Another ugly gun

[gb6491]

I seem to have penchant for ugly guns. Some I acquire because I like the look, others as a project, and others on a whim.
This one was definitely on a whim.
Background: My buddy had seen a 1911 in a local pawn shop and was on the fence about buying it so we went to look at after meeting AIRret and her husband.
The 1911 was an early Springfield Armory gun that had some work done on it (not bad at all), but also some surface rust (not that bad). He decided to buy it with the plan to clean it up with steel wool and perhaps a little cold blue. If that doesn't suffice we'll blast and parkerize it. While he was doing the paper work I got to looking at a Tangfolio Poly Witness compact. I think this one was a forerunner of the current Pavona series (curiously I had just read a review of that series: http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2015/10/wolf-in-sheeps-clothing-the-eaa-witness-pavona-compact/#eaa-witness-pavona-compact-7) as it very similar to those guns. The differences I see was in the style of the slide serrations and the one I was looking at didn't have any silver or gold speckles in it's blue (maybe grape) frame. That's right blue or maybe grape frame (the color seems to vary according to the light it's in). The review I read was favorable of the Pavona series and I've owned Tangfolios before, finding them to be solid performers. Still , it was not going with me at the $300 + tax they were asking for it. As I handed it back, the counter bubba said he might could do something on that price. I mulled that over a bit and when he was finished with the sale to my friend asked what he thought he could do on it. So here I am $272 poorer out the door.
https://s19.postimg.org/ih0mj4vr7/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Full length guide rod, DA/SA, cocked and locked, 13 +1 9mm
https://s19.postimg.org/6k8zynttv/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
I took it out to day and it ran through 50 rounds of 115 grain Blazer brass ball and 50 rounds of Agulia 124 grain ball without a single hiccup. I left my paper targets sitting by the door, so I've no groups to show, but I was hitting this flipping target quite a bit more often than not at 10 yds with the blue thang.
https://s19.postimg.org/i5j66dfb7/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Before I took it out I had noticed that it didn't eject unfired rounds with much gusto, so I removed the extractor, gave it a good cleaning, rounded the bottom edge where the rounds slip under it, and removed a little material where the front of the extractor touches the frame. All this gave improved performance when ejecting live rounds at my bench and I was pleased to see the gun ejected consistently about 3-4 ft. to my right with the 115 gr. stuff and a little further with the 124 gr. ammo.
https://s19.postimg.org/mfxu1ykeb/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
So far, so good.
Here's a quick video and my apologies as it's not the best quality. My excuse is I was holding my cell phone in one hand and shooting with the other ...the pistol kind of drifts to the right as I concentrate on the shooting part. The golf ball is about 5 yds. away to start:
IARzr8qyKBo

Regards,
Greg

[downtownv]

It kinda looks like a poly "display" gun.
The only thing I could see is it would match my eyes.
http://www.kahrtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14561&stc=1

[Barth]

Pretty sure I had one as a kid.
Mine shot colored plastic disks.

[GLOCKROCKER]

Papa Smurf called and wants his gun back!:madgrin:

[berettabone]

It's still not as ugly as a Glo...........well, you know:o

[Bawanna]

It looks VERY ergonomic and it obviously is a shooter and shoots well.

Don't leave it laying around unattended, some kid will steal that puppy.

Never seen nothing like that before.

"The Blue Thang" is the perfect name for it.

[jeepster09]

Here is a companion for it you can scoop up on Armslist. It will help draw away the attention....:2eek:

[SmokyT]

I don't really think the gun is ugly shape wise. But the frame color is .... Well...., what can I say.... ...

[jeepster09]

I don't really think the gun is ugly shape wise. But the frame color is .... Well...., what can I say.... ...


Oh agreed.....some people's choice in colors!

[yqtszhj]

Hey, what y'all forget is Greg is industrious. Next time you see that thing the blue will be OD green and jeepster will be offering him $500 for it.

[AIRret]

OH LORD Greg…..it's unique!
It takes a real man to be confident enough to shoot a gun like that!!

