Idiot scratch on stainless SA Loaded 1911..repair??

Fusternc · October 22, 2008, 08:53 PM

I'd like to see if anyone here can tell me about any home repair job for the infamous "idiot scratch" on a stainless SA Loaded 1911 slide. Products, tools to use, etc? I was wondering if a bit of flitz and a small dremel with polishing cloth tip would work? Its pretty superficial but noticeable just the same. Thanks!

LHB1 · October 22, 2008, 09:50 PM

I removed/camouflaged an idiot scratch on my Kimber stainless pistol using #400 and #600 grit sandpaper. CAREFULLY sand parallel with the existing pattern of SS finish on your gun. Do NOT sand in circles or in cross directions to "grain" in your gun's finish. On my gun this meant sanding horizontally (parallel with the rails of the gun). I used a small round rubber eraser with sandpaper wrapped around it to lightly sand alternately with the two grits until I got just the right "look" on the frame. Do be careful not to make things look worse.

ps: I would recommend NOT using a Dremel or other power sander for this job. A very light touch is needed.

**44 AMP** · October 22, 2008, 10:49 PM

flitz and a soft cloth for a start. Hand rub only. If no results, go to emery cloth (ultra fine "sandpaper") Stay with hand rubbing, no power tools (way to easy to go to far in an instant) polish with the "grain" of the metal

tomh1426 · October 22, 2008, 11:08 PM

A piece of cardboard on a flat surface along with a straight edge a piece of 600 grit paper and plenty of oil.
Playboy penguin did a thing on it a while back.

Harry Bonar · October 24, 2008, 09:29 AM

Sir;
I had to remove the numbers and markings on several 1911 slides.
On my belt sander I used a very fine belt and since the serrations are below the sides you can do a beautiful job - maybe doing both suides so they match!
I know this sounds crazy but it did such a nice job I didn't even need to polish further!
Harry B.

October 22, 2008, 08:53 PM	#1
Fusternc Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 1999 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 113	Idiot scratch on stainless SA Loaded 1911..repair?? I'd like to see if anyone here can tell me about any home repair job for the infamous "idiot scratch" on a stainless SA Loaded 1911 slide. Products, tools to use, etc? I was wondering if a bit of flitz and a small dremel with polishing cloth tip would work? Its pretty superficial but noticeable just the same. Thanks!

October 22, 2008, 09:50 PM	#2
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	I removed/camouflaged an idiot scratch on my Kimber stainless pistol using #400 and #600 grit sandpaper. CAREFULLY sand parallel with the existing pattern of SS finish on your gun. Do NOT sand in circles or in cross directions to "grain" in your gun's finish. On my gun this meant sanding horizontally (parallel with the rails of the gun). I used a small round rubber eraser with sandpaper wrapped around it to lightly sand alternately with the two grits until I got just the right "look" on the frame. Do be careful not to make things look worse. ps: I would recommend NOT using a Dremel or other power sander for this job. A very light touch is needed. __________________ Good shooting and be safe. LB

October 22, 2008, 10:49 PM	#3
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,817	flitz and a soft cloth for a start. Hand rub only. If no results, go to emery cloth (ultra fine "sandpaper") Stay with hand rubbing, no power tools (way to easy to go to far in an instant) polish with the "grain" of the metal __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

October 24, 2008, 09:29 AM	#5
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	Scratch Sir; I had to remove the numbers and markings on several 1911 slides. On my belt sander I used a very fine belt and since the serrations are below the sides you can do a beautiful job - maybe doing both suides so they match! I know this sounds crazy but it did such a nice job I didn't even need to polish further! Harry B.

October 22, 2008, 11:08 PM	#4
tomh1426 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Youngtown Arizona Posts: 1,135	A piece of cardboard on a flat surface along with a straight edge a piece of 600 grit paper and plenty of oil. Playboy penguin did a thing on it a while back.