Need help with frame Finish!

Jtboxer · April 19, 2011, 12:58 AM

Bought a colt 1911 officers model Iv series 80. The Finnish is stainless . I didn't know much about the gun because I'm fairly new to the gun world. I thought it was sweet looking. It's my first gun but anyway long story short I completely disasembled it becuase I want to replace all springs and clean every nook n crany and lube everthing. My problem is the frame, it has several scratches that I would Like to get rid of and several rust spots that are visible when you remove the grips. How do I go by removing all of this off the frame without damaging the Finish? I know I can take it to a gunsmith but besides saving money by doing it myself I would like to also gain experience and be more hands on when it comes to my firearm..thanks and feel free to dumb it down a bit becuase like I said I'm fairly new to this hobby .

mete · April 19, 2011, 02:22 AM

"Finnish " ?? It's from Finland ?
Does the gun have a nickel finish [plating] or is it made of stainlaess steel ? Nickel plating may chip or peel and the steel underneath made rust .Stainless steel rarely rusts.
Replacing the springs is probably not necessary.

mapsjanhere · April 19, 2011, 08:39 AM

Remove the surface rust beneath the grips with a green scotch pad and some gun oil. If the scratches on the frame are deep enough to distract they're most likely also deep enough to make polishing impossible. A stainless finish is easy messed up, you're more likely to damage the finish beyond repair than improving the looks by getting the scratches out.
And I agree on the springs, leave them alone until you shot the gun for a couple hundred rounds. If there are functional issues after that you can look into getting different springs, but they are not a routine maintenance item.

Jtboxer · April 19, 2011, 05:03 PM

Thanks guys.. The scratches are not really that deep but there's enough to annoy me.. I forgot to mention that I bought the gun used and it's prob close to 20 years old so that's why I want to replace the springs. It's a sharp looking gun, I just want it to look better.. I'll post a pic later on when I get out of work

Bill DeShivs · April 19, 2011, 05:29 PM

Until we know what finish is on the gun, please don't use Scotchbrite pads on it! They will remove bluing and plating. They are fine for stainless guns.

Jtboxer · April 19, 2011, 07:46 PM

Thanks Bill! It is a stainless steal finish bud. Hey you have some cool looking knives sir!

ClydeFrog · April 22, 2011, 01:08 AM

If the rust or wear is minor, you should be able to clear it up with some Flitz or maybe some Mother's Mag Wheel polish.
For small nicks & scuffs you may want to try some auto body type sandpaper; 800-1000-1200 grade.

For long term service or protection, I'd suggest having the frame re-plated or coated by a respected firm like Robar, APW Cogan, Black T or maybe Bearcoat.com .
See www.Robarguns.com www.Bearcoat.com www.APWcogan.com www.Black-T.com .

Clyde

April 19, 2011, 12:58 AM	#1
Jtboxer Junior Member Join Date: April 19, 2011 Posts: 7	Need help with frame Finish! Bought a colt 1911 officers model Iv series 80. The Finnish is stainless . I didn't know much about the gun because I'm fairly new to the gun world. I thought it was sweet looking. It's my first gun but anyway long story short I completely disasembled it becuase I want to replace all springs and clean every nook n crany and lube everthing. My problem is the frame, it has several scratches that I would Like to get rid of and several rust spots that are visible when you remove the grips. How do I go by removing all of this off the frame without damaging the Finish? I know I can take it to a gunsmith but besides saving money by doing it myself I would like to also gain experience and be more hands on when it comes to my firearm..thanks and feel free to dumb it down a bit becuase like I said I'm fairly new to this hobby . Last edited by Jtboxer; April 19, 2011 at 10:49 AM.

April 19, 2011, 02:22 AM	#2
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	"Finnish " ?? It's from Finland ? Does the gun have a nickel finish [plating] or is it made of stainlaess steel ? Nickel plating may chip or peel and the steel underneath made rust .Stainless steel rarely rusts. Replacing the springs is probably not necessary. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

April 19, 2011, 08:39 AM	#3
mapsjanhere Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 2,832	Remove the surface rust beneath the grips with a green scotch pad and some gun oil. If the scratches on the frame are deep enough to distract they're most likely also deep enough to make polishing impossible. A stainless finish is easy messed up, you're more likely to damage the finish beyond repair than improving the looks by getting the scratches out. And I agree on the springs, leave them alone until you shot the gun for a couple hundred rounds. If there are functional issues after that you can look into getting different springs, but they are not a routine maintenance item. __________________ I used to love being able to hit hard at 1000 yards. As I get older I find hitting a mini ram at 200 yards with the 22 oddly more satisfying.

April 19, 2011, 05:29 PM	#5
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,981	Until we know what finish is on the gun, please don't use Scotchbrite pads on it! They will remove bluing and plating. They are fine for stainless guns. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

April 19, 2011, 07:46 PM	#6
Jtboxer Junior Member Join Date: April 19, 2011 Posts: 7	Thanks Bill! It is a stainless steal finish bud. Hey you have some cool looking knives sir! Last edited by Jtboxer; April 19, 2011 at 08:03 PM.

April 19, 2011, 05:03 PM	#4
Jtboxer Junior Member Join Date: April 19, 2011 Posts: 7	Thanks guys.. The scratches are not really that deep but there's enough to annoy me.. I forgot to mention that I bought the gun used and it's prob close to 20 years old so that's why I want to replace the springs. It's a sharp looking gun, I just want it to look better.. I'll post a pic later on when I get out of work

April 22, 2011, 01:08 AM	#7
ClydeFrog Junior member Join Date: May 1, 2010 Posts: 5,797	Remove rust, re-coat... If the rust or wear is minor, you should be able to clear it up with some Flitz or maybe some Mother's Mag Wheel polish. For small nicks & scuffs you may want to try some auto body type sandpaper; 800-1000-1200 grade. For long term service or protection, I'd suggest having the frame re-plated or coated by a respected firm like Robar, APW Cogan, Black T or maybe Bearcoat.com . See www.Robarguns.com www.Bearcoat.com www.APWcogan.com www.Black-T.com . Clyde