[jeepster09]

:w00t::w00t: sweet :w00t::w00t:

[Alfonse]

Grape, just not quite wine yet. I'm sure after hanging around in Greg's shop for a bit, it will be very presentable.

Congrats Greg!

[Planedude]

Heck Greg, I would have carried off for less than three bill too...

I had a great deal offered to me on a LNIB razzberry Ruger LC9 but it was an early model and I would only be interested in the new S model. The price was right enough to over look the color, just not the trigger.

[knkali]

wow it aint that bad guys

[Bawanna]

I agree, not that bad. I mean no reason to go to the range with a paper sack over your head with eye holes or nothing like that.
I did this when I first got my van (Ford). I found out people really knew who I was but just didn't say anything since they felt badly for me.

[jeepster09]

You should use burlap it will last longer....

[GROTMAN]

I agree, not that bad. I mean no reason to go to the range with a paper sack over your head with eye holes or nothing like that.
I did this when I first got my van (Ford). I found out people really knew who I was but just didn't say anything since they felt badly for me.

Maybe next time you can go in this camouflaged Ford. Looks to be pretty affordable.
http://i.imgur.com/tAegcdb.jpg

[Bills1873]

Greg could photograph a turd and make it look good! Good score, Greg! Something creative will come of that one. Please share it with us, if you change it.

[jeepster09]

Maybe next time you can go in this camouflaged Ford. Looks to be pretty affordable.
http://i.imgur.com/tAegcdb.jpg


I would go $1800 on truck, not a penny more with those wheels. Looks like it is missing a couple of lug nuts?

[Ed M]

Congratulations on your new purchase Greg. Looks like it shoots well.

I'm guessing you already know there's an extremely easy fix if the frame color bothers you too much.

RIT dye. You know, the stuff you can dye clothes (etc) with. I don't know if you could get to OD green, but black would likely be no problem. You can dye to a darker color, but not a lighter one.

I've dyed enough plastic stuff over the years to not be afraid to do this. It's easy, permanent, and doesn't rub off - the dye penetrates deep enough to prevent that. Takes all of 15-20 minutes to do....

[AIRret]

Congratulations on your new purchase Greg. Looks like it shoots well.

I'm guessing you already know there's an extremely easy fix if the frame color bothers you too much.

RIT dye. You know, the stuff you can dye clothes (etc) with. I don't know if you could get to OD green, but black would likely be no problem. You can dye to a darker color, but not a lighter one.

I've dyed enough plastic stuff over the years to not be afraid to do this. It's easy, permanent, and doesn't rub off - the dye penetrates deep enough to prevent that. Takes all of 15-20 minutes to do....

That's amazing!

[AIRret]

There is one reason Greg may want the leave the color the way it is.
I read an article that said carrying an unusually colored gun is a good idea. For instance if someone falsely accuses you of brandishing your gun or pointing it at them you can ask the cops to challenge them with the question; "What color was the gun?" See, just about everything has a purpose.

[AIRret]

You may consider this pretty ammo. for the gun!

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4658992/portland-oregon-ammo-for-sale--unusual-south-african-9mm-new-generation-sentry--lipstick-bullet--

[yqtszhj]

Congratulations on your new purchase Greg. Looks like it shoots well.

I'm guessing you already know there's an extremely easy fix if the frame color bothers you too much.

RIT dye. You know, the stuff you can dye clothes (etc) with. I don't know if you could get to OD green, but black would likely be no problem. You can dye to a darker color, but not a lighter one.

I've dyed enough plastic stuff over the years to not be afraid to do this. It's easy, permanent, and doesn't rub off - the dye penetrates deep enough to prevent that. Takes all of 15-20 minutes to do....

now thats good info. I never knew that.

[Bawanna]

You may consider this pretty ammo. for the gun!

http://www.armslist.com/posts/4658992/portland-oregon-ammo-for-sale--unusual-south-african-9mm-new-generation-sentry--lipstick-bullet--

Wonder if they have any other shades, I fear that would clash with my purple stilletos..............

