gunsmith for possible project

[KimoBBZ]

I have an Remington Rand 1911 pistol in rough shape, looks like it might've had a stress fracture and was welded/repaired. I don't know it's history, neither did the previous owner... other to say that it's a shooter.

I've put 100 or so light hand loads through her with no problems. I've always been a little wary because of the weld, not sure it it was done right, etc.

I picked up a few complete series 70 Commander slides back in 2006, and had an ephiphany that I might make a project gun, IF the frame could be trusted. This is going to be a SHOOTER, but I'd still like it to look good.

So what my aim is:

1. Have a gunsmith give the frame a good once over, and give me some sort of OK that it's viable. Repair/replace the dustcover as needed, install updated lower parts throughout, and refinish in Satin/matte Nickel or something similar.

2. Check the Commander slide for fit/reliability, install new sights, and fit to the repaired frame. Considering a re-bluing of this slide.

Here's some pics... 1st of the original Remington Rand, then of the Commander slide slid on... I can SEE the possibilities. Please shoot me some 1911 gunsmith's that might take this on? I don't expect it to be cheap... but I can't spend 5k on this either.

http://www.goquip.org/images/weapon/rand_left_500.jpghttp://www.goquip.org/images/weapon/rand_colt.jpg

[El Gato]

Looks like someone cut off the dust cover and then welded some steel to kinda duplicate a dust cover...
It might be cheaper and maybe better to just order a Caspian frame to duplicate the Rem/rand and then swap all of the parts over to the new frame and have the gunsmith make sure everything fits properly... then have everything park'd to match and you would have a great gun of WW heritage and could shoot it to your hearts content...
Just a thought...

http://www.caspianarms.com/RC.php

[SharonAnne]

rub a marker on the top of the dust cover on both sides. run the slide back and forth to see if it rubs the marker off. if it does it needs to be relieved or the dust cover will crack again.
considering how bhutt hugly it is, why bother. keep the old 5" top end and shoot it.


Blessed Be

SharonAnne

[KimoBBZ]

...order a Caspian frame...

Big whooptie I forgot to mention, as my location notes, I'm in the heavily restricted state of CALIFORNIA. Caspian isn't on "the list" of approved handguns to purchase new. :(

[KimoBBZ]

rub a marker on the top of the dust cover on both sides. run the slide back and forth to see if it rubs the marker off. if it does it needs to be relieved or the dust cover will crack again.
Nice... coming back fine, just about all of the ink is there!

...considering how bhutt hugly it is, why bother. keep the old 5" top end and shoot it.


Blessed Be

SharonAnne

Yes, well this is the point. As it's difficult to impossible to come across frames only in CA, I need to make the most of this one, even as (and I agree) "bhutt hugly" as it is. If the frame is salvageable and SAFE to use, I'd spend to have it refinished ($80 here for a frame only: http://www.ccrrefinishing.com/hg.htm) Not sure what a good blued job for the Colt Commander slide might be, I'm guessing from Colt maybe $200?

Heck, I'd do the Brownells route and replace all the parts myself, BUT the ONE thing I can't do is evaluate the frame (test/check the welds) and repair/replace the dustcover if needed - and certify that it's good to go.

If the frame can't be salvaged, then I guess I could go out and buy the least expensive 1911 pistol I can get my hands on new, like a Armscor RIA or High Standard and use that frame as the basis for doing the Commander conversion.

[El Gato]

I believe you can do a replacement frame by sending your original frame to the manufacturer and they will destroy it and replace what you had... Since Rem/rand is no longer in business.....

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/contact.php

You might want to call them and see what can be done...

commiserating in California

[SharonAnne]

ah yes, California. my condolences. In that case, by all means, salvage what you can. The replacement frame as suggested may be the way to do.

Blessed Be

SharonAnne

[KimoBBZ]

...I believe you can do a replacement frame by sending your original frame to the manufacturer and they will destroy it and replace what you had... Since Rem/rand is no longer in business.....

REALLY?? :eb: I'll drop the DOJ a line right now!

Thanks for the TIP!

BTW: Please shoot any gunsmiths my way still... just in case?

[pdangeruss]

Big whooptie I forgot to mention, as my location notes, I'm in the heavily restricted state of CALIFORNIA. Caspian isn't on "the list" of approved handguns to purchase new. :(

If the family situation permits, I think a parent, child, grandparent situated elsewhere can make you a gift of something (otherwise legal) not on the this list. Check it out. I'm sure a birthday is imminent and Christmas is just around the corner! :o That way you could safely maintain as much of the rem. rand as possible and have a nice shooter.

You can also check out the blueprints in the tech. section of this site and measure the frame's spec's and tolerances. That would tell you if the frame repair was done correctly, then IMHO a visit to the "smiff" to see if the weld was adequate for the task = "good to go".

You could also check out this m1911.org sponsors website:
http://www.gunsmiths.com/?mc_ID=200000

[toolman]

I've been told, or at least seen it here on the forum, that EGW does tig welding on frames, slides, etc. Perhaps they could help.

[alphaquest]

it would seem like the longer dust cover was welded on to accomodate a longslide project at some time. just a guess...

i vote for a new replacement frame (if you can somehow get one). worry free and happy in the long run!

[KimoBBZ]

I've been told, or at least seen it here on the forum, that EGW does tig welding on frames, slides, etc. Perhaps they could help.
They offer this service on their web site, among other "welding" services:

"Repair cracked dust cover (per side) $40.00"

This sounds like a really good lead and I've dropped them an e-mail to see if they can help. REALLY GREAT tip - thank toolman!! Will keep you posted on progress. Keep 'em coming though, until I get a "hit".

Thanks all!!

[SharonAnne]

if anyone can turn that mess into a usable pistol frame it will be EGW. IF you turn them loose they WILL amaze you.

[KimoBBZ]

I'm baaaaaack. <tippy toeing>

Ok... got a voicemail from the DOJ asking for the serial number of the piece, said they would "research" the issue and get back to me.

Got an e-mail from Bruce Gray saying it sounds interesting, and he will get back to me next week.

Sent EGW an e-mail via their web site... <crickets> :confused: Will give them a CALL on Monday, some places deal better over the phone.

Any other 'smiths might be willing to take a look?

[twin oaks]

As far as checking the quality of the weld, you might check into some of your local machine shops. Automotive machine shops sometimes have the gear to magnaflux parts (particularly heads) to locate cracks. They may, for a reasonable fee, be able to check the dustcover weld for you. However, I'd think you'd want to call first, and show up with only the fully stripped receiver.

[KimoBBZ]

...Automotive machine shops sometimes have the gear to magnaflux parts (particularly heads) to locate cracks. ...

Now THAT is thinking outside the box... never would've crossed my mind. Makes total sense though. Appreciate the tip!

[KimoBBZ]

An dht ewinner is.... EGW. Kudos to toolman for the original advice, looks like they seem to be the most willing to attack the work.

Upon closer examination of the photos, they are guessing that the "dustcover" is a piece of PIPE and should be cut completely off, replacing it with one off a demilled frame. Also mentioned "shortening the rails" for a commander slide.

Which brings me to another question... new post coming...

Thanks all, and I will be sure to post progress & completion pictures as available.

:)

[toolman]

Pipe??? :confused: :scared:

Who in their right mind would ever weld a piece of pipe onto their 1911 frame?

Never mind! Don't answer that question. Just send it to EGW, and quick!

[SharonAnne]

no one! no one in their right mind. but then we know many are not there.