Minor Home Smithing Question

[Silverlode]

I have a 1911 longslide that I have replaced the rear sight on and the front sight is now far too tall. If it was dovetailed in I would buy a replacement, but it is pinned and I don't know how to approach that other than taking a file to it? Is that the best way to shorten it, with a file?

Thanks

 

[wilcam47]

ask clandestine...

 

[clandestine]

Yes, Use a file if it needs to be shorter. Use a Mill File that has a wide surface and only go in one direction, not back and forth. You can do this at the range till you get your OIA/POI right.

 

[Silverlode]

Yes, Use a file if it needs to be shorter. Use a Mill File that has a wide surface and only go in one direction, not back and forth. You can do this at the range till you get your OIA/POI right.

Good deal. I appreciate the help.

 

[BradMacc82]

That's how Ruger suggested dialing in the POA/POI on my brother's MK1 with a pinned front sight.

 

[Semper Noctem]

Yes, Use a file if it needs to be shorter. Use a Mill File that has a wide surface and only go in one direction, not back and forth. You can do this at the range till you get your OIA/POI right.

When you take all that metal off, how do you protect the exposed surface? What could you do cosmetically to hide the file work on the top of the sight?

 

[Silverlode]

When you take all that metal off, how do you protect the exposed surface? What could you do cosmetically to hide the file work on the top of the sight?

I assumed it would be OK to go over it with a blueing pen. Good question.

 

[BradMacc82]

I'd think a few touches of cold blueing would do, but I'll bow to superior knowledge if Clandestine chimes in.

 

[clandestine]

You can blacken it with some cold blue. Heat the part (If its not a night sight) an dthen apply cold blue. It will darken to match the factory finish. This is not a durable finish and it will wear over time if holster contact is made with the cold blued area.

Another option is to mask off the Front Sight and apply Alumahyde II, Duracoat, etc....

 

[clandestine]

I assumed it would be OK to go over it with a blueing pen. Good question.

I'd think a few touches of cold blueing would do, but I'll bow to superior knowledge if Clandestine chimes in.

 

[BradMacc82]

Damn, no wonder it's taken so long to try and match the factory finish with cold blueing, I was applying it to room temp metal - learn something new everyday, thank you for that Clandestine.

 

[clandestine]

Damn, no wonder it's taken so long to try and match the factory finish with cold blueing, I was applying it to room temp metal - learn something new everyday, thank you for that Clandestine.

Glad to help bro. Another tip if anyone isnt aware, If you get an uneven coloring use light passes of steel wool to blend it, and reapply cold blue.

 

[Silverlode]

Speaking of blueing (or is it bluing? In any case I feel it is alright to hijack my own thread).

Is there anyone out there that offers results that will be as good as the old Colt royal blue seen on many Pythons? Does Colt custom shop do it?

 

[clandestine]

Speaking of blueing (or is it bluing? In any case I feel it is alright to hijack my own thread).

Is there anyone out there that offers results that will be as good as the old Colt royal blue seen on many Pythons? Does Colt custom shop do it?

Colt still does it, at least they do to 1911's. Its not cheap though. Fords Refinishing offers a royal blue too I believe.

 

[BradMacc82]

I've been working on a Colt 1908 Pocket for the past 6 years trying to recreate that Royal look, I'm getting close, but it's taken a bit of effort to get to that point.

Steel wool is your friend, along with patience.

 

[BradMacc82]

If you don't have the time and energy to spend, Clandestine's suggestion is the way to go.

 

[clandestine]

I've been working on a Colt 1908 Pocket for the past 6 years trying to recreate that Royal look, I'm getting close, but it's taken a bit of effort to get to that point.

Steel wool is your friend, along with patience.

To replicate the royal, fire blue, or case color youll have to get a good polish on the metal before blueing. Its ok for display but has almost no wear reistance and it will discolor with even light use. You can smell a cold blued gun too.

 

[BradMacc82]

You can smell a cold blued gun too.

Quoted for truth!

I have noticed that, it's not the worst smell, but it does have a unique tinge to it.

The Colt's more of an heirloom, rarely used often, I basically clean all my grubby prints off it after I handle it just to prevent any type of finish damage.

 

[Dave MP]

I learned on the interwebs that this would work.

 

[BradMacc82]

I learned on the interwebs that this would work.

Been there, done that, doesn't work... - the sharpie rubs off...



(Many years ago back when I still knew everything. )