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Post by ToddSig on Jul 30, 2022 10:48:59 GMT -5
It has been just over a year, and last week I got an email from Don Williams of Action Works to send my Hi Power to him at the end of August. My plan so far is to pretty much have Don do a full house build, as the wait is so long, might as well take advantage of the custom opportunities. Will also probably go with a DLC finish. My question for the group is what donor gun for the project. I have a decent collection of Hi/High Powers, but they are all like kids to me and hard to part with (actually in all the years I have been collecting Hi Powers, I have never sold one). So I looked for some duplicates. I have a 76C Beer Can sport and a 1980 Beer Can sport. Both about the same condition, I like the earlier C designation, so thinking of using the 1980 Sport. The other option is I have two decent alloy High Powers, a 1980 and a 1984. One holding for a project, the other to keep as is. Can select one of these. I am partial to Browning marked Hi Powers, but LWs are cool too. I have several customs of each, so can go either way. Also, not sure on the DLC on the alloy frame, need to discuss with Don W if that is the way I go. Question for the group, which should I send to Don W, the 1980 Beer Can or an Alloy?   |
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Post by Bob Reed on Jul 30, 2022 11:07:03 GMT -5
Hello, Todd,
I would keep both alloy guns stock and send the 1980 Sport Model...
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Post by Mister Coffee on Jul 30, 2022 11:16:49 GMT -5
I must respectfully disagree with my colleague Bob. Keep the beer can and send something else. Maybe one of those alloys. Maybe some other beater from your collection.
Full Disclosure: The beer can sport was my first handgun purchase. Maybe I have a sentimental weakness that is clouding my judgement.
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Post by ToddSig on Jul 30, 2022 11:17:11 GMT -5
Thanks Bob, although I still have time to decided, I too am leaning toward sending the '80 Sport. What do you think on sights. I am thinking of either Heinie, Bomar or perhaps old school S&W revolver? I am partial to all three.
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Post by ToddSig on Jul 30, 2022 11:24:43 GMT -5
I must respectfully disagree with my colleague Bob. Keep the beer can and send something else. Maybe one of those alloys. Maybe some other beater from your collection. Full Disclosure: The beer can sport was my first handgun purchase. Maybe I have a sentimental weakness that is clouding my judgement. Mr C, I would do that, but I also have a nice condition 76C Beer Can Sport in my collection. The 80 for all intents and purposes is duplicate, and as I mentioned, I like the "C" designation better. |
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Post by jonnyc on Jul 30, 2022 20:39:43 GMT -5
Sounds like a real First-World problem!
I would go for a super carry/combat gun on an aluminum frame.
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Post by BHP on Jul 30, 2022 22:33:26 GMT -5
Send a model with the cast frame.
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Post by sams1 on Jul 30, 2022 23:32:22 GMT -5
Picked this up from a web search:
"Here is one quote from a reputable 1911 smith....
The DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) finish is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) type finish that is extremely tough and very durable.
Here is a quote from John Harrison’s website describing the DLC finish way better than I could myself:
DLC “is a hard black finish that is fairly new to the firearms market. It is a is a physical vapor deposition coating that has a 3-6 micron build up per surface (that's less than .005"). DLC can be applied to carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, over polished surfaces as well as matte surfaces. When bone-dry it is a dark charcoal color. With a little oil on it, it's black. It's hardness runs 70+ on the Rockwell "C" scale. I think it's the best all around option for a black firearms finish. It appears to be the equal to hard chrome in the durability and rust resistance departments.”
So DLC is the way to go on either frame type but if it was my 'dilemma' I would definitely go with the steel frame...
