Value of Gov't Model Series 70 ?

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

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.

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An Armed Society Is A
Polite Society

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....