[Buzzard45]

Wonder if they have any other shades, I fear that would clash with my purple stilletos..............
these may work for ya http://kingshooters.com/product.pc-45-200-grain-semiwadcutter-sized-452-no-lube-groove-3014:) (http://kingshooters.com/product.pc-45-200-grain-semiwadcutter-sized-452-no-lube-groove-3014)

[Bawanna]

these may work for ya http://kingshooters.com/product.pc-45-200-grain-semiwadcutter-sized-452-no-lube-groove-3014:) (http://kingshooters.com/product.pc-45-200-grain-semiwadcutter-sized-452-no-lube-groove-3014)

Well shut the front door, that's PERFECT! Your my new fashion consultant.

[GROTMAN]

Maybe if you can find a way to make these grips work.. Everyone will want a blue gun. :D
http://www.stingerpaintballdesigns.com/picts/SPD_Custom_Grips/Hottie_Designs/Devil%20Girl%20Blue%20Gun%201911%20Compact%20Model .jpg (https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjJpLeo-JLSAhWs8YMKHYi3ANIQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stingerpaintballdesigns.com%2 F1911_Pistol_and_Paintball_Marker_SPD_Custom_Grips _Devil_Girl_Blue.htm&psig=AFQjCNHGG02P1KaYJEGNw1Yxi00tCyyJPQ&ust=1487276834162782)

[Bawanna]

I want a blue gun. Those look like perfect CBob grips with a little bobtail modification.

[AIRret]

Wonder if they have any other shades, I fear that would clash with my purple stilletos..............


You sure have some KIND-OF style!! Oh NO………I'm getting a mental image….It's OVERWHELMING!

[Bawanna]

You sure have some KIND-OF style!! Oh NO………I'm getting a mental image….It's OVERWHELMING!

That's strange, my wife says folks don't normally get overwhelming images until they meet me in person. I'm not sure if she meant that in a good way or a bad way.

I tell the guys at work all the forum friends I have that I've never met. More than one said something to the effect of that would be a clue. I think I'll go curl up on the kitchen floor now and suck my thumb.

[jeepster09]

I found a picture....

[AIRret]

That's strange, my wife says folks don't normally get overwhelming images until they meet me in person. I'm not sure if she meant that in a good way or a bad way.

I tell the guys at work all the forum friends I have that I've never met. More than one said something to the effect of that would be a clue. I think I'll go curl up on the kitchen floor now and suck my thumb.

Hmmmmmm, so sorry, I didn't know you were so sensitive.

[Bawanna]

Me? Sensitive, behind all these tears I'm laughing my backside off.

That's close jeepster but that's my younger sister. She was always the cute one.

[gb6491]

I'd like to thank all who have commented... enjoyed a few chuckles while reading them.
To address a few:

Pretty sure I had one as a kid.
Mine shot colored plastic disks.
Oh yeah, I remember those
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/disc.%20gun_zpsphzjiund.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/disc.%20gun_zpsphzjiund.jpg.html)

Papa Smurf called and wants his gun back!
LOL, it is about the same color


It looks VERY ergonomic and it obviously is a shooter and shoots well.

Don't leave it laying around unattended, some kid will steal that puppy.

Never seen nothing like that before.

"The Blue Thang" is the perfect name for it.
It does shoot well for me and I do like "The Blue Thang" but .....


Hey, what y'all forget is Greg is industrious. Next time you see that thing the blue will be OD green and jeepster will be offering him $500 for it.

Grape, just not quite wine yet. I'm sure after hanging around in Greg's shop for a bit, it will be very presentable.

Congrats Greg!

Greg could photograph a turd and make it look good! Good score, Greg! Something creative will come of that one. Please share it with us, if you change it.
Thank you all for the votes of confidence! That's very much appreciated, but I do have to apologize as the OD green will probably not be possible.

