Removing Nickel Plate from Colt 1911A1

[texasoldiron]

I have a chance to trade into cheap, a 1920's 1911A1 Colt Goverment model, that was nickel plated many years ago. It looks like it may have a copper clad finish under the nickel plate. How do I go about removing the nickel plate, with the idea of putting the original style bluing back on it? I have a fellow that can do the same kind of bluing process that Colt used back then. Thanks.

[pdoppenheim]

Copper is plated to the steel as a binder between the gun and the nickel. I'd try Tripp or one of the other highquality refinishers about getting it off. I have heard of sandblasting but only in connection with going to a hard chrome finish. I imagine Gen III or Armor Tough would be OK, but I would check first.

[Pappy]

I have a chance to trade into cheap, a 1920's 1911A1 Colt Goverment model, that was nickel plated many years ago. It looks like it may have a copper clad finish under the nickel plate. How do I go about removing the nickel plate, with the idea of putting the original style bluing back on it? I have a fellow that can do the same kind of bluing process that Colt used back then. Thanks.

The process that plates the nickel on can be reversed. Look at this info:

http://caswellplating.com/kits/metalx.html

http://forum.caswellplating.com/showthread.php?t=156

Hope this helps...Pappy

[Chesster]

George Roghaar has stripped some of these finishes and restored for me.

http://www.gunblue.homestead.com/ (http://)

[texasoldiron]

Thanks to all that answered this post. I am looking into the best way to proceed.