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View Full Version : Project Finished- Thanks to All.

wakani
6th July 2006, 13:55
This should be filed under "Never tell a Navy Master Chief it cannot be done".

Hurricane Ivan destroyed house and dumped this 1911 out onto the Pensacola Beach where it languished for 18 months, protected only by the MFGR's plastic case. Made it's way to the Sheriff and he returned to me - THANKS SHERIFF AND CREW.

I took it to three local (DC Suburbs) gun shops with "gunsmiths", all three said "No can do - throw that 1911 in the trash". Sent it back to the manufacturer - told them it had sentimental value; cost to repair not a consideration. They said it was "impossible" to restore the gun.

Sooo... I joined 1911 Forums, read a lot, asked questions and put this bad boy back together. I replaced: the slide, the barrel, tritium sights, thumb safety, MSH and all springs. 500 rounds at range and sent it to be refinished. Here it is back again. Thanks to all for your help.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g271/wakani/gun2.jpg
Hawkmoon
6th July 2006, 14:10
Which famous baseball manager was it who was quoted as saying, "It ain't over 'til it's over"? Your pistol is a perfect example. I'm sure you're glad you didn't listen to the "experts" and toss it.

And kudos to the sherrif's department for getting it back to you after the storm.
jaybo292
6th July 2006, 15:23
Nice job. Lucky you got it back after the Hurricane.

Jay
John
6th July 2006, 16:31
Darn nice one! Congratulation for salvaging it.
Ash
6th July 2006, 16:54
would love to see some "before" pics... im a newb to this forum so I havent seen them.

congratulations on a job well done!
garrettwc
6th July 2006, 18:07
This should be filed under "Never tell a Navy Master Chief it cannot be done".

That's what they call "motivation".

Congrats on a successful salvage operation. Looks good.
bearboy
6th July 2006, 19:12
I love to see someone have the determination to turn "junk" into something servicable. You are to be congratulated for saving your pistol.Makes you think maybe this is why John Brownings submission won the trials that adopted the 1911.
wakani
6th July 2006, 19:51
Will post photo of the slide tomorrow. The piece was well lubricated in storage to which I attribute the incredible condition it's innards were in, considering 18 months out in the weather, including a good soaking in salt water. Carbon steel slide was shot, SS barrel was not bad, few pits, considering. All internal parts cleaned up like new, except sear spring. MSH was pretty bad shape. Frame buffed up fine. When it was lost it was only two years old with about 300 rounds down range.

Kudos go to the forum at large, without your help and encouragement I probably would have not been able/or had the courage to undertake the challenge.

Amazing the MFGRs take on the subject. Had I been in their shoes, I would have gloated over how great that piece survived in that environment and in a New York second returned the weapon to a like new condition and would have turned that into a Madison Avenue commercial. Go figure.

Thanks again. I owe you guys!
Ash
6th July 2006, 19:58
what did the gun begin life as?
Hersh
6th July 2006, 20:41
Out-freakin-standing Master Chief!
CleanSeries80
6th July 2006, 20:47
beautiful save!
Joni Lynn
6th July 2006, 21:31
Sometimes being told something isn't possible is what inspires success. It looks great!
scooter
7th July 2006, 00:29
Is it just the angle of the pic. or is it a long slide ressurection(6" bbl.??)http://forum.m1911.org/images/icons/icon5.gif