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Post by ToddSig on Jul 31, 2022 8:43:45 GMT -5
Sounds like a real First-World problem! I would go for a super carry/combat gun on an aluminum frame. I currently have a HP alloy with FM Detective slide that I occasionally carry. I still prefer to carry my Sig P365, as it is most comfortable. Also, my use for this custom is more of a custom range gun rather than carry. With that, still leaning toward using the 1980 Sport. |
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Post by ToddSig on Jul 31, 2022 8:45:08 GMT -5
Send a model with the cast frame. I know a lot of folks prefer using a cast from for custom work, but I dont have one I wish to use as a donor for this particular build. |
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Post by ToddSig on Jul 31, 2022 8:50:20 GMT -5
Picked this up from a web search: "Here is one quote from a reputable 1911 smith.... The DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) finish is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) type finish that is extremely tough and very durable. Here is a quote from John Harrison’s website describing the DLC finish way better than I could myself: DLC “is a hard black finish that is fairly new to the firearms market. It is a is a physical vapor deposition coating that has a 3-6 micron build up per surface (that's less than .005"). DLC can be applied to carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, over polished surfaces as well as matte surfaces. When bone-dry it is a dark charcoal color. With a little oil on it, it's black. It's hardness runs 70+ on the Rockwell "C" scale. I think it's the best all around option for a black firearms finish. It appears to be the equal to hard chrome in the durability and rust resistance departments.” So DLC is the way to go on either frame type but if it was my 'dilemma' I would definitely go with the steel frame... Sams1, thanks for the additional information on DLC finish. I have a HP Bob Coogan at APW worked on and we did the DLC. I really like the way it looks, and think it is an improvement over the ceramic coatings both in look and durability. Although it can be pricey, but worth the extra $$$. I agree, it is a very thin and extremely hard surface finish, and looks much better than the ceramic based coatings like Cerekote. Here is an image of the Coogan custom with the DLC finish. The DLC looks very natural and not thick like a cerekote.  |
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Post by CXM on Jul 31, 2022 10:11:02 GMT -5
I think I'd send a gun that is a 'beater.' No reason to send a nice gun and then have it refinished.
FWIW
Chuck
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Post by Mister Coffee on Jul 31, 2022 12:04:31 GMT -5
I think I'd send a gun that is a 'beater.' No reason to send a nice gun and then have it refinished. FWIW Chuck This is what I was thinking. Above and beyond how many duplicates you have, why redo a gun that is in such good shape? You would be taking a project piece from 90% to 100%. I'd rather see you take a gun from 20% to 100%. But Todd is so deep into our love of HPs that he is probably vibing on some nuance deep in the weeds . . . Todd, we're planning an intervention for you.  |
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Post by ToddSig on Jul 31, 2022 12:55:15 GMT -5
I think I'd send a gun that is a 'beater.' No reason to send a nice gun and then have it refinished. FWIW Chuck This is what I was thinking. Above and beyond how many duplicates you have, why redo a gun that is in such good shape? You would be taking a project piece from 90% to 100%. I'd rather see you take a gun from 20% to 100%. But Todd is so deep into our love of HPs that he is probably vibing on some nuance deep in the weeds . . . Todd, we're planning an intervention for you. Chuck and Mr C, I know where you are coming from on this. The problem is I dont have a beater HP to serve as the donor in my collection. Only the LWs, and I plan on using this as a rang gun, and with that I am considering the 80 Sport as the best alternative. I also like having the Browning rollmarks rather than FN. I think I paid around $800 for the 1980 Sport, and it came with a Browning zippered pouch (black plastic zipper, not brass). If I were to get a beater or rough surplus, they are now selling on GB in $800 to $1000 range. I would rather put that money into the various enhancements by Don W rather than buy a donor. Given the surface is so good, the new, probably DLC finish should look amazing on it. Mr C, regarding the intervention, yes probably do need it (i have gone to sneaking Hi Powers into the house, as well as saying new guns are trades or out for repairs).... Although I am making progress, given that I am actually trying to use one I already own for the Don W custom project and not purchasing one for the project.  Man, it is a struggle everyday. And now you guys are now enabling me by encouraging me to get another Hi Power as a donor! |
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Post by Bob Reed on Aug 2, 2022 13:41:21 GMT -5
Thanks Bob, although I still have time to decided, I too am leaning toward sending the '80 Sport. What do you think on sights. I am thinking of either Heinie, Bomar or perhaps old school S&W revolver? I am partial to all three. Todd, sorry for the late reply. I would go with something like the Yost-Harrison Retro Rear, and have it proportionally sized to the HPs smaller slide. For the front, I'd go with either a serrated semi-ramp w/Gold Bead or maybe a serrated full ramp with a Gold Line. |
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Man, it is a struggle everyday. And now you guys are now enabling me by encouraging me to get another Hi Power as a donor!