[MatthewVanitas]

I think this is one of those questions where I'm not going to get any optimistic answers, but here goes:

Some years back, I bought a Sistema Colt (Argentine-issue 1911) from JLD Enterprises. Been extremely happy with it. The only downside: JLD refinished that batch of 1911s, so mine has a smooth coat of charcoal-colored parkerizing (or equivalent finish). The finish has held up pretty well so far, but I really like the look of the older un-refinished Sistemas, beat though they may be.

Is there any convenient way to remove parkerizing? I realize this is kind of like my "how do you stain stainless steel" question, in that the entire point of parking is that it's a durable finish.

I don't suppose there's any "Park-B-Gone" product out there that will whisk away parking with the aid of Magic Bubbles or some arcane chemical reaction?

Now that I think of it, it's probably really not worth messing with, but I'm still a wee bit curious as to how parking is removed, just for the sake of knowing. Thanks for any info,

-MV

[ziadel]

mebbe some metal polish and a felt dremel wheel?

[Car Knocker]

Google turned this up:

http://www.orisonmarketing.com/corrosion/evaporust/evapo-rust.html

WEAPONS/FINISH COMPATIBILITY
EVAPO-RUSTTM is highly recommended by the NRA gunsmithing school and is utilized by FBI, CIA, NATO and other law enforcement and forensics agencies. EVAPO-RUSTTM perfect for removing weapon finishes such as Bluing, Parkerizing, Zinc Phosphate, and Browning. Anodizing, powder coating, chrome, nickel, paint, and most other coatings will not be removed as long as they do not contain oxides. EVAPO-RUSTTM will not harm lead or solder points.

Or this:

http://www.e-gunparts.com/forum/readit.asp?qt=34850&cat=7

[ScottS]

http://www.iosso.com/metal.htm

QUICKSTRIP
A revolutionary new product designed to remove parkerizing and blueing within minutes without etching. Just immerse parts into Quickstrip solution and let soak for several minutes. Watch closely until completely stripped, then remove, and rinse thoroughly with water. No need to bead blast. Solution is reusable. Quickstrip does not contain a rust inhibitor. Easy to use - little odor! Environmentally friendly.

[MatthewVanitas]

Hot diggety dang! Thanks so much for the info, fellas. I knew that there were blue-stripping products, never thought that they'd strip parked just as easily.

Idea occurred to me after seeing pics of Low Key's 1858 http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193268

Aftermarket plumb/brown finishes seem pretty slick. My Sistema is already a non-collector due to the new parkerized finish, so I don't think it would really change the value much either way to strip off the park and brown it. I should check with Low Key and see how the corrosion resistance is on the new finish.

I'm torn: the parked finish is holding up fine, and looks... okay. It obscures a good portion of the stamps, and overall the un-refinished Sistemas look cooler. I just feel a little odd stripping off a perfectly good "new" finish to apply a pseudo-old finish.

Anyone in Austin feel like splitting a $20 bottle of Evapo-Rust?

-MV

[Tejas Gunwerks]

What is your objection to blasting it? That is the best way to remove parkerizing and to prepare it for the next finish, which seems to be another type of parkerizing.

[MatthewVanitas]

Objection to blasting it would just be the specialized tools involved.

Speaking of specialized tools, are you sure that you have the right gear to install a 3-prong flash-hider?

(Just kidding)

-MV

[Tejas Gunwerks]

Objection to blasting it would just be the specialized tools involved.

Speaking of specialized tools, are you sure that you have the right gear to install a 3-prong flash-hider?

(Just kidding)

-MV

Was that you today? I didn't recognize the name.

[MatthewVanitas]

Sure 'nuff. Think how dumb I feel: your username is the same as your business at the gunshow, and I didn't put two-and-two together. (To everyone else: TejasGunwerks is assembling some AR-15 gear for my bastardized Dissipator project: A1 sights, 3-prong FS, ACE skeleton stock. I'm surprised he even consented to support such a weird-looking project.)

Any case, I realize that blasting is an option, but I'm rather intrigued by the chemical possibilities. Of course, the downside is that the chem options involve immersion, and I'm a bit iffy on what it might do to tolerances in the gun when the old, original bluing gets stripped off various portions along with the new parkerizing on the outside.

I'm really probably better off leaving the current parkerizing alone for now, but it's great to know that there are solvents to strip bluing and parking for any future projects, or if the park starts chipping on the Sistema.

-MV