OH LORD Greg…..it's unique!
It takes a real man to be confident enough to shoot a gun like that!!
MB, I'm more inclined to think it's about getting to an age where that type of thing doesn't matter...or at least quite as much.


Heck Greg, I would have carried off for less than three bill too...

I had a great deal offered to me on a LNIB razzberry Ruger LC9 but it was an early model and I would only be interested in the new S model. The price was right enough to over look the color, just not the trigger.
Thanks! The trigger is pretty good on this one.


wow it aint that bad guys
After shooting it awhile, I don't think so either.


Congratulations on your new purchase Greg. Looks like it shoots well.

I'm guessing you already know there's an extremely easy fix if the frame color bothers you too much.

RIT dye. You know, the stuff you can dye clothes (etc) with. I don't know if you could get to OD green, but black would likely be no problem. You can dye to a darker color, but not a lighter one.

I've dyed enough plastic stuff over the years to not be afraid to do this. It's easy, permanent, and doesn't rub off - the dye penetrates deep enough to prevent that. Takes all of 15-20 minutes to do....
Thanks Ed and thanks for bringing the dye up. You were right about the no go on OD green :(



You may consider this pretty ammo. for the gun!
http://www.armslist.com/posts/4658992/portland-oregon-ammo-for-sale--unusual-south-african-9mm-new-generation-sentry--lipstick-bullet--
That is some pretty ammo. Hope your trip to Phoenix went well.

Wonder if they have any other shades, I fear that would clash with my purple stilletos..............
Knives, nails, or heels? :)

Update on the Tanfoglio:
The pistol continues to run well. I have about 250 rounds through it with one stoppage. I believe that one was operator induced when I fired a round from the hip with a very casual grip. I like the gun enough as is, but.....

I wanted to see if OD green was possible.
Stripped down
https://s19.postimg.org/jkg5hcr0j/fast1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
I bead blasted it to knock the shine down some
https://s19.postimg.org/d8107inyb/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
In to some yellow RIT dye to see what happens....unfortunately the results were negligible, not even worth a photo.
https://s19.postimg.org/cwjjur7ib/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Next some green dye, this had an effect, but not what I was after. I'm of the mind that OD green is not possible on this frame
https://s19.postimg.org/rh0mpl2gz/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

to be continued

[Bawanna]

Just the bead blast helped immensely. Don't look nearly so toyish with the shine knocked off.

I don't know about that witches brew you got cooking. And you got the blue thang tore down plumb scary.

[gb6491]

Just the bead blast helped immensely. Don't look nearly so toyish with the shine knocked off.

I don't know about that witches brew you got cooking. And you got the blue thang tore down plumb scary.
I liked how it looked blasted, but a course had been set....damn the torpedoes!


However, here a quick aside that you might like:
As I mentioned in my first post, my buddy and I went to look at a 1911 he was interested in. It had some light rust, but he bought it. The rust cleaned up quite well and I had some wood grips that we think match the overall look better than the rubber grips that came on it:cool:
He's a happy camper!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/1911t_zpsm4xofunq.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/1911t_zpsm4xofunq.jpg.html)



....on to the poly Tanfoglio:
We're going with black and the results look promising right from the cauldron:)
https://s19.postimg.org/x6gv9w8n7/image.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
Here it is all back together again:
https://s19.postimg.org/5yffot9dv/tpc1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://s19.postimg.org/q72taj8oz/tpc2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)


Regards,
Greg

[Alfonse]

I liked how it looked blasted, but a course had been set....damn the torpedoes!


However, here a quick aside that you might like:
As I mentioned in my first post, my buddy and I went to look at a 1911 he was interested in. It had some light rust, but he bought it. The rust cleaned up quite well and I had some wood grips that we think match the overall look better than the rubber grips that came on it:cool:
He's a happy camper!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/1911t_zpsm4xofunq.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/1911t_zpsm4xofunq.jpg.html)



....on to the poly Tanfoglio:
We're going with black and the results look promising right from the cauldron:)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/r4_zpslymbt1pl.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/r4_zpslymbt1pl.jpg.html)






Here it is all back together again:


http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/pc2_zpsdtkp9dpf.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/pc2_zpsdtkp9dpf.jpg.html)
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/pc1_zpsbeiigwnm.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/pc1_zpsbeiigwnm.jpg.html)

Regards,
Greg

That is a fine looking weapon Greg! And, your projects get done so quickly. I have to take some inspiration from that and whittle down some of the projects I have sitting around. As usual, great work!!

