmoore912/Dan%20Wesson%20CBOB/2011-04-23_12-53-32_970.jpg

[VolGrad]

Contact Matt Lilley at Spartan Armory in Alpharetta. 770-655-5324. http://www.spartan-armory.com He does a bunch of different coatings and refinishing. Although I'm not a customer, I know several guys who have been happy with his refinishing.

I haven't used Matt yet either but have also heard great things. I have spoken to him a couple of times at GSSF matches (he's usually at the GA matches as a vendor) and have seen some of his work there. I will prob use him if I ever need re-coating on something.

[TGS]

I just read an 8 page thread on Atranite on the 1911 forum.

Good lord.

No way is a gun of mine ever going to that shop.