This is my baby totally finished and complete. I bead blasted everything back to matte finish except the new extended controls and safeties I bought in stainless, they were already polished. I left the receiver totally matte, (after fitting a new stainless plunger tube,) and then on the slide I polished only the sides. These photos also show the rear sight I made, (didn't like the dinky stock one,) the new grips I bought and restained in a lighter color, and the new trigger I installed.
When I was done, I was very happy with the gun as it looked really nice and shot very well, but it didn't look unique, other than the homemade rear sight. So to give her a little uniqueness I milled a see through portal on the sides of the slide and then polished the barrel a little so you could see it from the sides. Oh yeah, these photos also show the one piece guide rod I made out of an old motorcycle axle on the lathe, and the spring guide bushing part I whittled out as well.
Is this the best 1911 I could have bought for under a grand? Maybe not for accuracy, if I bought a used LB or WC or EB from someone for that much. Is she worth much money as a collector piece being a springfield GI model? Heck no. But was this project educational, fulfilling, enjoyable, and worth every single moment and penny spent? HECK YEAH!!!!! This gun ain't fancy in the eyes of some, but she's my baby, I spent hours upon hours caressing her with my hands, and my eyes, and my good intentions for hours upon days and weeks. There's prettier girls in this world, but Sally....... well she's all mine. If you fellows come to shoot at my club I'll let you dance with her, but she will never, ever be sold for any amount, because at the end of the day she's going home with me. Forever. Shoot safe and may our father bless and keep you.