[Bills1873]

Came out quite nice! I like that.

[Bawanna]

Get jeepster on the line. 550 bucks?

Dude, that thing turned out just awesome. The "Blue Thang" was an incredibly short lived but much deserved title.

That Springer looks fine too, don't now how bad it was going in but it's not looking bad at all now.

Them grips look good on it too but I'm gonna check my drawer, might be a set looking for a home. Haven't looked in awhile.

[Ed M]

Ugly gun no more. That thing looks great!

As usual, your workmanship is impeccable.

[yqtszhj]

Hey, what y'all forget is Greg is industrious. Next time you see that thing the blue will be OD green and jeepster will be offering him $500 for it.

See there? My point is proven. That looks nice.

Now its no longer a Tanfoglio, its a Fantoglio - Model GB6491. Up for sale for $550 as the Colonel stated. Character wear on the slide at no extra charge. It turned out real nice.

[AIRret]

Outstanding Greg!! Both guns look great….very nice photos!

If the dye job didn't work, my Hubby says you could have wrapped it in duct tape…duct tape fixes everything.

We made it to Phoenix just fine, an the VA did my blood work but so far no results.
We are camped on the Ben Avery Shooting range. It warms the heart to wake up to gun fire and know you are completely safe. The only requirement to camp here is that they ask you to shoot every other day (excluding Mon. and Tues. when they are closed). It's a tough rule, but we will live with it.
The complex is getting ready for "winter range". They have a full week of cowboy action competition starting Feb 20th and we will be here until the 28th so we should see some great competition in-between busting some caps ourselves. Life is good.
I'll post the web site that has the schedule.

[AIRret]

Here's the link
http://www.winterrange.com

[Bawanna]

Would be a kick to watch that.
You might look around for a tall lanky guy with long hair, actually probably be a lot that fit that description but I'm thinking of Bob Mernickle. And maybe his wife Sheryl will be with him.

Makes some awesome cowboy rigs and concealment holsters too. Might have a booth set up, not sure.
Almost met him in Reno two years ago but he's always away at an annual show the week we're there.

Maybe some day.

[AIRret]

Thanks for the heads up Bawanna. If I see him I'll tell him you said hi!

[Bawanna]

Be a hoot if you run into him. He'll undoubtedly be wearing fancy dud's and a mind blowing cowboy rig.
I don't know if he competes anymore or not.

We've emailed back and forth a few times and he said he actually used to sell holsters at our Monroe Gun Show back in the early days. Don't know that he'd remember me, but maybe the Monroe link would spark some memory.

[AIRret]

Be a hoot if you run into him. He'll undoubtedly be wearing fancy dud's and a mind blowing cowboy rig.
I don't know if he competes anymore or not.

We've emailed back and forth a few times and he said he actually used to sell holsters at our Monroe Gun Show back in the early days. Don't know that he'd remember me, but maybe the Monroe link would spark some memory.

OK, thanks for the details. I will also be able to tell him honestly (I'm alway honest….believe it or not) that you have given accolades about his holsters on the forum.

[Bawanna]

OK, thanks for the details. I will also be able to tell him honestly (I'm alway honest….believe it or not) that you have given accolades about his holsters on the forum.

If that's worth anything in peso's, I'll split it with ya right down the middle fair and square.

I'm always honest too, been a curse since birth. Doubled by the fact that I was born in Missouri. Folks in Missouri always speak the truth. They have committed some of the most heinous crimes in history but they don't lie about it.
Did you strangle that family and chop them up with a cordless sawzall? Yup, that what I dun.

