Idiot Scratch/Mark (Rant)

[Mr. Blue]

It's a firearm, not a Faberge Egg. Lol

[Mr. Blue]

Check on the 1911 Forum Search on how to modify your 1911 slide release to eliminate this problem completely! Easily done too...

Thanks!

[Mr. Blue]

My favorite 1911 had the idiot scratch when I bought it, so I have never once had to worry about it

This is an awesome Kimber. Very nice.

[The War Wagon]

Idiot scratch means you've USED it!

[FeuerFrei]

Scratch discounts on used guns for sale? Yahtzee!

[B2D]

I idiot-scratched my very 1st 1911 that I got because I didn't understand how to disassemble it properly. Youtube wasn't a thing at the time and i couldn't find a book that explained how to do it right. I wasn't too pleased with myself.

Since then, I've learned how to strip 1911s properly and have't done it, but sometimes with my stainless 1911 or someone else's gun I'll put some blue painters tape in that area just in case I make a mistake or slip or something. I've never had the tape save me in that case but it makes me feel better just to have it there.

Overall anything that doesn't affect the function of the gun I can live with, especially if I didn't put it there. I'm more averse to ugly perpendicular scratches on slides and such.

I kind of treat it like guitars... I take care of them but dings will happen if you use them regularly and often enough. I've bought and own guitars with paint dings and pressure dents. It happens.

[BajaJames83]

what do you do with your guns stare at them? Dont drop them on the carpet.
I prefer to shoot them and use them, while they do get well taken care of they still get worn and the occasional scratch.

[highpower]

Way back when I got my first 1911, it had the dreaded idiot scratch. Since all the 1911's I owned or shot for many years had the scratch, I thought that they were supposed to be there. It took me a little while to learn how to put the slide release in without gooning the frame.

I don't really mind a gun showing it's age through it's battle scars, but there is really no excuse to mar it up due to laziness, ignorance and/or stupidity.

[Snoopy47]

It’s a simple thing and a dead give away when inspecting a used 1911 if the owner knew how to take care of it.

For example, when looking over a used motorcycle I always check to condition of the drive chain and sprockets.

Poor condition leads me to believe it was in the hands of the ill informed.

[redcliff]

I give a pass to 1st time owners but it can be avoided with proper technique; no mods or crutches needed.

[ABR]

I trained all 4 kids on the same 1911 .45 including disassembly/cleaning. That one has a light Idiot Scratch on it. I don't remember which one did it, they all deny it LOL

[D.A.V.I.D.]

If it’s in .45 acp who cares?

[heidad01]

100% agreed OP. My pet peeve also. It is not holster wear or wear from use, it is a scratch from carelessness and laziness.

Either mod your slide stop or just cut a piece of old credit card to slip under the area when you reinstall the slide stop. Easily avoided with minimal effort.
I would rather have a 1911 with lots of holster wear than a pristine one with an idiot mark. Ugh.

slide stop mod:

https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=214653

https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=231309

https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=214825

Second that. Good url posted^^

I get a laugh from "it is just a tool, shoot the snut out of it"

That is the easy excuse for being clumsy, ham handed, and or not caring for own property. Yes it will still work but it looks like schiitt.
I guess some people are ok with that. None of mine have the infamous scar and they get used regularly.

I have noticed that on new 1911s, of all brands, some slide stops (the tip that pushes back the pin against the spring) are easier to install than others.

[newbie1234]

I used a plastic card which is a little bit thinner than a credit card (or you can used the expired credit card and sand it off), put between the "pin" and "slide lock" then push the slide lock straight down, to prevent the idiot mark. I also have idiot mark before used this method.

[heidad01]

Way back when I got my first 1911, it had the dreaded idiot scratch. Since all the 1911's I owned or shot for many years had the scratch, I thought that they were supposed to be there. It took me a little while to learn how to put the slide release in without gooning the frame.

......

I don't really mind a gun showing it's age through it's battle scars, but there is really no excuse to mar it up due to laziness, ignorance and/or stupidity.

Good points. ^^