stainless 1911s are ugly
 

but i bought this SA loaded model because i got it for CHEAP! literally. new they were on the dealers shelves for $649. i got this one dirty (slightly used) for $400 out the door.

can i do anything to get it blued? i know that you cant 'blue' or 'parkerize' stainless but ive got to do something with this poor gun so it can come out of the safe and digest some rounds...

should i just sell it and put the money towards a REAL gun (just kidding you guys...)

david

get it beadblasted - an inexpensive / no-fuss finish :D

http://home.earthlink.net/~tlinderma...s/P1020644.jpg

http://home.earthlink.net/~tlinderma...s/P1020645.jpg

I've got blued and stainless guns and although my bullseye guns are all carbon steel blued guns (Easier to tighten up), I know many who like a stainless or chromed look. Ugly? Hey I guess it's a matter of taste. But a bunch of stainless guns just got their feelings hurt.

Well, the SA stainless 1911's are ugly, there is no denying that. I can't quite put my finger on what makes them so unattractive, but I think a good bead blasting will do wonders for them.

(maybe it's the fwd slide serrations?)

agreed - I could do without the front cocking serrations

Ya, I just don't seem to like the look of stainless SA guns even at $400 ;) A well done stainless Colt on the other hand I am kinda partial too.

http://standingwave.org/albums/best-.../aci.sized.jpg

http://standingwave.org/albums/best-.../ach.sized.jpg

http://standingwave.org/albums/best-.../acr.sized.jpg

Yep, I think you nailed it. The second photo above is exceptionally outstanding, maybe because of the highlights on the slide flats.

I don't think the huge SA rollmarks really help matters much either.

I agree with the "all stainless" look being an issue. In years past, two-tone (hard chrome frame/blued slide) was popular simply because the dark slide (matte top surface) served a function of reduced glare for improved shooting, with hard chrome on the frame for optimum smoothness and durability.

To eliminate the look issue and improve the sight picture, I sent my SS Kimber back for a matte Kim-pro finish on the slide and am quite satisified with it.

It's interesting to note the two-tone 1911's are usually found on the high-end or special edition guns for both beauty and functionality.

O.K I'll tell you that the only stainless gun I have right now happens to be a Colt Govt series 80 so maybe that's why I don't have anything negative to say about the stainless issue. For what it's worth we should realize that many after market protective finishes "Whiten up" guns. Yea I prefer a blued gun for the usual reasons but I know lots of folks who like the stainless look.

I happen to like stainless guns.

http://www.louderthanwords.us/smallf...0883889532.jpg

This is a matching pair of 1* pistols (one blue and one stainless) that I built on NRM Colts for a recent customer.