I picked up that beat up Colt officer's model yesterday. I got a very good price on it because of it's cosmetic condition. The frame is quite scratched up and has some really bad idiot marks on the side. The slide is not as bad bit it is not exactly pristine either. It has lots of little scratches. I refinished it last nigth and it is looking pretty nice...if I do say so myself.

Here are some before pics.





...and here is a pic of the frame after some work. I took some 320 grit sandpaper and sanded out the scratches and nicks. Luckily they were very shallow so I did not end up with any low spots. After that I beadblasted the whole thing, giving it a pearl like finish, then rebuffed the flat sides back to a brushed stainless look. I then changed out the grips and trigger.

I should have the slide done soon. It does not need nearly as much work. It is looking good so far.