[weshowe]

Gents,

Those who know me from this forum realize that I am a unabashed follower of Colt's Combat Commander and Commander. MY stainless MKIV Series 80 has been customized, is reliable in the extreme, and may be (for me) THE perfect pistol.
However, as of late I've been pondering getting a blue/black Commander for carry...nowadays a spendy proposition. So, rather than get a new pistol I'm considering sending my trusted companion out for a black/dark finish. That should save a few bucks, as well.
I'm considering Birdsong's Black-T. Ford's offers a "black chrome" specifically for stainless. Do any of you have recommendations for finishes to apply over stainless?
Enquiring minds. Don't ask why I want to do this now after carrying the pistol for over a decade. Guess I want the benefits of stainless with a dark finish.

Wes

 

[twoguns]

Howdy Mr. Wes,

The first pistol I ever sent to Mr. Walter Birdsong to have his Black-T applied to was a P226 that I had already had refinished in Metalife. We discussed the fact that I did not want to risk having the existing finish removed. He knew of a couple of weapons that when they arrived at his shop were rusted.

So we agreed he would apply his finish over the Metalife. I could not have been happier with the results. Even while using a ballistic nylon drop leg holster (Eagle), knowing this type of material was rough on his finish, I never saw any signs of wear at all.

That is the only first hand experience I can offer you sir. I realize Metalife is not stainless, but it was the closest aftermarket finish I could find to stainless at that point in time.

Hope this at least helps some.

twoguns

 

[abninftr]

I own a gun with a Black T finish and love it. I've seen a gun with 'black chrome' and hated it.

That's my opinion. I'll say no more.

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hello Wes,

Mr. twoguns and abninftr have personal experiences with the Black T finish and I just plain prefer blue Colt Commanders. I've owned one and sold it.

Then bought another (heh, heh) and just seeing that deep blue Colt bluing to me is like owning a '56 Thunderbird convertable. It's just plain Old School class.

Best,

Chris

 

[lelandray]

Black T will adhere to virtually any metal. A friend of mine had a long barreled M657 S&W that was too shiny for hunting, so we ran it up to Walter's, and when it came back it looked GREAT.

And then you could do a two-tone, leaving the frame in stainless and doing the slide and other parts (trigger, hammer, etc.) in Black T. Walter Birdsong is a friend of mine, so maybe I'm prejudiced, but I don't think I know anyone who's more knowledgeable about the M1911, as well as being a true innovator in the application of low maintenance finishes.

I think you have the same Commander I have, Wes, and I haven't seen too many of those, but when mine gets a bit more scratched up, I might get it refinished. There is the thing about that laser engraved monogram, however, and I'd hate to lose it.

PS: You could refinish at least a half a dozen Commanders for the price of a new one. :

PSS: This is what a seriously beaten up, formerly satin chrome Series 70 Commander looks like after leaving Walter's shop.

 

[BarryinIN]

I'm pretty sure that stainless steel can be Melonite treated. I had a HiPower Melonited and posted my findings on this forum somewhere.
Short version: I like it.

 

[twoguns]

Howdy Mr. LelandRay,

Thanks for sharing your pic with us sir. I personally think that is one classy looking Commander you have. All business but now with a finish that will stand up to things much better.

I am going to have to get some pistols over to Mr. Walter before too long. I miss not having a carry gun with his finish on them. Maybe I will have him do a pair for me.

twoguns