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View Full Version : Steel used in Colt Police Positive frame



kywoodwrkr
02-04-2015, 09:35 PM
Can someone please tell me what the steel type was used in the colt police positive frame if known.
Have a frame needing remedial TIG cosmetic work.
Want to blend weld in as best I can.
Thanks.

waksupi
02-05-2015, 02:46 AM
Try contacting Colt directly. Most likely the easiest way to find out.

leftiye
02-05-2015, 07:44 AM
They were made over a considerable span of years. So, different steels as better steel evolved. That frame was in the later detective specials and many of the later smaller Colts. The early guns from all manufacturers all had soft weak steel, that was all there was during that era.

I have a Police Positive Special that, before I could get it to work well, ended up with all parts - barrel, cylinder, and all internal parts being replaced. Mostly with the later model parts. They were slightly larger and filled the critical engagement gaps that caused the original parts to fail. I suspect the newer cylinder is much stronger than the original.

Sorry for the drift.

MtGun44
02-05-2015, 02:02 PM
Hmm. Given that the current entity with the name "Colt" has little or nothing to
actually link them with the company named "Colt" that actually made that pistol . . . .
best of luck. Sadly, a lot of companies today think historical products are entirely
uninteresting and know literally nothing about them, and refuse to even consider
working on them. I hope Colt does not fall into this category, but don't be
surprised if they haven't the slightest clue what the frame was made of.

I hope you are lucky and they have some files which can answer this.

Bill

Outpost75
02-05-2015, 02:07 PM
The majority of Colts are plain carbon steel, similar to 1050. The later post 1970 "Rocky Hill" frames had better material and were +P rated.

If pre-1970 of any model other than the New Frontier, Python or Trooper .357, you can be fairly certain it is plain carbon steel.

kywoodwrkr
02-05-2015, 04:42 PM
Thank you one and all for your responses.
After I posted I realized I could pick a spot under the grips and test filler wire there and see how the steels match.
Between your replies and having had another week in TIG class I may just give it a whirl-or it will maybe give me a whirl-we'll see!
Thanks.

leftiye
02-06-2015, 08:10 AM
Best of luck. Now wish me luck in welding together parts of a demilled M14 receiver LOL.

kywoodwrkr
02-06-2015, 11:38 AM
Best of luck. Now wish me luck in welding together parts of a demilled M14 receiver LOL.
Jigs Jigs Jigs
Have a Stevens Single shot I need to weld a tang on also.
Will probably take longer to make a holder/jig than the actual welding.
But by then next month when I turn 74 I can maybe go out and apply for a job-NOT.
First welding project will be welding front boss up on a Ruger black hawk cylinder to take out end slop.
Thanks again all.

M-Tecs
02-06-2015, 11:53 AM
Best of luck. Now wish me luck in welding together parts of a demilled M14 receiver LOL.

At one time the BATF said this was ok but later revised their position. Last I checked welded M14's are considered full auto.

http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=6&f=6&t=229712

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/gunsmithing/tig-welding-receivers-126219/


http://m14forum.com/reference/91271-m-k-specialties-question.html

http://www.plainsite.org/dockets/2324c5z9p/west-virginia-northern-district-court/united-states-v-mk-specialties-model-m14-mchinegun/

http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/294/896/2569999/

http://www.homegunsmith.com/archive/T10157.html

http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-6th-circuit/1181941.html

John Boy
02-06-2015, 03:01 PM
Can someone please tell me what the steel type was used in the colt police positive frame if known.
Yes, the Colt Purchasing Agent who ordered the steel. But he or she probably retired 70 - 90 years ago

M-Tecs
02-06-2015, 04:34 PM
You could have it scanned at the scrap yard.

bhn22
02-07-2015, 03:29 PM
Being a Police Positive, and not a Police Positive Special, you could be dealing with a gun as old as 1907. I'd definitely try to determine the year of manufacture. This could have a huge bearing on the outcome.

HollowPoint
02-07-2015, 03:54 PM
I'd love to find a list of all the types of metals used by all the various firearms makers. Especially the metals used to making some of the old milsurp guns.

HollowPoint