Scratch removal question

Dr Killdeer · April 11, 2010, 08:10 AM

Is it possible to polish out scratches on a 1911 stainless steel slide? If so, what kind of compound can be used, what tools do I need and what’s the best way to go about it?

jaguarxk120 · April 11, 2010, 10:11 AM

It all depends on how deep the scratches are and how the slide is finished. You may want to send it back to mfgr for refinishing as they will have the proper equipment and materials to finish it right.

mete · April 11, 2010, 10:17 AM

Newburgh ? You need a gun !!

I'll be there tomorrow gun in hand !

I would use 400 grit wet/dry paper on a flat backing for the sides .For the top if it's textured use a coarse maybe 180 grit and hammer the paper against the slide to match the original texture.If the scratches are deep you might start out with coarser paper to remove the scratch then finish with 400.

Chris_B · April 11, 2010, 04:16 PM

In my opinion, 400 grit sandpaper is going to mark up stainless steel pretty badly.

How deep is this scratch? Photographs, please

mete · April 11, 2010, 04:29 PM

I should have mentioned - if you have a highly polished gun [ NONE of mine are ] techniques are different . Then you have to use a paper coarse enough to get out the scratches easily then use progressively finer paper to return to the original finish.

Dr Killdeer · April 12, 2010, 07:32 AM

The top is textured and the sides are polished. The scratches are from contact with the slide release. Not deep. I think I'll give it a try and then if I screw it up, I'll ship it back to Springfield and let them restore it.

mete, you better bring an extra magazine if you're going to Newburgh. As you know, it has the highest crime rate per capita of any city in the state, including NYC. It's a target rich environment. Be safe!

April 11, 2010, 08:10 AM	#1
Dr Killdeer Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: Newburgh, NY Posts: 127	Scratch removal question Is it possible to polish out scratches on a 1911 stainless steel slide? If so, what kind of compound can be used, what tools do I need and what’s the best way to go about it? __________________ Man is the only animal on the planet that is capable of saying "I'm sorry." Further, he's the only one who creates the need to say it.

April 12, 2010, 07:32 AM	#6
Dr Killdeer Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2009 Location: Newburgh, NY Posts: 127	The top is textured and the sides are polished. The scratches are from contact with the slide release. Not deep. I think I'll give it a try and then if I screw it up, I'll ship it back to Springfield and let them restore it. mete, you better bring an extra magazine if you're going to Newburgh. As you know, it has the highest crime rate per capita of any city in the state, including NYC. It's a target rich environment. Be safe! __________________ Man is the only animal on the planet that is capable of saying "I'm sorry." Further, he's the only one who creates the need to say it.

April 11, 2010, 10:11 AM	#2
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	It all depends on how deep the scratches are and how the slide is finished. You may want to send it back to mfgr for refinishing as they will have the proper equipment and materials to finish it right.

April 11, 2010, 10:17 AM	#3
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	Newburgh ? You need a gun !! I'll be there tomorrow gun in hand ! I would use 400 grit wet/dry paper on a flat backing for the sides .For the top if it's textured use a coarse maybe 180 grit and hammer the paper against the slide to match the original texture.If the scratches are deep you might start out with coarser paper to remove the scratch then finish with 400.

April 11, 2010, 04:16 PM	#4
Chris_B Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 3,101	In my opinion, 400 grit sandpaper is going to mark up stainless steel pretty badly. How deep is this scratch? Photographs, please

April 11, 2010, 04:29 PM	#5
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	I should have mentioned - if you have a highly polished gun [ NONE of mine are ] techniques are different . Then you have to use a paper coarse enough to get out the scratches easily then use progressively finer paper to return to the original finish.