"OD Green" Full Size Loaded??????

[usagi]

Hello
I have been a glock owner (27) for about five years and decided to trade it in for a 1911. I loved the look, design, customization ability for this particular weapon. I found only one place that would take my glock which limited me to their selection. The best one I could afford was the Loaded Full Size SA but there was a complication, the color. I thought I could over-look the OD green but its starting to bother me after two days of ownership. My question is in regards to altering the finish on my Loaded 1911 SA.

Could I change it to a stainless or preferably a "blued" finish? I figured it must be possible for a reasonable price. If man kind can deliver himself to the moon and back in the late 1960s then this should be a piece of cake.

[wichaka]

You won't be able to change it to Stainless, as that's a type of metal. You can have it refinished in Hard Chrome, Nickel, Blue, Parkerized (that's what the Loaded is finished with) or many other finishes that are out there.

[usagi]

You can have it refinished in Hard Chrome, Nickel, Blue, Parkerized (that's what the Loaded is finished with) or many other finishes that are out there.

I am fond of the blued finish. Would the cost become exponential in some way? Should I send it back to SA and have them do it or some other 3rd party? Is there anyhting else I should be aware of regarding the blued finish?

[usagi]

I am fond of the blued finish. Would the cost become exponential in some way? Should I send it back to SA and have them do it or some other 3rd party? Is there anyhting else I should be aware of regarding the blued finish?



In addition, would this void my warranty with Springfield?

[coreys]

I would recommend finding a gunsmith in your area and find out what your options are. I had a SA Compact .45 refinished a couple of weeks ago by a local gunsmith. If you like the look of a blued finish, you may consider black teflon or something similar.

[usagi]

I spent all day looking at different models from different manufactures. In addition, I visited a local gunsmith to see what was possible with my OD green 1911. What does "OD" stand for anyway? I wanted a nice style with the least amount of money involved, so I decided to refinish the slide in a black color and change the grips.

This is the look I'm going for: The Holy Grail (http://www.wilsoncombat.com/images/product/wcqb-t-a.jpg)


This is the current look:The Tin Cup (http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PX9609LLarge.jpg)


This should reduce cost since I only have to alter the slide. I didn't even budget for a purchase of a handgun this month anyway. It was impulse combined with irresponsibility. Does anyone wish to opine.

I know the picture is a Wilson. That was the only one of that color scheme I could find, so put your pitch forks and torches away and save the lynching for another day!!!!!

[John]

OD stands for "Olive Drab" or something similar, the color of the olive tree leaves. I guess it is the standard term for the military green.

As for reblueing, either the whole pistol or just the slide, it shouldn't be too difficult or expensive. Like someone else said, check your local gunsmiths.

If you like the "stainless steel look", I am afraid your only option is something like NP3 by Robar (check the Home Page for info).

Rgds

[wichaka]

Find a local gunsmith, or as John mentioned..........try one of the aftermarket type finishes. I've heard very good things about them.

[Dnglbry]

As I read the comments, I agree with the suggestion to send it to robar. There finish is unbelievably beautiful..

[kotonk]

i'd check w/springfield first to see if having it refinished by a 3rd party will void the warranty:

customshop@springfield-armory.com

springfield charges $85.00 to blue the whole pistol:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/CS.pdf

if you decide to send it to SA you might as well have them tune it up a bit while it's at their shop(make the most of the $40 overnite shipping)...reliability job, trigger job...whatever your wallet can afford...

-kotonk

[John]

i'd check w/springfield first to see if having it refinished by a 3rd party will void the warranty:

customshop@springfield-armory.com

springfield charges $85.00 to blue the whole pistol:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/CS.pdf

if you decide to send it to SA you might as well have them tune it up a bit while it's at their shop(make the most of the $40 overnite shipping)...reliability job, trigger job...whatever your wallet can afford...

-kotonk
Not a bad idea. If the gun goes to their Custom Shop, I would also grab the opportunity to have them work on it a bit, good thinking Kotonk!

[usagi]

i'd check w/springfield first to see if having it refinished by a 3rd party will void the warranty:

customshop@springfield-armory.com

springfield charges $85.00 to blue the whole pistol:

http://www.springfield-armory.com/CS.pdf

if you decide to send it to SA you might as well have them tune it up a bit while it's at their shop(make the most of the $40 overnite shipping)...reliability job, trigger job...whatever your wallet can afford...

-kotonk
I called SA and they would charge me to stripe it down ($55.00) in addition to the finish ($125.00). Maybe I will upgrade some components so I will add about $200.00. After shipping and tax for all included, I am looking at over $400.00. That makes this about an $1100.00 gun.............................I think I should trade the weapon in and get what I really want. I usually buy exactly what I want the first time around, but for some reason I was being frugal regarding my purchase which ultimately costs more down the road. What do you guys/gals think? Should I retire the HULK and join the Kimber or Para Ordinance threads?

Post script: I checked Robar website and their prices were through the roof!

[kotonk]

tough call...i treat all my guns as my own children so it's hard for me to let one go even tho it may be defective.

if you're not too into customizing your pistol i'd trade it in for one tha suits you better. but if you intend on customizing it alot in the future you might as well stick with it.

i have a SA loaded that i bought. i put nearly $1500 into fixing it up and customizing it so now i have a one of a kind unique pistol that i wouldn't give up for anything:

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=149
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=541

-kotonk