Unfinished 1911 Old 'Race Gun' Question for Gunsmith-y type people

[McGrawski]

Short story: So way back when I was 12 years old back in '91 my pop would take me to plate shoots and combat matches every weekend. This was my 'race' gun. It's got a 2.5-ish pound trigger, polished feed ramp, etc. It's unfinished and ugly but it's reliable and has some sentimental value to me. Anyway, we moved away from the Louisiana shooting community down there and the gun went in the safe for a long long time.

Currently the gun cycles great but doesn't have a rear sight or red-dot.

Is it still possible to install a Bomar-type adjustable rear sight? Is it worth it as opposed to just buying a new (not butchered) slide with nice sights?

Is it possible to somehow fill in the mount holes drilled in to the frame before I get the gun re-finished?

Depending on the answer to those questions, who is a good gunsmith in the Mid-Willamette Valley that can do this type of work? How about a local source for re-finishing?

I am trying to decide whether to get the gun fixed up or try to trade it as is for other stuff that I could use.

Any feedback appreciated, especially if you know what you're talking about.

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[uscsoldier]

<broken link removed>

 

[Stomper]

@Velzey in da HOUSE!! He's in Estacada, but the drive through Molalla is purdy!

 

[Kristina]

Duuuude. That thing is awesome!

 

[Velzey]

Wow that would be interesting, I would be more than happy to help out!

I'm not sure about filling in the holes then refinishing. Well they would really be visible if it's blued. But there are other options for finish.

Looks interesting for sure.

 

[Lilhigbee]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the lever on the slide for??

 

[bbbass]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the lever on the slide for??

Questions are good: It's for making it easier to rack the slide... musta been a lefty?

 

[Stomper]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the lever on the slide for??

C'mon lil'higs.... nobody here thinks youre ignant, as far as you know.

 

[McGrawski]

Wow that would be interesting, I would be more than happy to help out!

I'm not sure about filling in the holes then refinishing. Well they would really be visible if it's blued. But there are other options for finish.

Looks interesting for sure.

I appreciate the feedback! I am especially curious about what kind sights we could use? Will email and make an appointment!

 

[McGrawski]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the lever on the slide for??

It was used to rack the slide back when it had a giant Pro-point red dot mounted with metal brackets that bolted to the frame in front of trigger guard. Cutting edge technology 25 years ago. It points right because the gun rode in a safari land QuickDraw holster

 

[Lilhigbee]

It didn't occur to me that it is fixed. With the top of the slide milled away it looks like it is intended to pivot back and lay on top of the slide.

 

[jbett98]

Kinda like this?

 

[fxdc]

Depends if ya wanna drive north or south..... Shepard Arms in Brownsville he use to be in salem but moved.

He is a master class uspsa and full time gun smith now he has done great work in the for me when he was in salem.

His main gig is race guns but does it all.
Google his site.

I hear Velzey does great work so it's your choice.

 

[Velzey]

Depends if ya wanna drive north or south..... Shepard Arms in Brownsville he use to be in salem but moved.

He is a master class uspsa and full time gun smith now he has done great work in the for me when he was in salem.

His main gig is race guns but does it all.
Google his site.

I hear Velzey does great work so it's your choice.

I vote for Velzey!

 

[Ura-Ki]

From what I can tell in the photos, it looks like a Colt "National Match" sight set might fit nice and easy on the slide, not sure how much filling might be needed, but I bet Velzey can come up with some good ideas! Me personally, I would pull the slide and barrel and save for later and replace with a new slide in the configuration you want for shooting fun, then switch back for comps if you so choose!

 

[Ura-Ki]

I vote for Velzey!

I figured YOU would

 

[McGrawski]

Kinda like this?


View attachment 317342

Wow! Looks a lot like my gun, unfinished and all. Attached is another pic that reminds me of my own, obviously it's a little nicer (although brass ejection appears to be in issue?). I think mine will be a real brass kickin' little shooter by the time we're done. I'll make sure to post after pics

 

[fxdc]

I vote for Velzey!

I vote for Velzey!

LOL
Are you healed up ?

 

[Velzey]

LOL
Are you healed up ?

Nope I am very very broken, The dang insurance company and attorney are arguing now. So I still cannot stand for great lengths of time. But I have a good padded chair, and can do most gunsmithing at the bench.

 

[Stomper]

I hear Velzey does great work so it's your choice.

You heard CORRECTLY, sir!!