How to turn a $1000 gun into a $50 gun.

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If welding it up and reshaping the front strap isn't an option, I believe that front stap could be salvaged by liberally slathering the front strap with accraglas or similar product so as to fill in the cuts. Reshape, then refinish the frame with one of the spray-on products..
 
The unevenness of the checkering is bad enough, but the vertical gouges extending beyond the border are truly egregious. :mad:

I make minor repairs on my guns, but draw the line at anything that requires removing or displacing metal. And I am a mechanic by trade. ;)
 
Lots of Smart-As, one right answer from farscott. EGW will charge $175 for a new frontstrap. They can also weld up the horns and properly fit a better looking beavertail, that would be easier than trying to bring it back to Colt shape.
 
For 50 ya stole it! MAtter of fact it may be stolen:eek: Ya might wanna check... Hope ya got a reciept.

Pachmeyer or hougue wrap arounds would work :neener:

I would see if ya could have someone even up the checkering instead of negating it or maybe even "stipple it" - that may be worth a shot especially if ya want to cut it off and redo anyhow.

I would get it runnin and see what ya really have first though.
 
It is a little consolation that it isn't a "real" ACE.
Click to expand...

Jim, how do you know? I don't own one so I cannot tell just from memory. Is it an ACE upper on a GI lower?


Being one of those home brew gunsmiths who likes to do their own thang, I can sure relate to a fubar'd job like that... fortunately mine have all been in wood or on something that is not ruined, like a perfectly good frame! Yikes :eek:

Seiko you might be better off redoing all the fitting yourself, welding up the front strap and rebluing the lower yourself. I can't tell from just the pic, but that checkering looks awfully deep to me. And is it rusting in there already??? sure looks like it.
 
No the guns not stolen, I ran it through the police department before buying it.

Markbo,
Yep thats rust. I got a ton of 1911's so bought it for the upper. But would be nice to save the frame. Going to spend a little time messing with it before I resort to welding, but honestly thats what its going to take.

Its a real ACE. Serial Number SM18000 something (don't have it right in front of me) Think Jim Keenan is referring to the fact that its not a Pre War ACE. If it were a pre war it would have been a $4000 gun not a $1000 gun :)

Thylacine, yeah Ive had the entire gun apart why?
 
For $50 that was a pretty good deal. Looks rough now, but I think with a little time and effort this can be saved.
The suggestion of Pachmayer grips is a quick fix till you can get to EGW (great people).
Or, as suggested, pick up another frame and practice.
And as someone has already said, I will give you $75 and pay postage!!
:evil:
 
Man that looks like a great deal.

I'm a home smith...but I know my limits

If I had that I'd probably fill the checkering with silver solder, file it all nice and flat, fix the beavertail's hangup, and refinish with a bake on finish like gun kote or moly resin.
 
LOL mighty putty
Ill use that the next time I tow my trailer and forget the hitch too :D
 
That's sad to see such a nice gun raped like that. However, that looks WAY better than a picture I saw of a revolver a while back. I think it was something like a S&W revolver with a pink frame and a red grip, all looking like a bad spray paint job. Compared to that, this looks AWESOME!
 
I would check out some metal-specific epoxies, I'd imagine they would work well for this application.

I've seen metal-filled epoxy used to fill a hole in metal... the cured epoxy was then drilled and tapped and an eye bolt was screwed into it and supported a fair load without issue. Recoil, especially from the .22, shouldn't even phase it... It'd be worth a shot- even if it doesn't work out, you'd be no worse off then you are now.
 
Frontstrap options are:

1. Live with it.

2. Attempt to correct the checkering.

3. Fill the checkering and refinish. Fillers include epoxies and silver solder.

4. Cover the front strap. Covers include wrap around grips, skateboard tape, and this item.

Other'n that, you got a smokin' deal!
 
The problem with epoxies is if you want to refinish with a bake on finish.

Think ahead before picking a filler. Epoxy is easy to work with, but if you want to use a bake on finish then the epoxy may soften during the baking process and lease you with a funky surface.

It kinda sucks...whatever you do to fill the front strap leaves you with only spray on refinishing options.
 
Personally Id get the right shape of checkering files and Ill bet your could make it pretty decent.........not smokin nice but pretty decent.

Personally Ive done worse................there you have it!


Shoot well and god bless
 
its still a deal for 50 bucks. want to sell that 22 upper ??
just send me pm.
 
You got a great deal

Covering the checkering with skateboard tape has already been mentioned, but it's a lot cheaper than having the frame welded. Reinstalling the beavertail correctly is easy enough, and you don't have to worry about hurting the value by damaging the finish.

I'd get it functioning correctly and fitted, have it parked or amory-koted and consider myself lucky to own a such a fine .22 cal 1911 for $50.00.

You didn't do the damage, you're just the lucky guy who benefited.
 
ASM826 I'm with you, as far as the OP giving everyone a lecture I'd say get it fixed and get off your highhorse, send it to a gunsmith who will help with it to get it shooting. You got it for 50 dollars :eek: I mean what a deal.

HQ
 
It is a Rube Goldberg fix, but what about buying one of those checkered frontstraps from Wilson and epoxying or silver soldering it over that checkering?

I'm sure you know the one to which I refer, it is a super thin piece of, well, sheetmetal that is the upscale version of skateboard tape. I imagine Wilson still makes 'em!

Oops, I see Xavierbreath beat me to it. Butit is a very effective fix, none the less.
 
Take it to a real gunsmith and have him redo. Be greatful for the home brew gunsmith he just saved you $950!
 
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