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6/15/2006 12:40:51 PM EDT
I am thinking about picking up some cheap 20rd magazines but they are partially painted blue. These are of original Colt manufacture. I was wondering if anyone knew how the magazine finish would take a paint thinner.
6/15/2006 12:53:59 PM EDT
[#1]
I wouldn't worry about it.  Thinner away.  Even if you strip all of the finish off, the mags won't be damaged.

Some of my fav range mags are bare to the metal!
6/16/2006 8:50:58 PM EDT
[#2]
Use the thinner.  Then if you want color, get some krylon, or ALUMA HYDE and "customize" your mags!
6/17/2006 4:41:54 AM EDT
[#3]
LOVE the OUTSTANDING OLD 20 rounders with Metal Followers

BEST M16 mag ever made in my BOOK
6/17/2006 9:31:30 AM EDT
[#4]

I was wondering if anyone knew how the magazine finish would take a paint thinner.


If the old finish was painted over w/ blue paint, you'll probably need to strip the mag down to the anodization as I'm certain the paint is more durable than the original finish.  So any attempt to remove the paint will harm the old finish.  The old moly coat is really "soft" and transfers easily.  With that in mind, you might as well begin the process knowing you're going to strip the mag's finish completely off.  Then all you need to decide is what finish to recoat em with.

I recently received a 20rd Colt w/ alloy follower from NYPatriot in a trade.  According NYP it was finished by Walter Birdsong in "Black T".  At first I didn't think I'd care for a black 20rd mag as I'm old fashioned.  However, the vintage silverish moly of the old 20s looked "odd" IMHO when inserted in my BFI M4/A3.  It's because I've never really witnessed an M4 w/ a vintage 20 inserted. (Strange how my mind works isn't it but, it just looked odd. Like a new Corvette sporting classic fins...)  I'm here to  tell you, that black 20rd Colt in my BFI M4 looks sassy! Sassy I tell you!  All the reliability of a vintage 20 w/ alloy follower, and a modern black finish to match my weapon.  

So depending on what you're going to use the 20s in, you might want to consider a black finish?  The best part of the whole deal is due to what the magazines are under the finish- you got some good mags well worth all the attention in refinishing them.  I wouldn't dare say the current crop of mags are no good but, there ain't none better made today than a vintage 20 w/ alloy follower IMHO.

Sly
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