Expected cost for rebuild?

[Bandito]

I'm looking for opinions on around what it might cost to refinish this pistol. I will be taking it to a gunsmith this week so I will have a good idea but would like some opinions as well on what I am doing. I shot it this weekend and shoots fine other than ejecting brass straight up. I want the finish redone to be blued or a nice black finish. A long, solid trigger. Not sure what other parts might need replaced yet. Probably a new barrel and bushing. New sights. And lastly, I would like to have the markings re-engraved if they are too faint after the finish is removed. What do you guys think. Is $1000 too short a budget?
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCF1201.jpg
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k5/Pasteechef/DSCF1199.jpg

[Hunter]

Can you tell if it has the original finish? Is the pistol original? Do you know the date of manufacture?
You may ruin the value of a collector's item by changing anything.

[Bandito]

Thanks for the reply, Hunter. I posted pics in the Colt section a couple of weeks ago and the consensus seemed to be that it was not the original finish and mostly non-original parts. I wish it was! The frame and slide are original and per proofhouse, it was built in 1945. I really would like to restore it close to what it would have looked like from the factory.

[Hunter]

I am sorry Bandito I missed that thread.
In that case I think you would be doing good to restore that old Colt.
I would think you should be able to get all that done and then some for $1000.
I had a Colt Government Model reblued for less than $300 (along with a little other work) but the local gunsmith.
Please be sure to post pictures of the finished product.

[Bandito]

No apologies necessary, Hunter. You were just looking out for the best interest of an old pistol. I was thinking a $1000 due to parts that might need replacement: Pins, springs, ignition parts, etc.

[sevenL4]

Look around for a firearms restoration specialist. You could mail them the slide to get an estimate if the frame and slide are in the same condition. It would only cost a couple of bucks to mail the slide and you would have none of the shipping headaches of sending a complete firearm until you make your final decision.

[Bandito]

Excellent idea sevenL4. I found one online. I believe I have seen his name on the boards before but Bill Adair's work looks incredible. Just what I am looking for. Anyone here use him before?

[Hunter]

OD has used Bill Adair and I have seen the before and after pictures, top quality restoration.
I am not sure how backed up Bill Adair is but it would be worth looking into.
I imaging OD could help you more.