A little over a month ago, I picked up a ca. 2010 MkIII, which the previous owner had tried removing the magazine safety. The right side pin hole was marred; and I decided to make it a project gun. After properly removing the magazine safety, I took it to a local smith and discussed a refinish. He advised he'd had some luck with a refinisher who had done Cerakote finishes. He sent the pistol to him, and we waited. He kept us in the loop and had to experiment a bit since the slide and frame weren't the same metal (forged and cast). After he finished, the pistol came back today. He did a great job on matching the finishes, and even Cerakoted the slide lock release, hammer, safeties, and trigger. I opted to put a set of Hogue slim stocks on it. I took it on the range, and it ran just like I expected of a Hi Power. The trigger is greatly improved. The frame still holds onto mags a bit, and I'm just going to "wear" them in.
Right now, I'm using it at the range. I just broke in a Colt LWT Commander XSE in 9mm, so it may be a while. I need to order a holster from El Paso Saddlery anyway, since the on-the-shelf holsters for 1911's are just a tad loose.
Very nice finish job! What does something like this cost? I have a surplus Israeli I'm thinking abut redoing. PM me if you'd rather than posting it on line, please? Steve
Out the door was $190. I've seen prices range anywhere from $175, up to $250, provided a lot of metal work wasn't needed. I'd imagine the price can get up there if there's rust, etc., that needs to be removed. I've seen a few of the Israeli imports, and they all seem to be candidates for some type of refinish. Cerakote would come in a bit cheaper than a good re-blue.
I just put in an order for two alloy-framed HP's (sorry, Ohio Ordnance Works seems to be sold out of them), and I want to convert one into a carry piece. Cerakote may be the way for me to go. Yours here looks great. More and more I prefer a more subdued look to handguns, we change as we get older. At one time I liked a two-tone look.
