Pistol question

Question
Hi,

I just purchased a Colt 1911 from my good buddy.  Sadly, my buddy does not take very good care of his firearms.  I managed to get most of the rust off of it, but the slide could really use some TLC.  Do you  have any tips or info on how I could refinish the slide (take some of the scratch marks out, polish the metal et).  I'd really like to restore the luster in this firearm.  If you have any tips, or could point me in the right direction it would be appricated.  

Thanks!
-Brandon  

Answer
Brandon,

I'm not sure what your expectations are, or how bad a shape the finish of the gun is in.  Flitz polish will take off rust while leaving the bluing intact if you don't overdue it.

If you need to simply touch up the bluing, any cold bluing will work if you follow the directions.  Birchwood Casey's cold blue is probably the easiest to use, and works well for small touch-ups.

Scratches, if not too deep, can be removed by carefully polishing with 400 to 1000 grit wet/dry paper.  I would not do this free-hand, but would mount the paper to a backing (flat if polishing the flats, or make up a template if polishing the top of the slide).

If you need to do this latter step, then cold bluing is probably out.  There are two things you could try at home. One would be to first remove all the bluing using Birchwood Casey's Rust and Blue Remover.  Then you might try rebluing using a product called Blue Wonder.

This product has mixed reviews, and I suspect those who have had a bad outcome with it have had a firearm on which WD40 has been used (does strange things to the surface of steel and makes bluing very difficult).

If I was finishing the piece myself, I would be inclined to do it with Brownell's Baking Lacquer (original formula) http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1143&title=AEROSOL+B...

I am partial to the matte black, but you might try gloss black.  Just be sure to do the spraying outside.

Rebluing or using baking lacquer will require you to be able to detail strip the firearms, or at least the slide.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this, or don't feel comfortable in your ability to use the products I've mentioned, your best bet would be to take it to a competent gunsmith who regularly finishes guns.  He'll be able to give you options such as a high polish, bead-blast, or a combination thereof.

Good luck to you.