[TheJuggernaut]

I don't post much but I like reading the informative threads here. I decided to get the melonite finish based on threads here and other sites and wanted to share my experience.

Drake's Gun Works was one of the ones recommended. http://drakesgunworks.com/index.htm His was the least expensive of all the melonite shops I could find. He charges $175 and the turnaround is about 3-4 weeks. It took 4 weeks for my pistol to be completed.

I am very pleased with the results. I was tempted to purchase a new Nighthawk or Wilson combat because I wanted a black 1911. I love my TRS so the best solution was to have it finished in black. In most pictures I've seen of this finish, it tends to look gray. In person, mine is great shade of black. I've not received my holster from K & D yet but it seems like it is a very durable finish. It looks more like the color of the steel than a coating. Anyway, here's some eye candy. Not a good photographer though.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00050.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00053.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00055.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00061.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00062.jpg

[Zach S]

Is that stainless or carbon?

I've been wanting to refinish a stainless kimber with Melonite.

(drake's gunworks bookmarked:D)

[farscott]

That is a very nice TRS. I need to keep that in mind when my TRS HD needs a refinish. I really need to compare Melonite versus IonBond.

I have one 1911 that has been E-Treated which I have been told is a form of Melonite. Have been very pleased with the finish.

[TheJuggernaut]

my gun is carbon but he says that stainless is no different as far as taking the finish.

[Black Majik]

Very nice. How is the slide to frame fit, and barrel lockup after the refinish? One of the things I'm worried about is losing the tight lockup Baers are known for.

Can you snap a few pictures in daylight without flash?

Thanks!

[TheJuggernaut]

the lock up feels just like it did when it first arrived brand new. it's kind of tight and probably needs to be broken in again. seems like 200 rounds or so ought to do it. i'll take some daylight pics and post them later.

[TheJuggernaut]

Here are the daylight shots.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00063.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00064.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00065.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xomox27/DSC00066.jpg

[Black Majik]

Wow, thanks for the pictures. They definitely look very stunning.

I can see that very slight gray you mentioned in the first 2 pictures.

[krs]

Looks like a nice job.

I think you'd get better photo results if you put the gun on the bench itself, not on the case. I think the case is affecting your camera's color renditions and the gun looks blue rather than black.

Try to photogragh it outside on that bench in a bright overcast light. It should then interpret the colors more accurately and you'll have an even non reflective image.

[Whitman31]

True Melonite QPQ should end up being a nice, slightly glossy black. I use melonite every day in my job and it holds up extremely well. It does introduce a little extra surface hardness, and on small parts can actually make them more brittle. I wouldn't hesitate to do it to a gun body, but wouldn't do it to small trigger group parts.

Good looking gun...

Some nice rosewood grips would really set off the black...imo

[19-3Ben]

Some nice rosewood grips would really set off the black...imo

I dunno. i'd think something lighter like burled maple would be awesome there. I like red woods on blued guns. On black, I feel like something a bit lighter is in order.

[M203Sniper]

http://shop.thefinergrain.com/images/1219629279939-1930647708.jpeg

thefinergrain.com (http://shop.thefinergrain.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=79)

White Box Elder Burl has a depth, high figure and true burl swirl, that is highly sought after for good reason. Gorgeous wood that will enhance the aesthetics of any weapon they grace. A definite eye catcher, these grips will serve you well in practicality and beauty. The wood is protected by a glassy smooth polyurethane finish for superior moisture resistance and grain popping beauty. These grips feature no MSH pin cutout for full coverage and a great new look! A cut for ambi safeties can be added at no additional charge, just let me know.

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:)