First post

M10G10 · Mar 1, 2026

Hi everybody, so I have a small but nice 1911 collection, two Les Baers, a 1943 GI Colt, and a 1918 Colt, all in original condition. I just bought a mixed and matched Colt 1911 with a 1919 commercial frame, a WW2 era slide, incorrect slide stop, thumb safety and magazine. Lanyard loop has been sawed off. My intention is to send this to Nighthawk to get refinished with their smoked nitride, and optimized for shooting. I found the correct slide stop and safety on eBay. When I got the pistol in the mail, the finish, or lack of more like, actually looked a lot cooler than in the pic online. My question is whether to just get it optimized internally, or go the full restoration. I could even checker the front and back strap...

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Mike A · Mar 19, 2026

Welcome to the asylum

Nice looking 1911. My Betsy a US GI 1917, She's my #1 girl.

Whit · Mar 19, 2026

M10G10 said:
Hi everybody, so I have a small but nice 1911 collection, two Les Baers, a 1943 GI Colt, and a 1918 Colt, all in original condition. I just bought a mixed and matched Colt 1911 with a 1919 commercial frame, a WW2 era slide, incorrect slide stop, thumb safety and magazine. Lanyard loop has been sawed off. My intention is to send this to Nighthawk to get refinished with their smoked nitride, and optimized for shooting. I found the correct slide stop and safety on eBay. When I got the pistol in the mail, the finish, or lack of more like, actually looked a lot cooler than in the pic online. My question is whether to just get it optimized internally, or go the full restoration. I could even checker the front and back strap...

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Welcome from Northern Indiana enjoy the conversation.

Bob Lee · Mar 19, 2026

M10G10 said:
Hi everybody, so I have a small but nice 1911 collection, two Les Baers, a 1943 GI Colt, and a 1918 Colt, all in original condition. I just bought a mixed and matched Colt 1911 with a 1919 commercial frame, a WW2 era slide, incorrect slide stop, thumb safety and magazine. Lanyard loop has been sawed off. My intention is to send this to Nighthawk to get refinished with their smoked nitride, and optimized for shooting. I found the correct slide stop and safety on eBay. When I got the pistol in the mail, the finish, or lack of more like, actually looked a lot cooler than in the pic online. My question is whether to just get it optimized internally, or go the full restoration. I could even checker the front and back strap...

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My 0,3 cents (I know its supposed to be .02 but inflation ya know) Leave it alone outside, and just refresh the internals. Try to find an origional MSH if you'd like, but otherwise leave the outside alone.

Bob Lee · Mar 21, 2026

M10G10 said:
Hi everybody, so I have a small but nice 1911 collection, two Les Baers, a 1943 GI Colt, and a 1918 Colt, all in original condition. I just bought a mixed and matched Colt 1911 with a 1919 commercial frame, a WW2 era slide, incorrect slide stop, thumb safety and magazine. Lanyard loop has been sawed off. My intention is to send this to Nighthawk to get refinished with their smoked nitride, and optimized for shooting. I found the correct slide stop and safety on eBay. When I got the pistol in the mail, the finish, or lack of more like, actually looked a lot cooler than in the pic online. My question is whether to just get it optimized internally, or go the full restoration. I could even checker the front and back strap...

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Welcome to the group. Nice old 1911. from West Michigan

M10G10 · Mar 21, 2026

Bob Lee said:
Welcome to the group. Nice old 1911. from West Michigan

Thanks Bob. Since I have a very nice and original Colt from 1918, I decided to get this one refinished in all black with new retro sights, gold bead front, new trigger match grade barrel and bushing, and nighthawk's reliability package. It'll take a few months or maybe a year, and cost a couple g's, but will be an epic Christmas present to me!