Good chance of picking up a used Tactical model and the photos from the seller show some light wear. Slide release and rail (from flashlight)
This is going to be a shooter and not really a collector… Is it worth it if I keep the original finish or send off to the SA Custom shop for a full black refinish? I also want to upgrade some of the parts to Wilson Combat, just for reliability long term.
Not sure if the SA Custom shop would install someone else’s parts…
Opinions appreciated!
Leave it. If it’s a working gun, honest wear is a plus.
There are people PAYING for “Battleworn” finish. :rolleyes:
Leave it.
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I’d leave it, but I’d be interested in your feed back after the parts upgrade. I own a Range Officer and love it. Had it for a few years now and haven’t upgraded anything. I’ve given it thought though.
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I didn’t think SACS was even around for custom work anymore. I’d only refinish if the parts you want installed warrant it. If its just minor usage wear, I wouldn’t worry at all.
Refinishing is almost always a losing proposition. In safe queens/ collectibles it destroys value, in working guns you are just going to wear it off again. Short of active recurrent rust, leave them be
Yea, I’d leave it be. And to be honest, unless you hate the parts, SA parts are pretty good. I’d wait until they fail unless it’s a duty gun. Wilson and NHC will do work with others parts. And they will do first class job.
Good luck.
PB
Agree, my Colt had sharp edges so I had it defanged which necessitated a refinish. I got it cerokoted and it looked great for a while but now it’s well worn especially near the muzzle. I like the way it looks since it’s all my wear and abuse. But, living in a tropical climate as I do it will rust on the bare spots if not monitored.
The standard Colt parts are solid and have I have experienced zero broken parts. Roughly 10,000 rounds so far. It is not a duty or carry piece.
+1 for “leave it”. Worn park is sexy and makes for a better heirloom. I can spend hours just staring at the wear on my grandfathers Colt.
Leave it, or sell it to me and you can get another 1911 in the way you want it.
I do have a Springfield Mil Spec I would part with…
but to answer everyone, I am going to leave it as is…scratches are very minor. Gun is in great shape overall, trigger seems to have a light creep to it
Haven’t shot it yet…
Post an update with wear pics in a few years once it’s nice and salty.
I am seriously considering a Mil Spec as my next pistol purchase (“need” a parked 1911 to accompany my 1903 and M1).
Did you have issues with yours, or just wanted to upgrade to a RO? I have not kept up on Springfield Armory or 1911s.
Andy
I just found another spot of rust on my well worn Colt. I am seriously thinking about doing a do-it-yourself rattle can paint job. I would send it for a refinish but I have the sights exactly where I want them so… It’s just gotten to point of past cool to look at…transitioning to it’s going to have more rust every time I look at it. I’ll sand it with some ultra fine sandpaper, clean and spray.
Only issue was the mag release that was handled very quickly under warranty… it shot great and the trigger was smooth. They did a nice job on this gun as an entry level pistol. I just recently sold it.
I just wanted to upgrade to the RO with the upgraded sights and skeletonized trigger and hammer. I also wanted a rail
I do know a LGS that has a slightly worn 1911A1 Springfield with rear adjustable sights and colobolo grips. Some slide wear. They want $549 for it. It is not parkerized though
The Mil Spec is a decent parkerized job
Thanks! I had a SA 1911 25+ years ago and have a Colt LW Commander now. I am kind of looking to add a basic 5" 1911.
Andy
Welcome! It’s seems like the newer Mil Specs are harder to come by, but they are a good value for a base gun. I didn’t care for the 3 dot white sights though.
i will PM the local LGS info in case you are looking at that 1911A1… It has that battleworn finish, but the grips are in good condition and the barrel seemed Ok…
Been carrying this RO Elite Champ for two years now.
It has the Black T finish on it, but riding in a Tenicor Certum, and lots of draws has worn it off a tad.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2bmf3hf4iWDpojz9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HH5wMufJobRAAWSu5
Leave it alone, wear it, use it, enjoy it.
+1
I was surprised when I first heard of paying extra for a worn look.
Whatever you decide to do, it’s a very nice gun. Enjoy shooting it
I think parkerizing is a great finish, the mat finish holds oil well and there is no thickness to flake/chip off.
Personally, I’d leave it be and shoot the barrel out of it. If you enjoy the platform, you might want to checker the front and back straps, change things around abit ect. When you have it where you want it then re-parkerize it.