Hard Chrome - Replacing Sights

[Niekamp]

I have a colt 1911 officers model that I would like to have hard chromed and also have night sights installed. I am planning on having tripp research do the hard chrome and trijicon do the night sights.

The question is, do I have it hardchromed and then have the new sights installed or vice versa?

I'm thinking hard chrome then sights.

What do you guys suggest?

 

[Rosco Benson]

If you plan to have a dovetailed front sight, requiring machining of the slide, have the machining done prior to plating the pistol. If you're going to use a stake-on front sight, then it doesn't really matter.

Tripp is an excellent choice for plating. He does exceptional work, with a quick turnaround and fair prices. I highly recommend him!

Rosco

 

[yankytrash]

I'd definitely drop Tripp an email and ask. My biggest fear would be damaging my brand-new hard chrome during sight installation, then having a little battle on your hands on who's going to fix it.

My guess is get the sights, then get the hard chrome. I'm sure Tripp's seen their share of Tritium sights they've had to work around.

 

[4 eyed six shooter]

Unless you are using a very large fine tuning tool (hammer), you should not hurt the hard chrome. As was mentioned in the previous post, be sure to do any machine work if any before sending your slide out for the HC. Use a sight pusher when installing the sights and you will not have any problems. The frame on my .45 is hard chromed and has lasted years without any flaking or damage. It is a very hard finish.
Enjoy your project, John K

 

[Fatelvis]

I noticed on thier website they have prices for chroming pistols with, and without the barrel. Do any of you desire to have the barrel chromed? I know in rifles this generally means less accuracy. Just wondering-

 

[VictorLouis]

Hard-chrome is .............well..........

hard! Point is, its better to have all of your machine work done first. Easier on the gunsmith, and his tools, as well as your gun and its new finish.

 

[CWL]

Fatelvis,

Virgill will not HC the inside of the barrel, just the outside.

 

[Fatelvis]

Ahhh, ok, makes more sense now!

 

[Rob999]

I was wondering the same thing... but this time for a aluminum frame S&W. Can you also hardchrome aluminum? The slide would be fine, but just worried about the frame.

Regards,

 

[M1911]

Another thread hijack -- can you hard chrome a gun with checkering or other patterns on the front strap?