I decided to show off some examples of different finishes that are on a few of my pistols. I am attaching a bunch of pics of some of my favorite 1911's and Revos...
The pics are of the following different finishes!:
-Bunker Make Over: Mirror polish DLC (in light and no light)
-Bunker 007: Oil Grained Classic Blue
-Wilson Combat CQB9: Two Tone Cerakote/AT (Black over Grey)
-NH Talon: Black Nitride
-Colt Python: Colt Royal Blue
-Infamous "Smython"- APW Brushed Hard Chrome
I have had several members of another forum I am on ask if I could post pictures of the DLC pistol I have in lighting angles and also to show comparisons between DLC and Bluing. To be fair, the bluing on my pistols is not standard style bluing so, I am not sure if we are comparing apples to apples. The DLC is also really high polish and have only seen 1 other pistol polished to this level with DLC. Figured I would share here as well!
I wanted to show pics of everything as there are only a few other finishes out there that I have not shown prime examples of. I think everyone can form a pretty good opinion and have a pretty good idea of how they differ after seeing the pictures!
On a side note:
My 007 has a straight classic look... really can be mistaken for Carbona Blue (Turnbull Blue) at first glance, and I really love it! It goes perfectly with the theme of the pistol and wouldn't change it.
In saying that, the DLC is now my favorite finish out of any pistol I have/any finish I have seen... esp after comparing them all side by side. Even if you dont go with a mirror polish, the color and depth of it is just better than the rest. It is a little more grey looking than blued. You can see that in the Python comparison pic and it is def more mirror/reflects light. It different than the Python finish (which for most is considered the gold standard in blued finishes)... The best way for me to explain it is "softer". The Python shown is an early 80's example... even in comparison to the late 50's and early 60's Pythons I have, the DLC is still better, to me at least.
The Smython, was done by Bob Cogan over at APG and features his brushed chrome finish (which is a bit different than matte hard chrome or even brushed hard chrome chrome done by folks like Metaloy or the others... its just better quality imo... It is a very elegant finish and I often times forget how nice it looks! Its brighter/more silver than brushed stainless and much stronger... If I were getting another chrome or stainless... this is 100% the finish I would go for!
Obviously Cerakote/AT and Black Nitride are more "combat" style/looking finishes that prevent rush and wear well... I am partial to Cerakote as it can be taken off quickly and changed if you ever decide you want to give your pistol a makeover... The same can not be said for the Nitride which is a form of Nitro Carburizing. There is no smith or refinisher out there at this point (to my knowledge that will remove this and refinish a pistol).
I tried to get some different light angles for you with the DLC as it changes A LOT in different light and depending on angles.
Hope you guys enjoy the pics of some incredible pieces!
Posted: 3/12/2016 9:17:24 PM EDT
[#1]
I agree with you.
With the understanding that back in the day Colt workers really knew how to polish a piece of steel.
Posted: 3/12/2016 9:36:32 PM EDT
[#2]
thanks, great post, nice collection too!
Posted: 3/13/2016 2:14:03 AM EDT
[#3]
Wow.
Nice collection.
Difficult and expensive to replicate the high polish finishes.
