Stamping Restoration

[remran44]

I just bought a 44 colt 1911a1 from gunbroker to build a shooter, one little problem was the gun was once buffed years ago and nearly had its serial number wiped out, it looks like the gunsmith restruck some of the numbers but did not restrike all of the numbers so some of the numbers are harder to read than the others. All the other markings are on the gun have not been removed.

Is there any body who can restore overbuffed numbers?

[Ben H]

Doug Turnbull at Turnbull Restorations would be a good place to start. Sorry I don't have a web address handy right now.

Good Luck,
Ben H

[TJH3781]

www.gunsmiths.com will allow you to search for gunsmiths that do restoration work.
You may search for all located within how many miles from your Zip Code you are willing to travel. Note, there will be a lot of Gander Mountain listings. Search past those as they are not what you are really looking for.

[toolman]

I've read several books on gunsmithing that cautioned VERY strongly against doing ANYTHING to the serial number. It seems Uncle Sam has some very strict regulations regarding alterations to the serial number and deepening the stamping can be considered alterations.

Turnbull Restorations, www.turnbullrestoration.com can fill you on the details of the advisability of deepening serial numbers.