[Pendragon]

I called Mr Jardine today to ask about hard chroming my Valtro.

He said the polished look is a major pain because there is a ton of hand work to get it looking right (he sait it shows every grain and flaw in the steel). He said he could do it but did not know how long it would take - kind of a "when I get to it" deal.

He said the matte finish was a lot easier and less than half the price and he could possibly do it in as little as 2 weeks.

I am almost to Texas now and I am wondering if having a dress gun (like in the bbq gun thread) would be pretty cool.

Anyone have a polished chrome 1911? does it look too flashy or is it neato?

Anyone do chrome with black "parts" for contrast? I want HC for rust resistance while carrying - I thought of doing a 2 tone but none of the black finishes are a durable as HC.

The Valtro is pretty unique as it is - having a smooth mirror finish might make it really stand out.

Any opinions? I can aford the $175 right now easily, the $375 might take a little longer.

[BigG]

I am in favor of the hi-shine myself. YMMV. I like the gaudiness of the S&W nickel magnums with their mottled hammer/trigger and blued sights. Just delicious looking and imagine your Valtro would be the same. Also have a pair of factory nickel Colt 1911A1s and they are just too purty for words.

Ask Ala Dan about his nickel Mod. 39 S&W. It will break your heart! JMHO:cool:

[cordex]

I'm planning on getting a pistol hard chromed by Metalife in the next few months (http://www.mahovskysmetalife.com) and I've heard very good things about them, especially their brushed finish (supposed to resemble stainless). They're quite a bit less expensive and predict a 30 day turn around, but I don't know if they offer a polished finish.

Just something to think about.

[OF]

I'm not a big fan of the shiny guns, myself.

- Gabe

[BigG]

Just a note in case you didn't know. In finishing, be it blue or nickel the difference is in the surface prep, pure and simple. The royal blue finish Colts that people ooh and ahh over are no different than the more plebian finished sister except the surface is polished mirror perfect all over. Same thing with the S&W brite blue finish. Same same as the std blue except the metal is flawlessly polished even into the deepest nooks and crannies. Lots more skill and labor to get that baby looking like a mirror and not have the sharp corners rounded off, etc.

[Sven]

I think the polished Valtro would be the ultimate Pimp Valtro.

Go for it!

[incursion]

Why don't you go in between and get brushed chrome?

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Bright chrome is ....well, if you can't say something nice...

Get stainless. You get the gleam without the shine, and definitely no rust.

[Pendragon]

1. Valtros only come in 4340 carbon steel. Stainless is not an option as it is too soft for Mr. Jardine.

2. Stainless is not available as an aftermarket finish.

3. Stainless can definately rust.

I am so tempted to get the bright chrome - just because it would be so unique - but I just cant justify it right now - maybe on the next gun.

[Sean Smith]

I just got my Delta Elite back from Ted Yost and it has a matte hard chrome finish. It is very attractive, without being tacky or flashy. I'd think mirror-polished hard chrome would be a bit much, though... alot of money just to look tasteless.

[harrydog]

I'd pay extra to not get the polished look. Ugh.


"3. Stainless can definately rust."


A hard chromed gun can also rust, but points 1 and 2 make it a moot point anyway.

[kalibear45]

Compromise...

How about a matte chrome with the flats of the slide polished :D

[PackingHeat]

I love my satin chromed P99 slide plated by Tripp Reasearch Inc. Their turnaround time was a week and a half. Quality and service are top notch. I am an engineer and have a lot of experience with plating as I deal with many vendors who plate parts for my company so I can vouch for the quality. Just as a side note, I get free cryo treatments from a vendor who treats some of our racing transmission gears. Now that is what I call a perk! :neener:

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Sorry about my ignorance. I had no idea I was in the Church of Valtro

I am sure Mr. Jardine is proficient in what he does. Why must a slide be harder than stainless? I mean, really.

[Sean Smith]

I think it is more of a case of actually knowing what you are talking about before offering advice about it. You might as well have advised somebody to get a stainless CZ-75B, because they don't make those, either.

[Pendragon]

a stainless slide might work just fine - but Mr. Jardine does not do stainless.

He was extremely specific and discriminating when bringing the Valtro to market. It is made of some of the best steel available and is designed to not break - ever.

I would have no problem with a ss 1911 if I found one that made me as happy as the Valtro. Its possible at least in theory.