[AIRret]

If that's worth anything in peso's, I'll split it with ya right down the middle fair and square.

I'm always honest too, been a curse since birth. Doubled by the fact that I was born in Missouri. Folks in Missouri always speak the truth. They have committed some of the most heinous crimes in history but they don't lie about it.
Did you strangle that family and chop them up with a cordless sawzall? Yup, that what I dun.

Missouri is the show me State…..right! Hmmmmmmm, that could be interesting!

Met some cowboy/cowgirls in the camping area today, what a friendly bunch. Of course they also want us to become cowboy action shooters. I was talking to one of them and hubby and I had just gotten off the range and were pretty dirty (it was windy today) and I said I'd like to introduce myself and shake your hand but I'm covered in range dirt. He said us cowboys ain't afraid of a little dirt and he shook my hand and we had a nice talk. He also shoots trap and skeet but he said; "those shot gun folks aren't as friendly as cowboy action shooters are.
Heck, who knows, as a kid I had a draw full of toy six shooters, even had one of those Bat Masterson hats that had a secret derringer that was ready to pop out!!! What fun!

[Bawanna]

That weren't Bat Masterson, that were Roy Rogers. I had one too.

There's a video of one of them around here some place. I don't know what happened to mine. I usually don't part with stuff.

[kenemoore]

We grew up dirt poor, never could afford something that fancy. I did have a Cap pistol, but no caps.


Colonel, is this your pistol?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9eMjtnAZ3g

[AIRret]

That weren't Bat Masterson, that were Roy Rogers. I had one too.

There's a video of one of them around here some place. I don't know what happened to mine. I usually don't part with stuff.

Mine was black, and I didn't think Roy Rogers wore black hats. My hat was shaped like the one Adam wore on Bonanza (flat on top).
I asked hubby about Bat Masterson's hat and he said it was a derby, mine definitely wasn't a derby.

All my toy guns went to nieces and nephews, the only one I still have is an M16. The trigger on that one still makes a Brrrrrrr sound.

[Bawanna]

Yup kenemore, that was my hat.

Bat Masterson had a hat that was kind of different. It wasn't a derby although I've always been fond of Derby's. I have such a big head I can never find one to fit. There is a Bat Masterson hat offered by one or more of the hat makers.
I check the hat store in Virginia City every visit trying to find Derby but so far no good. They did have the Bat Mastersons but again nothing close to my size.
There's a place there that makes hats that said he'd make me one but too rich for me.

So far I always left with a new hat anyhow.

[AIRret]

OK, glad for the correction.
What fun, a gun and hat combined!

[gb6491]

That is a fine looking weapon Greg! And, your projects get done so quickly. I have to take some inspiration from that and whittle down some of the projects I have sitting around. As usual, great work!!

Came out quite nice! I like that.
Alfonse and Bill, Thanks!:)

Get jeepster on the line. 550 bucks?

Dude, that thing turned out just awesome. The "Blue Thang" was an incredibly short lived but much deserved title.

That Springer looks fine too, don't now how bad it was going in but it's not looking bad at all now.

Them grips look good on it too but I'm gonna check my drawer, might be a set looking for a home. Haven't looked in awhile.
Bawanna, Thanks boss. I think "The Blue Thang' is still it's name...it's just that it has experienced a metamorphosis. My buddy had previously ordered a set of ebony grips for the 1911 and they've arrived. Pretty nice grips plus there were some fancy grip screws included: I'd say an excellent deal for under $20 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1911-checkered-Ebony-wood-grips-Silver-stainless-Torx-grip-screws-1911-grips-/222240473628?hash=item33be90821c:g:7MIAAOSwFdtXzUh 8)
The screws were stainless so we plated them with black nickle.

Ugly gun no more. That thing looks great!
As usual, your workmanship is impeccable.
Thanks Ed!:)

See there? My point is proven. That looks nice.

