Pre-70 Series Colt Commander

[Johnny Peppers]

I have seen our local gunsmith use an aluminum touch-up on alloy receivers. I have a feeling he got it from Brownells, but will try and remember to ask him.

[Thom M.]

I think that Birchwood Casey made a product called "Aluma-Black" I don't know anything about it but I remember seeing it.

[smokey]

Johnny, Do you know what was the first year of the brown plastic grips that shrink and warp? Thanks, Nick

[Johnny Peppers]

I do not, but the ones that shrink are a dull flat brown color, where the early post WWII commercial grips have some shine, and are a more mottled color. Some even show reds and orange mixed in with the brown color.
The grips that shrink are normally easy to spot on a pistol, as there will be a gap above the bottom grip screw and a gap below the top grip screw from the shrinkage on the pistol. Never buy these grips without trying them on your pistol first.

[smokey]

Thanks Johnny, I have a 1969 Commander that is unfired but with the "crappy" shrunken grips. Nick

[Johnny Peppers]

Finally talked to the gunsmith, and he uses the Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black which he gets from Brownell's. He said that on a scratch like your's to apply it with a toothpick on the scratch only, or in other words, don't try to blend it in. He also said a second application might be necessary.

[albud3]

Birchwood-Casey has an "Aluminun Black" that they sell in (IIRC) 4 ounce bottles. That should work to cover up the scratch. Have found many uses for it sperate from guns. Not that expensive.