New and first 1911!

[LittleGator]

Congrats on a very nice first 1911 . Sucks about the scratch. It is par for the course. I am veeeery familiar with the idiot scratch (unfortunately).

I used 0000 very fine steel wool and a good amount of gun oil, and rubbed and rubbed by hand. It helped quite a bit, but the scratch is still noticeable on my stainless SA Champion. Might have to rub some more this weekend -- now that I'm thinking about it.

Others, more experienced, will likely chime in with a better way to do it.

[RKP]

Originally Posted by pitor

I do plan to polish the scratch out as best as I can. I'm going to used mother's Polishing Compound. I wonder if I should polish by hand or with a power tool like a Dremel?

IMO, for this job I'd stay away from the Dremel bud.

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by pitor

I do plan to polish the scratch out as best as I can. I'm going to used mother's Polishing Compound. I wonder if I should polish by hand or with a power tool like a Dremel?

HAND...please by HAND!!! to the length of the slide as well when you do it. Also do it by HAND!!

It has happened to most of us if not all of us. I have one with a large mark, but I just left it as a reminder I guess.

One tip, the grip screws are locktighted in but if you use a blow dryer that can help too. A touch of heat sometimes gets it freed up.

Did I mention you should polish it by HAND!!

glad to hear your got some grips coming too....grips are ok but the "range officer" on there kind of turns me off on them.

Can't wait for range report and dirty pics too!!

[pitor]

Originally Posted by sdmc530

HAND...please by HAND!!! to the length of the slide as well when you do it. Also do it by HAND!!

It has happened to most of us if not all of us. I have one with a large mark, but I just left it as a reminder I guess.

One tip, the grip screws are locktighted in but if you use a blow dryer that can help too. A touch of heat sometimes gets it freed up.

Did I mention you should polish it by HAND!!

glad to hear your got some grips coming too....grips are ok but the "range officer" on there kind of turns me off on them.

Can't wait for range report and dirty pics too!!

Fantastic suggestions phil. I have watched a bunch of YouTube videos and yes, BY HAND! following the grain of the metal, go slow

Now I need some ammo, both range and sd.

[Sheepdog]

Congrats!!! Like said, by hand. Dremel is rarely the right answer in regards to guns.

WARNING! They can be addicting!

[Xbonz]

Let me know when you're ready for numbers 2, 3, and 4..

[sdmc530]

Its fun watching them grow into adult guns isn't it fellas.

So proud, oh man I am tearing up. I love it when a guy buys a manly gun....

[Pirate]

Originally Posted by pitor

Hello guys, so I finally took the plunge and bought my first 1911. What a gorgeously design handgun. I bought the Range Officer from Springfield in stainless steel. Really a beautiful gun. Haven't shot it yet but I plan on doing so this weekend.

gifted me a pair of buffalo horn grips for it but I cannot seem to be able to remove the grip screws, they're effin tight! Sorry I will get them on and take some pictures I promise. Anyways pictures below.

Be aware you may have to modify the right side grip in order for the safety to work. I bought a set from , and had to shave a little off the backside. But I will say they are a nice fit and very comfy.

[pitor]

Originally Posted by Pirate

Be aware you may have to modify the right side grip in order for the safety to work. I bought a set from , and had to shave a little off the backside. But I will say they are a nice fit and very comfy.

Hello, you may be thinking about Z-ane or Olympus, the forum de-facto grip makers.

But to your point, you're right. I also noticed my custom buffalo horn grips don't have the semi-circular cut for the mainspring housing pin. on the lower back corner, and I'm wondering if this could be a problem.

[Pirate]

No, I bought the same ones from clyde,