Commander Arrived - 1st 1911 Project Begins

[doc540]

The well-worn Commander arrived today.

OK, so I've been infected with this custom 1911 virus.

I'm putting together (actually my gunsmith friend is) a 9mm Combat Commander to shoot and, sometimes, carry.

It's so worn he said he wouldn't do anything to the trigger. It feels about right.

I have some Ed Brown parts on the way along with Novak geezer sights.

And, props, to this "EGW" company. The gal answering the phone REALLY knows her stuff.

They might be machining a stainless, Commander barrel bushing when they do their usual run Monday.

Here's the "theme" I'm going for, looks-wise:


Bear with a noob, will ya?

[karder]

that sounds like a great project, and you picked the perfect 1911 to tinker with IMO. Let us know how it progresses and good luck.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

PLEASE post pics.

Are you putting a flat black over the hard chrome like in the pic? If so...how?

[doc540]

got my work cut out for me, but that's why it's called a "project", right?

The original plan was to use DuraCoat HK black with stainless hardware

got to clean it up quite a bit before the DuraCoat shoot


The good news is it cycles perfectly and the trigger is worn in right where I hoped it would be. No need for a trigger job since it's clean, crisp and right at 4lbs.

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

How much is a duracoat job?

[doc540]

How much is a duracoat job?

About $25

If you have access to an airbrush rig there's really nothing to it.

I think these two things are the most important:
totally degreased
paint mixed correctly

that's about it

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

whats the durability on one? Will it have to be redone after so long? Will it scratch like paint?

reason for all the questions is I LOVE the look of that gun! I may have to use your idea...if you dont mind?

[doc540]

whats the durability on one? Will it have to be redone after so long? Will it scratch like paint?

reason for all the questions is I LOVE the look of that gun! I may have to use your idea...if you dont mind?

I've had my carry piece, a Colt Agent, done with it for about a year now, and it shows no signs of wear.

Like any finish it will scratch with metal to metal contact, but DuraCoat is super easy to touch up.

And it ain't my idea, so use it all you want.

I've been looking at custom 1911's and since I have some HK Black DuraCoat left over from the Agent job, I thought I'd just use it.

Here's the Agent finish in that HK Black:

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

BEAUTIFUL gun you got there!

[doc540]

thanks...it's been a fun project and took about four or five different guns to get there

[doc540]

prepping for DuraCoat

[mymojo]

Any update on this project?

I have a RIA 4" that I need to get refurb'd and I'm toying with doing it myself. I'd love to see how this one came out!

[RECIT]

Didn't you just finish a 9mm commander project that came out incredibly gorgeous?
Link??? http://texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=32305" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If so then how is this your first go at it?

[Carry-a-Kimber]

Its the same gun/project, just different topics started.