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Posted: 8/22/2010 9:28:49 AM EDT
I have a Colt 1991 A1 I have owned for years. I had lots of work done to it years ago, but it still wears the original sights. I don't really care for them. The pistol could also use a refinish. Who would you guys recommed I send the pistol to for the work? As far as the refinish work, I am looking for a black, long lasting finish. Thanks in advance for the help.
Link Posted: 8/22/2010 10:27:23 AM EDT
[#1]
Depends on your definition of long-lasting.  You could send it off to Springfield Armory for Novak cuts and Trijicion night sights, then have the gun re-finished in Armory Kote black.  

Novak also provides the service for cutting and installing sights, and they do re-finishing.  

Melonite or IONBond are your best bet for a long lasting black finish, but you'll drop $250-$350 for the entire gun compared to $150 for the Kote finish.  I think Springfield Armory provides Melonite if you ask for it (they have to for their XD line) and I think Novak has the Black Diamond finish, which I believe is IONBond.
Link Posted: 8/22/2010 10:50:59 AM EDT
[#2]
I'd go with SA's Custom Shop or John Harrison  http://www.harrisoncustom.com/Home.aspx

John offers Ionbond and can work in smaller jobs like sights/finishes with good turnaround times.

ETA - SA charges $300 for IB, if you use Novak they charge $300 I believe but you'll also pay the shipping fees from their shop to whoever does IB.


Quoted:
I think Springfield Armory provides Melonite if you ask for it (they have to for their XD line) and I think Novak has the Black Diamond finish, which I believe is IONBond.


SA will NOT do Melonite on 1911's. I asked Dave in the CS about it and he gave me a pretty good reason why not. The main reason was the high temps involved.

Novak can send a pistol off for IB, but they do not offer it as a standard finish. NHC offers the DB, which is IB.
Link Posted: 8/22/2010 11:44:45 AM EDT
[#3]
can kimber rear sight cuts be changed to novak?  i have a series 1 that just won't hold kimber brand sights, front or rear and i want some novaks.
Link Posted: 8/22/2010 11:48:01 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
can kimber rear sight cuts be changed to novak?  i have a series 1 that just won't hold kimber brand sights, front or rear and i want some novaks.


No, you can't convert the Kimber cut slide to Novak cut.  However, Novak makes sights for the Kimber cut.  They are very nice and fit well.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#kimber%20novak____-_1-2-4_8-16-32
Link Posted: 9/10/2010 7:02:12 AM EDT
[#5]
Coal Creek Armory - very reasonable, offers melonite for $200

I had a Kimber Warrior worked over and I was very happy with the work.
Link Posted: 9/10/2010 8:07:32 AM EDT
[#6]
Jeb Burnett is a local guy in LR, that does good work. He has my Dan Wesson right now.
Link Posted: 9/10/2010 8:45:53 AM EDT
[#7]
John Harrison would be a great choice.
Link Posted: 9/10/2010 10:25:35 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
John Harrison would be a great choice.


Or Don Williams at Action Works.
Link Posted: 9/10/2010 2:38:43 PM EDT
[#9]
You could send it to Dave Severns, he could do the sights as well as refinish it in his Hard Hat treatment:
https://severnscustom.com/Hard_Hat_Treatment.html
Link Posted: 9/10/2010 3:33:03 PM EDT
[#10]
I like Melonite.Especially if you like black pistols.











 
Link Posted: 9/11/2010 7:21:16 AM EDT
[#11]
Freedom gunworks has a nice aranite finish that is very black

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=108283
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