Series 70 Combat Commander in bad shape

[jimsmith]

I 'inherited', for lack of a better term, a series 70 Colt Combat Commander that is in poor shape. The gun originally came with a satin nickel finish, but found its way to being corroded. The frame appears to have been sanded and blued to deal with rust as there is some pitting still obvious in the frame. Every other part on the gun is the original satin nickel and some show signs of neglect.

The internal parts, on the other hand, are in good shape and I can see no reason the gun would not operate properly.

My question, is a gun like this worth trying to refurbish? I don't mind taking on a project, but I would hate to be wasting time.

 

[ljnowell]

Of course it is.

 

[owlhoot]

Odds are that the gun will function just fine. So after you test it, it will do fine for a range gun, HD gun, or carry gun. Refinishing it will not make it perform any better.

So is the gun worth refurbishing? Certainly a Colt is a very desirable gun. If it were mine, I'd send it to a good shop and have it refinished with an admonition not to polish off any of the markings. You can get a satin nickle finish which will be close to the original. A good refinish will run you around $250. I would leave it as it is before I'd consider any of the painted, baked on finishes.

 

[Geno]

Agreed. No removing of any steel or marks. Refinish as best as can be, to help preserve, and keep it. It seems more a matter of sentimental value than financial value. In that sense, I absolutely would consider it worth the time, energy and funds. JMHO.

 

[CDH]

I would also check with Colt directly before letting any aftermarket company do the refinishing.
In fact, if that pistol actually belonged to me, I'd spend the little amount it would take to make it "new" again by sending it to Colt to not only refinish it, but to go through the action and replace any worn or corroded parts.

I just got a stainless Python back from Colt that needed a timing job, and it was less expensive than if I had sent it to a local "professional" gunsmith.

 

[bannockburn]

jimsmith.

Oh most definitely, get it refinished, and if any of the internals need to be replaced (how's the barrel look?), get that done as well. While I've never been a fan of the way the satin nickel finish looked, I don't think I've met a Commander or Combat Commander model I wouldn't want to own. As for refinishing; I think I might opt for some sort of hard chrome plating for superior corrosion protection, and still retain something close to the original silver color of the satin nickel finish.

 

[jimsmith]

Thanks

Thanks to all who replied so far. I like the idea of going straight to Colt and would not have considered that even after the research I have done so far. I have not had to deal with this type of neglect before, but after the reading I have done I can see the worth in bringing her back to life.

 

[bluejdixon]

...and of course, after its refinished and sold... You can buy yourself a glock!

*dodges chairs* ---- Kidding!

 

[jdc1244]

I 'inherited', for lack of a better term, a series 70 Colt Combat Commander

You're a fortunate man - keep and enjoy.