Springfield Armory SA 1911 A1 finish repairs.

Tihsepa · Dec 1, 2019

So, I picked one of these up as a beater. Now, I know its a 1911 and should never be a beater but hopefully this one can be.
here is the issue, there is a rub mark on the slide from a cheap holster button. Not through to steel, just discolored. It almost looks like brass discolored from the backside of the button. Maybe barrel solvent?
the other thing. The dreaded idiot scratch. I am better than that. And, I did not do it. Any way to repair that or at least cover it up?

TIA.

busykngt · Dec 1, 2019

Welcome to the forum!

Perhaps I don't understand the term "beater", after all... [emoji848]

STI · Dec 1, 2019

You should see my well used CQB and STI 1911's as to wear coming close to 20 yrs hard shooting each, a parkarized colt Gen Officers also in the bunch with little finish left. Just shoot it and be glad you have it, admit I do have 1 safe queen a Swenson 1911. That does not get shot as much as it used to.

Fred_G · Dec 1, 2019

Welcome to the forums! You could get it refinished, maybe get some mods done it you want to send it off. Personally, I would see those minor wear issues as a challenge, and see how much honest wear I could put on the gun in a couple of years.

Post up some pichers too!

jmac1911 · Dec 4, 2019

Tihsepa said:
So, I picked one of these up as a beater. Now, I know its a 1911 and should never be a beater but hopefully this one can be.
here is the issue, there is a rub mark on the slide from a cheap holster button. Not through to steel, just discolored. It almost looks like brass discolored from the backside of the button. Maybe barrel solvent?
the other thing. The dreaded idiot scratch. I am better than that. And, I did not do it. Any way to repair that or at least cover it up?

TIA.

You bought it to be a beater, just shoot it and don't worry about the cosmetics.

pistolgrips · Dec 4, 2019

If you really want to cover those spots up, Birchwood Casey "super blue" should do the trick. Put a little on a cotton swab, apply and let it set one minute. Rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary. It should blend with about any finish from that period. I've done this successfully many times.

Rooster · Dec 4, 2019

pistolgrips said:
If you really want to cover those spots up, Birchwood Casey "super blue" should do the trick. Put a little on a cotton swab, apply and let it set one minute. Rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary. It should blend with about any finish from that period. I've done this successfully many times.

Try the super blue under the grip first. I have used it once and it made the difference in discoloration more pronounced. Either pics were not posted or my computer is on the fritz.

btw, I always think I'm better than an idiot scratch too. But sooner or later I have a doofus moment. My pistols in DLC don't scratch. The others do. Brushed stainless can be worked over with a scotch brite pad.

Trump.45 · Dec 4, 2019

Beater? No, no, no. It's called PATINA, and character marks. Enjoy your beater. Just make sure it has great brakes!

RickOShay · Dec 10, 2019

If you're happy with the purchase, enjoy the 1911. A pistol is a tool unless you put it on display and dings and scratches should be ignored as long as it functions well enough to have your confidence. You would be shocked to see some of my longest companions.