TexasCHLforum.com

Need a pistol for use around saltwater.
I'm thinking either Colt or Springfield stainless M1911 full size Gov't model .45.
Can any of you guys tell me if the internals of these is stainless?

Thanks.

While I prefer the 1911 and think a stainless version should do you well, I have to admit that if I knew I would be in that abusive an environment, I would recommend plastic. Glocks do not corrode as easily as steel pistols do.

You might want to call the customer service at Springfield and see which pistol and finish they recommend on their 1911's for duty in a salt water close environment. They should know best.

Whatever you get, don't forget that the outside might be stainless, but the innards rarely are. Springs, pins, screws, various internal mechanisms... most won't be stainless even in a "stainless" gun.

Any gun exposed to or carried in the presence of salt water should be regularly disassembled and thoroughly cleaned and lubed.

Any pistol refinished in Black-T done by Walter Birdsong.

It was tested past 7,000 hours in salt water spray where most finishes brag about passing 1,000 hour test. It didn't fail at that point, the testing was simply halted.

All internal components are treated. Only the barrel should need attention.

He is strictly old school, no web site or email.

601-939-7448

Very imformative link here:

http://www.snipercentral.com/birdsong.htm

Also, don't forget that "stainless" is a misnomer - it will rust if you work at it hard enough.

Absolutely, it was a stainless Kahr K-40 that was rusting that I had done in Black-T.

Why not just a stainless revolver?

Again, stainless will rust and sometimes quite easily. When I wear my SP101, I wipe it down with the Marine Sentry cloth.

But one time when I perspired heavily on it, the wipedown did no good. Next time I wanted to wear it, the crane latch was rusted solid internally.

Revolvers can get their innards wet and it usually takes more knowledge to completely disassemble them to clean.

It is much easier to maintain semi auto's.

Whats the turnaround time on a Black-T job? Cost?

Thanks

Last time I got a quote, a 1911 ran about $150. That was over a year ago. I was going to have him refinish my Taurus PT1911's, as their factory finish is fairly soft and lacking. I haven't changed my mind but decided to wait till I wore the finish quite a bit more before having it done.

Walter is a great guy to talk to and the only way to find current prices and turnarounds is to call him.

As the linked article says, the demand for his work on large contracts can delay an individual gun.

If you don't hit at the beginning of a job for the FBI, the turnaround should be pretty good.