Sam 1911

S

Steve2121

CGN Regular
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I just received my first 1911. I went with the Sam stainless enhanced .45. I absolutely love it. Next up is a blued version. Debating the military or the Thunderbolt. Is upgrading worth the extra $$$ ?
 
Go Thunderbolt and never look back. It's crafted and fit to a much higher standard than the other SAM 1911's are. You can easily put it next to a custom 1911 and forget which is which.
 
Wish they'd get the commander sized stainless 9mms back in stock.

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NAA.
 
If you like the stainless, avoid the blue. It's disappointing. It's closer to BBQ paint than it is to bluing.
 
The blue isn't a polished blue like you'd see on a SW revolver, more like the blue was done over a bead blasted finish which results in almost a flat black kind of finish.

Edit: I should have added that the finish is smooth to the touch, not a rough or gritty type of finish.

 
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Steve2121 said:
I def want a blued version. Just debating between the standard military or thunderbolt. If the bluing isn't good maybe I'll look at something else.
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Just wanted to forewarn in case you mean proper blue rather than something more like a dark parked finish. The old norc A1 models are blued and look it. Remington R1 as well has a touch of polish to it.
 
Steve2121 said:
Only thing I'm not a huge fan of on the thunderbolt is the rail
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I have a Seraphim Archangel coming. I too am not kean on the rail treatment. I'm going to see if it grows on me and if not, I may get the front end of it milled off. First I need to try my LaserLight on it. Also the extra weight may help it as a shooter. Time will tell. If the slide and frame are as good as I think they are, I may use mine as the base for a custom refinish.
 
AB.boy said:
The blue isn't a polished blue like you'd see on a SW revolver, more like the blue was done over a bead blasted finish which results in almost a flat black kind of finish.

Edit: I should have added that the finish is smooth to the touch, not a rough or gritty type of finish.

Click to expand...

How is the quality of the finish otherwise? Aside from not really being a proper polished blue?
 
thegrandpoohbah said:
How is the quality of the finish otherwise? Aside from not really being a proper polished blue?
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It's the same finish a lot of US rifle and shotgun makers use now when they call something "tactical" lol
It's fine, holds up decent, but will scuff from holster use and regular shooting.
 
wayupnorth said:
its almost like a Parkerized finish, nice and flawless but not silky smooth if ya know what i mean.
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I agree. I handled an ATI in Texas before I ordered my Seraphim. I was amazed at the fit and finish on a gun at that price level. ATI also uses the name Thunderbolt as they are a major SAM distributor in the US. Look up reviews on the ATI and you'll find they are invariably very positive. I think but do not know that the finish is some sort of black nitride or a variation of Parkerizing. It's definitely not bluing IMO but that's a good thing. Parkerizing makes a very good base for the modern finishes if you want to pimp up the plain black which I may do. Based on the reviews and my own handling and shooting experience, I think the Thunderbolt is a major bargain. So much so that I would consider using it as a base for a custom gun and will start in that direction if my trigger job doesn't get the results I'm aiming for. However, I think it will and hopefully will get my gun today and start my little project. I drove home 3200 km from Texas over the past five days and seriously need a "gun fix".

Gord
 
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