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It's cosmetic.

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Mark

Doubt it has, or will have, any effect on the gun's structural integrity. And if you never sell it no one will probably ever notice your little secret.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Sounds cosmetic to me.

Zero effect on the function, accuracy, or strength cosmetic only, and probably could be corrected.

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Randy

Just so you know; had you kept tapping the side-plate would have eventually popped off with no damage.

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I always introduce some penetrating oil in the seam before I start rapping for it to come off. And re-lube the seam joints to put it back on.

You'd done NO damage to the gun strength or function wise. As you noted, only slight deformation at the seam. Search for another thread within the last 2 to 3 months where there was extensive discussion of how to fix much greater damage than yours..

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Consider it along the lines of the arc-like slide stop removal mark on a 1911. I can call it the "idiot scratch" because I have done it myself.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Take a small smooth polished piece of steel, about 1/4" thick, round the edges slightly. Then hold the gun flat in your left hand, lay this polished piece on top of the side plate junction where you caused the deformation and give the piece a tap with a small hammer. This will drive the displaced metal pack into place.
As easy as it was to move out it will move back. Having the corners and edges rounded of the intermediate piece will prevent any marring.

Ya, you made a mistake. Its a small one, learn from it. As much as we would like them to remain pristine, unless you only handle them wearing clean cotton gloves and never fire them, holster them, they will slowly get some character".

Next time back off the strain screw before tapping on the frame

With this level of expertise, what was the reason to take off side plate?

You're overthinking the consequences of your actions ... no weakening , simply a more obvious seam - cosmetic .
Don't try to make the seam disappear.. once the sideplate has been removed , the deed is done , leave it alone .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Chalk it up to experience and don't worry about it. You'd do more damage dropping it on a hard surface.

As others said it wont harm the function but if it drives you nuts looking at it you can Try this. Not sure how bad yours is but its an easy fix cosmetically with a little,patience.

J frame side plate to frame boogers

Ditto. Patience is virtue.

mine has one of those self-inflicted "idiot scratches", also!
Once upon a time, GI's were taught to re-insert the slide stop, by "arc-ing" it into place, or so I've read. I would guess quite a few 1911's have that beauty mark.

What I was thinking... you remove the side plate to do what once inside? There a zillion you tube videos of this simple task.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

I was the division small arms repairman for the 1st Cavalry Division from (Korea) 1959-1960 when it was a tank division (25,000 men). Tons of 1911's. I probably fixed 15-20 a day. I can't remember a one of them with any finish on it to show the beauty mark! They were all very worn out WW1 and WW2 and Korean conflict pistols.

Stu

The purpose of removing the side plate is twofold:
1) As has been posted before, I've seen new guns (my experience has been with 2 Performance Center guns) that have had a severe 'gritty' trigger feel. Once inside, we found a large amount of powdery substance in these brand new guns. Once cleaned and lubed, all was better.
2) On used guns, I personally always look inside just to remove all the crud, solidified oil and general garbage and, on several guns, some rust. Many treasures have been subjected to cruel and unusual punishment.
IMHO of course,
J.

Help me out here, where is the side plate on a 1911?

There is none, but I was referring to the frame side "idiot scratch" near the slide stop.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220