Hard Chrome Colt Systema

[defjon]

I used to own one of these, refinished. Always regretted selling it as it was so smooth in function and the hammer bite was something I could have easily fixed. Anyway, I thought it would look nice hard chromed.

I found one on gun broker from a local a few hours away. I thought it was a pretty good deal, since I remember paying over 400 for my last one and it has some slide pitting (this was from pekin gun and sporting goods).

So, if I got a sistema for 350 and was able to get it fully hard chromed for 100 bucks...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=219899591

The cool thing is since we are in the same state, we can do a face to face deal and I get to check her out in person .

Anything to look out for?

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm no 1911 guru but I do like the old style guns, made of good solid steel and barstock...

 

[nwilliams]

I wouldn't chrome a Sistema I would have it professionally reblued or parkerized if I were going to have anything done to it. IMO chrome/nickle plating historic guns and in many cases refinishing them at all is a is a travesty. I see that gun pictured in that GB auction and it almost brings a tear to my eye to see what has been done to it.

However people can do what they want with their own guns.

 

[Japle]

Systemas aren't really very collectable. There are plenty of them around. I have 3 - average price about $350.

Before you have it hard chromed, be sure it's the way you want it. I'd advise having a set of high-visibility sights installed (that's pretty cheap) and getting a good trigger job.

 

[nwilliams]

Sistema's seem to only be going up in price. On GB most are selling for over $500 and some quite a bit more than that. If I could find one for under $400 I would probably snatch it up if it's in reasonable condition.

I would be hesitant to say that they aren't collectible or won't be in a years to come.

 

[Drail]

Inspect the breechface of the slide and the barrel very carefully - thousands of these guns were repeatedly slammed onto steel rods for racking in the armory. If you find an undamaged one they are very nice guns.

 

[NMGonzo]

I used to own one of these, refinished. Always regretted selling it as it was so smooth in function and the hammer bite was something I could have easily fixed. Anyway, I thought it would look nice hard chromed.

I found one on gun broker from a local a few hours away. I thought it was a pretty good deal, since I remember paying over 400 for my last one and it has some slide pitting (this was from pekin gun and sporting goods).

So, if I got a sistema for 350 and was able to get it fully hard chromed for 100 bucks...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=219899591

The cool thing is since we are in the same state, we can do a face to face deal and I get to check her out in person .

Anything to look out for?

Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm no 1911 guru but I do like the old style guns, made of good solid steel and barstock...

I am an Argentine and I approve the sistema mod you want

 

[rellascout]

Prices are up... I always worry about older refinished guns. I always wonder how bad it was before it was done. Also some refinish jobs are great, others are good and other are crap. So... I almost never buy a refinished gun without seeing it in person first.

These days there are a lot of early pattern guns under $500. Unless you really really have to have one that is old... get a new or at least newer gun. YMMV

 

[Japle]

I may have spoken too quickly about the collectability of Systemas. I haven't bought one in years and haven't kept up with their value.

I recall when you could buy nice Mausers for $75 and Lugers for $100.

Still, a stock Systema has terrible sights and wouldn't make a great shooter. Someday it might be worth a lot more money than it is now. After all, it's basically a pre-war Colt with different markings.