Guys,

I have a series 70 1911 that I am about to ship to Novak's for a custom job. I will post the results of this little project here. I want to hear from you guys on what you think I should have done. This is a carry handgun, with function being the foremost consideration. Here are my thoughts...

1. Novak Answer. This I am 50/50 on.
2. Dehorn
3. Checkering
4. lower and flare ejection port
5. Novak solid rear, trit front
6. 10-8/vickers trigger
7. Solder on plunger
8 reliability job
9. Reblue or black-t



Gimmie your thoughts.
__________________

You say it's a 70 series, what barrel does this pistol have in it? If it's stock with 2 piece construction, I'd switch that out also, any top barrel makers will do, but if it were mine, I'd put in a Kart,Bar-Sto or a Schumann..Black T might last longer than blueing, get some good magazines and have Novak tune them to your gun or vise versa for reliable feeding of your carry ammo of choice. Pick out some grips and send them with the gun to be fitted. Have them install an oversize magazine release.

Quoted: Guys, I have a series 70 1911 that I am about to ship to Novak's for a custom job. I will post the results of this little project here. I want to hear from you guys on what you think I should have done. This is a carry handgun, with function being the foremost consideration. Here are my thoughts... 1. Novak Answer. This I am 50/50 on. 2. Dehorn 3. Checkering 4. lower and flare ejection port 5. Novak solid rear, trit front 6. 10-8/vickers trigger 7. Solder on plunger 8 reliability job 9. Reblue or black-t Gimmie your thoughts. __________________

Sorry if I'm being anal, but I don't see:
* Polish frame feed ramp, reprofile barrel ramp.
* Beavertail safety.
* Fitted solid barrel bushing.
These are pretty important in my book. I don't remember what Novak's includes in a "reliability package". I'd do them before paying for checkering. FWIW, my skateboard tape has lasted for about 8 years.

After that, I'd invest in a little more accuracy with a selected barrel link and checking the lockup of the barrel and slide. A little polishing on the underside of the slide where the hammer rides makes things a little smoother, too.

For carry, there are several things I'd pick before bluing. It won't last very long with holster wear and sweat/humidity. I'd suggest the Black-T, parkerizing, or one of the coatings from Robar.

Quoted: Novak Carry / Duty Package Reliability Package Crown Barrel Two Novak Magazines (8rds) Replace All Springs (Recoil, Firing Pin, Main, Sear, & Plunger Tube Springs) Inspection of all Components for Serviceability Test Fire with 50 rounds Novak LoMount Plain Black Wide Notch Rear Sight Novak Tritium Front Night Sight Novak Logo Marked on Slide N.M. Barrel Bushing Carry Bevel Treatment Novak Hammer Kit (Cmdr Style Hammer) Fit Extended Beavertail Grip Safety Fit Extended Strong Side Safety Fit Aluminum Trigger Bevel Magazine Well Lower & Scallop Ejection Port Mil-Tac Grips (No Medallions) or Ahrends Grips w/ Novak Medallions Novak Practical Grip Screws Refinish Bead Blast & Blue Bead Blast Stainless Anodize Black or Silver Aluminum Steel And Stainless Guns - $ 1395.00 + Shipping

This, plus some frontstrap stippling, would be what I'd do.  I'd also opt for the reblue.

Once the reblue is worn off, send it off for a real long lasting treatment such as E-Treat, Melonite, Ionbond.  I wouldn't do any half-measures such as parkerizing or Black-T.