Where is Elmore's? Ive heard of it but never been there, Ive heard its worth checking out.
They did a Duracoat for me on a 1911.... not a bad job.... great guys.
I've had conversation about custom work... I think they send most of it out.
If you're considering Duracoat, make sure you have them explain the different finishes.... they range from about a "parkerized" to a "gloss".... unfortunately, I can't remember what I got (nice, I know), but it's a semi-gloss/satin, for lack of better description.
Seems to be fairly durable, but I don't use that gun that much.... I don't think I'd put it up against a factory applied, it is a paint, so it has some thickness and will soften any markings. It won't completely fill them in, but it will slightly.
Good luck.
I took a rifle to have it parkerized, they talked me into doing duracoat. I agreed. They told me it would take 2 weeks, I finally got it back after 11 weeks. Every time I called they told me it would be done next friday. Very poor service. Also after they told me it was done, I went to pick it up, and the trigger group had not been done. They told me they didnt know how to take it apart. They took 50 off the bill, so i took it and left. I will never do business with them again.
Honestly I have been having a very difficult time finding a shop around the Indianapolis area that treats their customers with respect all around, goes 100% (not necessarily above and beyond) with customer service, has a good selection and fair prices. I've found shops that have some of these qualities, but most seem to be lacking one in a big way.
Give Bradis a try.
+1 Ive been doing bussiness with bradis for years and Ive always gotten great service. They all know me by first name and i know most of them by thiers. Real friendly place with knoweledgeable people. Ask for Mark or Dave, both top notch dudes. Also if Lisa is thier shes the owner and she is probably my favorite one to deal with, She may gloat about her newest grandbaby to you but what grandmother wouldnt, shea a real stand up lady.