'Melting' a Pistol?

[Chris Rhines]

I have a 1911 that I would like to carry. I'd like to remove all of the sharp edges, a 'melt job' in modern gunsmith-ese. What is the best way to go about doing this (tools to use, areas to work on, etc.)

- Chris

 

[Harold Mayo]

My own preference is to use those sponges that have the sandpaper-like outer coating...I forget what they're called. You'll find them in the hardware or paint section of any store. You need something abrasive (obviously) but something that will "give" and follow the edges evenly. These sponges are the best thing that I have found to do the job. I've also read that people take sandpaper and wrap it around an eraser but the "sanding sponge" things are better, IMO.

 

[mete]

Depends on what appearance you want. You don't want sharp edges and these can be removed either by chamfering ( 1/16" or more), a radius( again 1/16" or more ) or a more drastic shaping of the gun. I like chamfering and I do it with files followed by abrasive paper.