Original Kimber Custom Classic. Need an opinion on re-finsihing

[whatnickname]

I've got the very first model that Kimber came out with...the Custom Classic. If memory sevres I bought the pistol in either 1996 or 1997. The pistol is marked " Clackamas, Oregon". It has been excellent and shoots into one hole. The only problem is the black oxide finish. It's pretty soft and is starting to show some signs of accelerated wear. As this is being written the pistol is still in about 98% condition but I can see where I'm going with the finish. My delimma is whether or not to have the pistol hard chromed. I'm not a big proponent of altering the manufacturer's finish on any firearm, as this pretty much destroys any collector value the weapon might have at some future date. So here's my question: Will this pistol ever enjoy any collector's value or should I just go ahead and and have a nice, durable hard chrome finish applied? I do have other 1911s so I could retire this pistol for the collector's value and use one of the others. Help me out here guys. What do you think?

 

[schmeky]

whatnickname,

I have an early model Custom Classic, but it's a "Yonkers" Kimber. Like you, I hesitated on a refinish, but if you've already got a lot of rounds down the tube, there's not a whole lot of collector value. Granted, the Clackamas Kimbers are more sought after, but if you plan on continuing to shoot it, I'd refinish. I did mine.

Had my frame hard chromed and the slide finished in Walter Birdsong's Black T. In my opinion, It's a knocked out gorgeous gun. The HC is satin and looks exactly like brushed stainless. The Black T has very faint glimmers of red and blue subtle hues in the right light. Every time I take it out of the soft case, people comment on this pistol.

I need to post a pic. I say refinish it.

Oh BTW, mine, after thousands and thousands of rounds, is glass smooth, and I shot a 1.5" 25 yard group with it last week. Fantastic weapon.

 

[Rinspeed]

There are only 7000 of them so I wouldn't refinish it.

 

[kentucky_smith]

My take: There are a lot of people looking for the Clack marked pistols, even though none were made in Oregon. I had one the slide plummed that wouldn't sell in the gunstore for 6 months. Shot it a little, great gun, very accurate, but no more so than my Custom II even with the Schwartz safety. I resold it for a $500 profit and bought something else that I appreciate more. Sell it for a premium and buy an equally nice shooter you'll enjoy more.

 

[Ken Rainey]

I say leave it as is...even if you still shoot it, as long as it's just got honest wear on it, it'll still bring a better price than one that has been refinished....you can look around and find another early model Yonker's Kimber to finish to suit you and then you'd always have your Clackamas Kimber as a backup..

 

[whatnickname]

Thanks guys

I think I'll leave well enough alone...stick the pistol in the safe and blast away with my Eclipse II or my CDP or my pro-carry SLE or...

 

[Kruzr]

Consider that a Clack Classic Custom just went for $1100 on Gunbroker last month. There are 3 for sale on AZ Shooters forum for $1000 each. These guns sold for $625 list price when new. Most people paid under $600.

I would keep it as is.

 

[whatnickname]

Kruzr

Wow...I just haven't paid much attention to what these were going for on the auction sites. And you're right...I believe the price on mine was $600.00 out the door. That's good info...Thanks!