Lousy finish

[loglat]

I'm wondering how big of a pickle I could get myself into...

Someone on another site has offered to sell me their Kimber Ultra Tactical II for what will probably be a good deal. It seems like a nice gun, and it definately looks good, but from what I understand, that wont last. He's selling his because the finish has worn more than it should for no more than he's used it, and I've heard others describe it as 'almost wiping off'.

I havent gotten any estimates to have any refinishing done, but worst case scenario, lets say I buy the gun and buy her a new paint job, maybe duracoat, probably similar colors. What can I expect to pay for someone (professional) to finish stripping the original (i assume that's necessary), and slapping some duracoat or something on it?

Is it even worth my trouble, or should I just find another gun, model, brand altogether?

[Joni Lynn]

Welcome to the forum.
If the finish is that bad, I'd want to buy it cheap enough that having some other finish applied and shipping would still be less than a new one.
I doubt it will be sold that cheaply though.
Make a couple calls to the people that refinish 1911's and you'll get an idea of cost.
Probably $60 to $80 just in shipping.
That being said, unless you want it so you can apply a shake 'n bake finish I'd pass.

[loglat]

I was just clicking around trying to get some prices, and found a place probably fifteen minutes from where I live that will duracoat the slide for $45 and the frame for $50. With them being that close, I should be able to pick it up and drop it off and not have to worry about paying a dime for shipping :appld:

[Tom]

Factor that cost into the price of the gun. If the guy is willing to sell the gun for a fair value, minus the cost of the refinishing, then it might be worth it.

Have you any idea, though, on how well the gun functions? I'll take an ugly gun that works 100% over a pretty one that has true, physical issues. In the long run, those issues will end up costing more than a refinish job.

[Joni Lynn]

If the gun functions 100% then you may have come upon a good deal. Congrats.

[loglat]

Factor that cost into the price of the gun. If the guy is willing to sell the gun for a fair value, minus the cost of the refinishing, then it might be worth it.

Have you any idea, though, on how well the gun functions? I'll take an ugly gun that works 100% over a pretty one that has true, physical issues. In the long run, those issues will end up costing more than a refinish job.

It sounds like its fine, but I haven't gotten to shoot it yet. He bought it new from Kimber and has only put 400 rounds through it, so it SHOULD be fine, but there's no real way to know for sure I guess.