Now its no longer a Tanfoglio, its a Fantoglio - Model GB6491. Up for sale for $550 as the Colonel stated. Character wear on the slide at no extra charge. It turned out real nice.
Thank you on all accounts. Your earlier comment gave me the impetus to go ahead with the RIT dye. Previous to that, I was on the fence in regards to leaving it blue.

Outstanding Greg!! Both guns look great….very nice photos!

If the dye job didn't work, my Hubby says you could have wrapped it in duct tape…duct tape fixes everything....

Thanks MB! That's a good man you have there.

Mine was black, and I didn't think Roy Rogers wore black hats. My hat was shaped like the one Adam wore on Bonanza (flat on top).
I asked hubby about Bat Masterson's hat and he said it was a derby, mine definitely wasn't a derby.

All my toy guns went to nieces and nephews, the only one I still have is an M16. The trigger on that one still makes a Brrrrrrr sound.
I think it's appropriate that this thread has drifted to toy guns (or did it drift at all) considering that the blue frame did make the Tanfoglio look a bit toyish.

Roy Rogers probably didn't wear a black hat (or at least not very often), but that didn't stop Ideal from marketing a black version of the quick shooter hat (https://www.google.com/search?q=ROY+ROGERS+Quick+Shooter+Cowboy+HAT&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjZ7eyyiJrSAhWHj1QKHfq9CyYQ_AUICSgC#imgr c=tQ7CjYQ6zd0_ZM:)....you could let your Evil Roy out even back then.

On another note, while searching for the black hat, I came across this photo couldn't help thinking ...
https://d2ydh70d4b5xgv.cloudfront.net/images/6/8/cute-little-cowgirl-toy-hat-gun-pistol-old-vintage-photo-snapshot-r2798-40afad8f074f314a247b8b564b617a62.jpg Photo from https://www.terapeak.com

Regards,
Greg

[AIRret]

What an amazing job!! Hubby says that's a gun to "dye" for……that's his sense of humor.
Sincerely, IMPRESSIVE!
Your contributions to this forum are great…..I always learn sooooooo much!
Thanks!!

[Bawanna]

Ebony grips with fancy screws included for 20 bucks. And to think they say there's no money to be made making grips.

That's a steal.

[AIRret]

Greg that's not a picture of me, but It sure could have been!

[SaltyNC]

That's a great pic. In the mountains of NC, there is a small amusement park called Tweetsie Railroad. A steam locomotive has carried countless kids with cap guns and cowboy hats. Over the years, the toy gun section in the gift shop has gotten smaller, and the "Indians" that would jump on the train and whack the kids in the head with rubber tomahawks when I was a kid were replaced by bandits, but it's still a place where a little kid can dress up like a cowboy or cowgirl and pretend to defend the innocent. Lots of good memories there, including Fred Kirby, a singing cowboy and local celebrity.

Salty

[kenemoore]

Hey SaltyNC, I went to Tweetsie Railroad in 1965 for the first and only time as a kid. I had a .308 cartridge I found in the woods, when the army came through on maneuvers, it was my "EDC weapon" at that time. When they Indians stopped the train and came through with a bag held out, I gave them my cartridge, still miss it.

Fred Kirby used to be on Channel 3, and he showed little rascal clips, loved that show. We could not get channel 3 at my house, but my grandmother could, used to watch anytime I was at her house.

[ct9kahrtoter]

Looks like it ran good OP! I bought this today:
http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y516/longguntoter/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0530_zpsjm8jlj9m.jpg (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/longguntoter/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0530_zpsjm8jlj9m.jpg.html)
Wanted a single action "plinker", without breaking the bank. Shoots .22LR & .22 Magnum. Got it on sale for 129.99 + tax. It is made by Heritage.

[CPTKILLER]

Not sure about that.

[Planedude]

I'd like to thank all who have commented... enjoyed a few chuckles while reading them.
To address a few:

Oh yeah, I remember those
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/disc.%20gun_zpsphzjiund.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/disc.%20gun_zpsphzjiund.jpg.html)

LOL, it is about the same color


It does shoot well for me and I do like "The Blue Thang" but .....




