In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

1911 hard chromed frame question

5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
edited February 2008 in Ask the Experts
I have a Colt 1911 with a hard chromed frame. I would like to install an optical sight on it. I am looking at a Weigand 1911 scope mount which would require the frame to be drilled and tapped. How difficult would it be to drill the hard chromed frame? Should not really affect the tapping part, I don't think....
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • First Big FootFirst Big Foot Member Posts: 29 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hi:
    A friend of mine used to be a hard chrome plater until his shop got lightninged and burned down. He did a lot of Military barrels for the Services. I understand from him that Garand barrels are hard dark chromed.
    Having to drill one slightly through to lock in a scope mount, I learned the trick is to Just Ever So Slightly touch the spot to be drilled with a grinding wheel, removing the chrome and about a millionth of an inch of steel below it. Then Center Punch that flatish ground spot with your best quality center punch, and then drill it with a cobalt drill bit. If you have them, put the barrel in V-blocks on a drill press table. (You could make simple ones out of wood.)
    Worked for me!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • First Big FootFirst Big Foot Member Posts: 29 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    But you know something, it just occured to me that somebody, (Might be B-square), makes a mount for 1911's that screws on either under the handle grip or substitutes for the grip, and extends up to hold the scope. No drilling needed. Check Brownells.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • iceracerxiceracerx Member Posts: 8,860 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Because Hard Chrome is intended to be GROUND to a final size (one application), I believe that it will have to be locally ground (holes)to get to the parent metal in order to drill and tap holes.

    Why do you think your frame is HARD CHROMED and not Electro-less Nickle?

    EDIT: Bill, won't striking the Chrome with a punch fracture it, leading to it flaking in the future?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cpermdcpermd Member Posts: 5,273 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by First Big Foot
    But you know something, it just occured to me that somebody, (Might be B-square), makes a mount for 1911's that screws on either under the handle grip or substitutes for the grip, and extends up to hold the scope. No drilling needed. Check Brownells.


    Nice thought, but they will NOT hold zero.

    CP
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I know it is hard chromed because the custom gunsmith that did the original work said that is what he did to tighten up the frame barrel fit. cpermd...what will not hold zero? The grip replacement mount or the one on the frame? Or both?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Usually, all that is needed is a punch mark.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moonshinemoonshine Member Posts: 8,471
    edited November -1
    take a look at these I have them on both of my 1911. they are not toys as some people call them.my wife has one on her J frame carry gun and loves it.I also have on a ruger 22 and am looking hard at the new one for the walther pp/s.I don't like to hang a lot of stuff on my guns,as it changes the balance.


    http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Products/1911/tabid/185/Default.aspx
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.