I just bought a Thompson Auto Ordnance 1911 of West Hurley, NY manufacture( pre 1999) I am trying to identify the the finish that is on it. It looks like a matte nickel coating. I had someone refer to it as a P1 coating. It is wearing and flaking off in spots. Appears as though it my have been a electro-plated or possibly flame sprayed. I would like to remove the finish currently on it an apply a Brownells gun-kote epoxy coating. Anyone have any suggestions as tho what this finish may be and how to remove it. I don't want to bead blast it if at all possible. Hoping to find a chemical process such as muriatic acid to remove it. The gun is a great shooter. I bought it to trick out for my son. Any info would be greatly appreciated.