remove laser engraving?

[Spackler]

Can laser engraving be removed by bead blasting or covered by a dark finish? No, I'm not talking about a serial number! I have a 4013TSW and I really do not like the large laser engraving on the slide. I wouldn't mind a two-tone, with the stainless slide refinished in a dark finish, if that would do the trick. I guess it would at least tone it down a little. Any ideas? Thanks.

['01 GSR]

You're probably going to have to get it polished out. Bead blasting isn't that intensive and won't go that deep.

What engraving do you mean (knowing little about S&W autos, except the new acessory rails on the TSW series SUCK)? I'd leave it unless it wasn't original to the gun (e.g., a police dept logo, etc.).

[Spackler]

I have an earlier model 4013TSW so it's "pre-rail". I hate those rails also.

It is engraved "Tactical Smith & Wesson" on the left side of the slide. The right side of the slide is bare, thankfully. There is a nice S&W logo on the left side as well, and that is tastefully done.

It's a great pistol, I just don't care for the slightly tacky engraving.

[James K]

My advice would be to live with it and get used to it. But if that is not an option, you want to leave the slide surface as flat as possible. A buffing wheel will take a good while and leave a "dished" area.

I think you will probably have to go to a large file or a planer. I don't know how hard that slide is, but I am pretty sure a machine shop will not want to find out on their planer, so the file may be the way to go.

Jim

[Spackler]

I'm thinking about going in the opposite direction. I am going to contact Smith & Wesson and see if they can laser engrave the words "Super-duper" in front of the existing engraving. It'll give me a one-of-a-kind piece.

No, actually I think I'll leave it alone. I bought it three or four years ago, so I've learned to live with it. I was just wonderin' if I could do anything about it.

Thanks for the info.