[TWalker]

Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

I have put a nickel plated Colt Series 70 Gov't Model .45 on layaway. It is without a box or papers. Condition is 90 % or better. It has one slight spot of what was once rust, about the size of a pinhead, and a couple very slight scratches. Otherwise, it's in great condition. Is this worth the $385 I paid? How should I treat the spot (pit) on the slide to keep it from getting larger? I know not to use Hoppes.

 

[dant]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

TWalker, I think that is a very good price.
As for the 'nickel' finish, there is NOT a lot you can do. Old trick used to be if the spot is/ was 'small' you can rub the edge of an 'old copper penny' and somehow, this stabilized the corrosion that's going on. But with the finish being 'nickel' I would hesitate in doing much if any rubbing.
I have seen 'nickel' finishes revitalized and cleaned up with stuff as "flitz', 'or 'semichrome' but be careful, they can and do have some abrasives in them, but if done lightly, do work. I now use 'Mothers Metal Polish' and it works even better ,easier and faster.
Try it or any of them, on an 'out of the way' spot first and see how they work. I know they do remove most of the slight scratches and handling marks. Just don't go getting too aggressive.

NO, do NOT use 'Hoppes' on any 'nickel' surface' especially if there is a 'break' in the finish ,such as a rust spot ,throught the finish. Hoppes can and will get underneath and eventually lift the plating(cause separation)

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Dan

 

[Tusker10MM]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

WALKER-- I would pay that any day-- Hard to judge the spot without first hand seeing it. You sure don't want to soak it in Hoppes' over night A light cleaning would work, but there are other things I would use first.

Nice find. I could send you a pair of stag grips for her for $135.00 shipped.

------------------
An Armed Society Is A
Polite Society

 

[ohiobuckeye]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

Tw, I've paid nearly that much just for an upper assembly with no frame, so yes, that's a very good price even with the flaw in the nickel. If theres no pitting that would show through the nickel, and you want to really spruce it up, return it to Colt and have them renickel it for you. They will make it look good as new and the prices are reasonable. I had a couple of revolvers renickeled last year, and I don't recall the exact price, but it's on their web site. I think in the neighborhood of 200 bucks for work and shipping. Also, if only the slide, or the frame is flaking, I think they will do only the individual part at a much lesser price. Not absolutely sure about Colt doing this, but most refinishers will. If it doesn't show that on the web site, give them a call on the toll free number and ask them. They are very helpful and accommodating.
The only down side to a refinish is that some of the collectors here may beat on you for not leaving it totally original, but a 90% series 70 is a shooter, and of little interest to a serious collector, so do whatever it takes to make it look the way you want it to look. It will still have a value in the neghborhood of what you'll have invested, plus you get all the fun of playing with it....

 

[WS23]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

Excellent advice from Mr. Buckeye. I have to agree with him wholeheartedly.

 

[TWalker]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

Thanks to all for your replies. I think I'll use this Series 70 as a shooter and carry gun. The small spot doesn't look too bad unless you're looking for it. Is there any way to plate that one spot without making it look worse? Maybe someday down the road I'll have Colt re-do the whole gun, but first I want to put several thousand rounds through it. Chances are though, that I'll always keep it "as is". We can both continue growing older together.

 

[44 Deerslayer]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

Small kits used to be advertised in gun magazines several years ago to touch up plating. They were electric and had to be connected to a 12 volt battery. They were like artist brushes with metal tips, came with various plating solutions and I even recall a test in one gun magazine where they plated small gun parts like a slide stop and it came out good. You might be able to find something similar with a Google search.

------------------
Ron
NRA Life Member

[This message has been edited by 44 Deerslayer (edited 07-16-2005).]

 

[Potomus]

Re: Value of Gov\'t Model Series 70 ?

Walker, you made an excellent purchase. I'd pay that for a nice one with no finish.