Removing rollmarks

1858 Views 12 Replies 9 Participants Last post by HerrWalther, Aug 1, 2001

GI-45

Discussion Starter · Jul 30, 2001

I am not a gunsmith, so I apologize if this sounds like a dumb question.

I am thinking of getting a Colt 1991A1. However, I can't stand those rollmarks on the slide. Is it possible to have them removed? And if so, could I have new ones inscribed, something like "Colt 1911A1 .45 ACP"? (I really would prefer if it said 1911 instead of 1991.)

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by GI-45 (edited 07-30-2001).]

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dsk

· #2 · Jul 30, 2001

You're not the only one who dislikes those markings. Problem is, removing them may be more trouble than it's worth. If you want it to look right and have a flat surface you will end up flattening the cocking serrations. You could also grind off only the markings but be left with a dished area, visible if the surface isn't heavily matted. I might suggest just looking for another gun or slide with more pleasing rollmarks, or else just living with it as is.

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D. Kamm
USGI M1911/M1911A1 Pistols Website
http://www.geocities.com/M1911_M1911A1

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GrandmasterB

· #3 · Jul 30, 2001

See this thread:
http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/001651.html

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Byron Simpson

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pistolwrench

· #4 · Jul 30, 2001

I'd be happy to surface grind your slide to remove all rollmarks.
Usually the cocking serrations are below flush enough to not be touched.
If necessary, I can grind it, avoiding the serrated area. Surface grinding produces a dead flat, good finish, approximately equal to a surface produced by 320 grit sandpaper.

Chuck

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GI-45

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 30, 2001

I'd be happy to surface grind your slide to remove all rollmarks. Usually the cocking serrations are below flush enough to not be touched. If necessary, I can grind it, avoiding the serrated area. Surface grinding produces a dead flat, good finish, approximately equal to a surface produced by 320 grit sandpaper.

Chuck

Thanks for the offer Chuck.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I decide to go with the Colt (still considering a Springfield instead.)

Also, would replacing the 1991A1 slide with a Series 70 slide be worth doing? I found this for sale (info from a previous post by dsk, thanks.

) http://www.cdnninvestments.com/col70serblus.html

I guess it depends on which costs more: replacing the slide or grinding off the marks. Does anyone know what the rollmarks on a Series 70 slide look like?

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Hydra-shokz

· #6 · Jul 31, 2001

Why not get one of the new Colt reproductions of the M1911A1?
http://www.colt.com/colt/html/a1a_m1911a1.html

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"I'm your huckleberry"

SHOKz

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ArmySon

· #7 · Jul 31, 2001

http://www.1911forum.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/001651.html

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imokie

· #8 · Jul 31, 2001

Ain't that the way it is? Here I am complaining cause those marks are gone on my Sistema, he wants his removed. Too bad they have serial #s on them.

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GI-45

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 31, 2001

Why not get one of the new Colt reproductions of the M1911A1?

Can't. Trapped in "Kalifornia." It's not for sale here.

Ain't that the way it is? Here I am complaining cause those marks are gone on my Sistema, he wants his removed. Too bad they have serial #s on them.

Well, I don't want to remove all of the rollmarks, especially not the serial numbers. If it's possible, I'd only want to remove the "COLT 1991A1" logo on the left side, leaving the right side untouched.

Thanks to the guys who posted that link. But after removing a rollmark that way, can you have something new inscribed?

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RonS

· #10 · Aug 1, 2001

Just a suggestion from a machinists point of view. Why grind the whole side of the slide off? An endmill slightly larger in diameter that the offensive marking is tall will remove it and leave an oval depressed area that is perfect for engraving a logo or other marking. Just tram the slide level, drop the endmill down at the beginning of the lettering and move it to the end, leaving a shallow slot with round ends.
________
(________)

Some polishing required and watch the depth!

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GI-45

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 1, 2001

Cool. Thanks for the input, guys.

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ArmySon

· #12 · Aug 1, 2001

Originally posted by RonS:
Just a suggestion from a machinists point of view. Why grind the whole side of the slide off? An endmill slightly larger in diameter that the offensive marking is tall will remove it and leave an oval depressed area that is perfect for engraving a logo or other marking.

Personally, I prefer that the slide look flat. An oval depression would not look good in my opinion.

YMMV Thanks for the input!

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HerrWalther

· #13 · Aug 1, 2001

Another option (I'm not a 'smith)if you are going to refinish it in one of the space-age
finishing processes is to fill in the roll marks with something like J-B Weld and then sand flush.

It would leave a blank surface, but you could always have the other side engraved.

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