Hard Chroming

[Mick_In_Texas]

Evenin', you fine folks...

I still think about having a Parked and very good 1911A1 hard-chromed. Tripp Research, more than likely... but, my "new" boss at work, said that he handled either a nickel plated or hard chromed 1911 and it was SO heavy... he's not nearly as familiar with the platform as even I am, but I am curious.

This pistol is my "truck gun". The Park OEM is holding up really well, with the required and minimal maintenance/conditioning; but, I think it deserves a different and more reliable finish... I do understand that nickel and hard chroming "add" a layer of "extra" metal to the pistol, but, I never thought it would make a significant difference for a truck or hip gun...

Thoughts? Guidance? You folks here know a lot more about these things than I do...

Y'all take care and be safe.
Mick

[ranburr]

You will never be able to feel a difference. Your boss was probably comparing an all steel gun to an alloy framed model.

ranburr

[Mick_In_Texas]

You will never be able to feel a difference. Your boss was probably comparing an all steel gun to an alloy framed model.

ranburr

He's not real familiar or comfortable with the 1911 platform... he, and a couple of other folks, knowing that is my preferred pistol and carry weapon, are constantly asking me things about these fine firearms.

I appreciate your comments... I doubt even if the hard chrome slightly increased the weight of the particular one, it would deter me, it's a good gun, and my only Parked one (although it's been carried quite a bit in a Galco, and in my truck and is holding up fine); I just think it'd be a fine candidate for my first hard chrome weapon! This is good to know, sir.

You and yours take care and be safe.
Mick

[Pistolier]

Mick,

I have a Colt 70 series in nickel and it doesn't seem to weigh any more that a parked SA GI I have both are Government models and I thing the Colt even fells lighter.

Roy

[Mick_In_Texas]

Mick,

I have a Colt 70 series in nickel and it doesn't seem to weigh any more that a parked SA GI I have both are Government models and I thing the Colt even fells lighter.

Roy

Good to know, sir. I think my boss was referring to nickel plate vs. hard chroming; either way... and I kinda like nickel plating, too, it's a traditional finish dating back to the late 1800s in America... either way, sounds like there is no real noticeable difference. I would ALSO like to have my Ruger P90 re-re-finished, eventually... it's been polymered from ss/aluminum already. I don't carry or fire it much, since I fell in love with our beloved 1911 platforms, but it is nonetheless a good arm. Little too bulky-feeling nowadays, I've shot the 1911 so much in the last 3 years...

Mine are all Government models--5" slide/barrels--as well. That does make a difference. Colts, now, they just FEEL different than my 2 SAs and my RIA (the one I'm thinking of either hard chroming or nickel plating). They ALL feel REAL GOOD, even the weight when they're fully-loaded, either hand or on my hip, though... I LIKE a solid metal gun. Don't have any combo metal/polymers... that's fine for folks who like 'em. Me, I like solid steel or steel and metal (P90); and I especially like my solid steel 1911s! Like you say, and ranburr, on our favorite platform, a couple of extra ounces, really doesn't matter... LoL... Hey, it's all good, and some finishes are better for constant carry than others.

Thanks, y'all. Y'all take care and be safe.
Mick

[Pistolier]

Mick,

One thing I would say if you are going to use the gun in your truck I think I would go with the hard chrome. I bought my 70 series just because that was what it is, a 30 year old gun and the bright nickel looks really nice, but it is real soft and will scratch and show user marks that hard chrome will not. If I were going to carry the gun I would go hard chrome and save the nickel for show. :D

[Hill]

I'd agree with Pistolier - hard chrome is HARD, like you may never be able to wear the gun out and the finish will stay good pretty much no matter what you do to the gun. If you talk to a refinisher you might want to ask if the matte finish that's usually seen with hard chrome is controlled by the underlying metal finish. Is it possible to have a hard chrome finish that's as smooth and glossy as nickle usually appears?

I've been wondering if black chrome is essentially the same as the usual hard chrome. If it's as tough then it would be an interesting alternative.

[handgun921]

Hill,
I'm with you, it would like great on a 1911. Black chrome with s/s parts and pearl grips. now that would be a REAL Pimp gun. But, where do you get your weapon black chromed?
Handgun921

[Farnorth]

Mick, I can tell you that that hardchrome finish is pretty tough and pretty to. Had it (hardchrome finish) on a Wild West Guns Co-pilot take down in 45-70 and it looked the same after five years as it did the first day. It made many trips in the boats, four wheelers and snow machines over the years with no visable wear at all. I know it's not a 1911 story, but would imagine it would wear like iron and be the perfect finish for a truck gun. Greg

[Mick_In_Texas]

Seems then that the hard chrome IS good, as I suspected... Did some research for y'all tonight; can't find any firearms refinishers, except maybe Springfield Armory's custom shop, that do "Black Chrome". Over the years, for regular hard chrome, silvery, Tripp Research seems to come with the most recommendations--and they're out in southwest Texas, Alpine.

I do think "Black Chrome" would be BEAUTIFUL on a good 1911... but, for me, a civilian with a license to carry in Texas, a "shiny gun" isn't really a prob, 'cause we have to carry concealed. Military and LEOs, it can be a prob in confrontations: can create a POA for the "bad guys or girls"...

handgun921, hee hee, speaking of pimp specials... I'm a grip pimp, if not yet finish pimp, here's my SA Mil-Spec in ss:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/Mick_In_Texas/Firearms/9d2d6717.jpg
Similar to a "shiny" hard chrome on the RIA... It's a semi-pimp pistol, I know, but it's also my primary carry arm. It WORKS. Every time.

Thanks to you folks, I think I'm going to consider hard chrome for at least my RIA truck gun... if not my Colt's O1991, although that Colt's OEM bluing is SO PRETTY, and solid...

Y'all all take care and have a good weekend.
Mick

[handgun921]

Mick in Texas,
I'm a grip pimp too, my wife says i change grips on my 1911's like some people change their socks. it least we know that our guns look good to us, and thats all that matters.
Handgun921

[Mick_In_Texas]

Mick in Texas,
I'm a grip pimp too, my wife says i change grips on my 1911's like some people change their socks. it least we know that our guns look good to us, and thats all that matters.
Handgun921

A fine, reliable pistol or revolver... a good finish... and a beautiful set of special grips, sir! It doesn't get any better than THAT, IMHO. The Springer ss and my USGI (original military stocks from 1918) pretty much are set in stone... my other 5??? I have a whole box of stocks for my 1911s... you nailed it, sir.

You and yours take care and be safe!
Mick