Should I return my new 1911?

[Bushwack44]

I picked up a new Colt 1911 out of DROS Friday and planned on taking it to the range tomorrow.

Today I disassembled the pistol to clean and oil and when I removed the slide stop, there were a few noticeable scratches on the stainless frame behind the slide stop (you can only see the scratches with the slide stop removed). Upon further dis-assembly, the barrel was clean but the top of the frame & inside the slide had residue (and what looks like very, very light wear); which for now I'll account for a few rounds of test firing by Colt.

I own two other 1911s and neither had the amount of scratches behind the slide stop this Colt has when first stripped (before firing). Do I have cause to think this Colt may have been used (unless this is characteristic of Colts with repeated racking of the slide).

I know with my other 1911s, there are some scratches on the frame behind the slide stop due to use (not to be confused with an idiot scratch). That's why I'm wondering if these scratches on the Colt are part of its character just from racking the slide numerous times. Do I have reason to think this pistol was used?


UPDATE: Before you comment (which is appreciated), read through this thread and the follow-up thread at http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...4#post16205214.

[Mossy Man]

was it a stock model or a floor model

"new" guns that have been handled a lot from the display case tend to have more wear on them.

[lastinline]

^^^^That sums it up well, I think.

[kalieracer]

You dros'ed it before checking it fully? Good luck getting them to take it back, since they can't sell it as new now. As mentioned before it was likely handled in the display case. If this is a shooter and not a collectors gun then who cares it will get worn when you shoot it anyways.

I picked up a new Colt 1911 out of DROS Friday and planned on taking it to the range tomorrow.

Today I disassembled the pistol to clean and oil and when I removed the slide stop, there were a few noticeable scratches on the stainless frame behind the slide stop (you can only see the scratches with the slide stop removed). Upon further dis-assembly, the barrel was clean but the top of the frame & inside the slide had residue (and what looks like very, very light wear); which for now I'll account for a few rounds of test firing by Colt.

I own two other 1911s and neither had the amount of scratches behind the slide stop this Colt has when first stripped (before firing). Do I have cause to think this Colt may have been used (unless this is characteristic of Colts with repeated racking of the slide).

I know with my other 1911s, there are some scratches on the frame behind the slide stop due to use (not to be confused with an idiot scratch). That's why I'm wondering if these scratches on the Colt are part of its character just from racking the slide numerous times. Do I have reason to think this pistol was used?

[faris1984]

Pics?

[stilly]

I picked up a new Colt 1911 out of DROS Friday and planned on taking it to the range tomorrow.

Today I disassembled the pistol to clean and oil and when I removed the slide stop, there were a few noticeable scratches on the stainless frame behind the slide stop (you can only see the scratches with the slide stop removed). Upon further dis-assembly, the barrel was clean but the top of the frame & inside the slide had residue (and what looks like very, very light wear); which for now I'll account for a few rounds of test firing by Colt.

I own two other 1911s and neither had the amount of scratches behind the slide stop this Colt has when first stripped (before firing). Do I have cause to think this Colt may have been used (unless this is characteristic of Colts with repeated racking of the slide).

I know with my other 1911s, there are some scratches on the frame behind the slide stop due to use (not to be confused with an idiot scratch). That's why I'm wondering if these scratches on the Colt are part of its character just from racking the slide numerous times. Do I have reason to think this pistol was used?

I am with everyone else on this. Unless it is seriously scratched the hell up, I would wipe it off or polish it a bit and get on with life. It is a GUN. It WILL get scratched and it WILL get dirty.

[JohnFLand]

Since the frame is stainless, you should be able to buff out the (hidden when assembled) scratches-- search this forum for details.

[Sigbird]

Both of my new 1911's came with small hidden scratches in the same place from being test fired. Keep it and shoot it.

[jeffrice6]

[E92335i]

pics and we shall see

[Bushwack44]

The Colt was a Grab-A-Gun purchase. For those mentioning an inspection, I've never stripped a new pistol before starting DROS (of a course a thorough external inspection).

I don't have an issue with the scratches as they are hidden with the slide stop on and I assume with wear, they would appear anyway. As various 1911s have different characteristics and wear patterns, I was looking for feedback if this was typical for Colts (i.e. vs a Kimber, or other brand).

[RR.44]

I say its probably not worth the hassle since you're going to continue to put scratches on it over it's life span.
My SA had the same minor scratch in the same place no biggie.

[Milsurpguy2000]

My brand new O1911 had the same scratch or wear under the slide stop. I felt it was no issue. If you send it to colt its 60 days for refinishing work. That's if they decide to take the work order after review and processing.

[Chief-7700]

My Ruger SR-1911 had the same sctraches under the OEM slide stop.

[rogervzv]

Enjoy the gun! There is nothing wrong with it. It is a Colt, which means nowadays that it is a fine 1911.

Problem solved. Next?