Series 70 1911 Suggestions?

[politicaldookie]

Hey folks...I'm looking for ideas on what to do with my 1911. It's a series 70 and it fits and fired wonderfully. It is aesthetically challenged though and I'm not sure what to do with it. It has some oxidation along with some pretty deep scrathes (I got it this way). Should I get some work done to the gun before refinishing? Open to any thoughts suggestions...

 

[nicholst55]

Can't really tell much from the pix, but it doesn't look that bad to me. It all depends on what you want to do with it. You could use it as a basis for a full blown 'race gun,' or shoot it as-is. Or anything in between. It's kind of like the man at the speed shop asks you - 'How fast do you want to go?'

If your eyes are like mine, some larger sights would be nice. Other than that, I think I'd just shoot it! A lot!

 

[J. Jay]

I'd add a good trigger, good sights, beavertail, and ambi safety-in that order. Then refinish if you still have money.

 

[Jim Watson]

I have taken a couple of Colts in damaged nickel plate and just had black sights installed for shooting. Anything else just depends on your wants and budget. Obviously any modifications must be done before refinishing and especially if you have it replated, be SURE they are ALL done like you want.

I would like to have the current .38 Super more extensively reworked but cannot get anybody local to work with me on it and don't want to sink a couple thousand bucks into it with a big name shop.

 

[politicaldookie]

Thanks for the comments/suggestions. I may just tweak it a little bit and leave the refinishing for another day.

 

[krs]

Have you tried polishing out scratches?

I can't see it well enough to assess the condition, but the pistols are gaining value if in their original configuration so unless I wanted a purpose gun, like a bullseye shooter for example, I'd try to put it back to original condition.

But then, to my eye there are few things prettier than original Colt 1911's.