Thank you all for the votes of confidence! That's very much appreciated, but I do have to apologize as the OD green will probably not be possible.

MB, I'm more inclined to think it's about getting to an age where that type of thing doesn't matter...or at least quite as much.


Thanks! The trigger is pretty good on this one.


After shooting it awhile, I don't think so either.


Thanks Ed and thanks for bringing the dye up. You were right about the no go on OD green :(



That is some pretty ammo. Hope your trip to Phoenix went well.

Knives, nails, or heels? :)

Update on the Tanfoglio:
The pistol continues to run well. I have about 250 rounds through it with one stoppage. I believe that one was operator induced when I fired a round from the hip with a very casual grip. I like the gun enough as is, but.....

I wanted to see if OD green was possible.
Stripped down
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/r_zpsjwd4nvy0.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/r_zpsjwd4nvy0.jpg.html)
I bead blasted it to knock the shine down some
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/r1_zpsljbvmm6h.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/r1_zpsljbvmm6h.jpg.html)
In to some yellow RIT dye to see what happens....unfortunately the results were negligible, not even worth a photo.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/r2_zpsmfu8lott.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/r2_zpsmfu8lott.jpg.html)
Next some green dye, this had an effect, but not what I was after. I'm of the mind that OD green is not possible on this frame
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk271/gb6491/forum%20stuff/r3_zpslodh54sk.jpg (http://s282.photobucket.com/user/gb6491/media/forum%20stuff/r3_zpslodh54sk.jpg.html)

to be continued

A couple of question on the process here Greg...

What did you use to degrease the poly frame before it went in the vat?
How important was the bead blasting to the success of the end product. I love the matt finish it gave, but would the glossy frame have taken the dye as well?
How hot was the soup and how long did you "cook" the frame for to achieve the final result?

Enquiring minds want to know.

[gb6491]

A couple of question on the process here Greg...

What did you use to degrease the poly frame before it went in the vat?
How important was the bead blasting to the success of the end product. I love the matt finish it gave, but would the glossy frame have taken the dye as well?
How hot was the soup and how long did you "cook" the frame for to achieve the final result?

Enquiring minds want to know.

I washed the frame with grease cutting, dish washing liquid. After drying it with compressed air, I hit it with glass bead, followed by air again and a water rinse before going into the dye.

The bead blasting was just to achieve the surface texture I wanted. I think a glossy frame would have taken the dye just as well.

I tried to maintain the temp near 170F. For the most part I was successful with that, but towards the end of an hour I replaced the foil I had covering the pot too tightly and I heard it hit a boil some minutes later. I shut the stove off at that point and checked the frame. All was good, so I just put it back in the pot and let everything cool down. I'd guess the frame was in the pot for close to two hours before I finally pulled it for a rinse. Once running rinse water showed no color it was ready for drying and reassembly.

FWIW, the dye took quite well on this frame. When putting the pistol back together, I noticed a scratch I had missed in prep; I was able to sand that out and blast the repair without exposing any other color (I would have just put it back in the pot if I had).

Regards,
Greg

[SaltyNC]

That is so cool, Greg. I had no idea you could dye plastic with RIT dye. Learn something new every day around here.
I wonder if some brown dye would now get you where you want to be.

https://www.goldenpaints.com/mixer

Salty

[Armybrat]

Yes, now it looks like a real gun! Good work.

Your friend's Springer is nice too.

[gb6491]

That is so cool, Greg. I had no idea you could dye plastic with RIT dye. Learn something new every day around here.
I wonder if some brown dye would now get you where you want to be.

https://www.goldenpaints.com/mixer

Salty
Salty,
Thanks for the link; I've added it to my bookmarks:) As to the Tanfoglio, I'm thinking I'm good with the black I have on it now.

Yes, now it looks like a real gun! Good work.

Your friend's Springer is nice too.
Thanks!
He is pretty happy with that 1911:)

Regards,
Greg