Is it common for the etching to become faded/hard to read on the tactical series? Seen some it is very dark and easy to read and a few that are very light. And I am assuming it is laser etching?

In my experience, it is definitely common. As to whether it is called “laser etching” or not, I’m definitely curious to hear other posters’ opinions on this too. That is what I have called it and I’m a serious fan of the most proper terminology, so I’d love to know that it’s the agreed-upon term.

I believe "Laser etching" is the correct term. The etching on my pre rail 3913TSW hasn't faded yet after several years of IWB holster carry.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I think just being in a holster doesn’t wear the “etching” off of them as much as the removing/re-holstering of them many times over years does. I imagine vigorous cleaning might do the same thing.

The middle 4513 I’ve had for years and it’s been taken out and put back in different holsters many times. The “etching” is definitely lighter than the “new”, (top,) 4013 is. The lower 4513 spent many hours in a holster, (judging by the worn right side of the grip and rear sight,) but is still fairly dark.

My CS’s “etchings” are getting fairly worn too.

Jim

Jim

Attached Images

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I remove/return (as opposed to draw/holster) my 3913TSW at least a couple of times a day. I recently changed from a leather IWB to a Kydex IWB, so it will be interesting to see if that changes the wear.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

[QUOTE=GaryS;140710546]I remove/return (as opposed to draw/holster) my 3913TSW at least a couple of times a day.

Well I’m glad I’ve been doing it HALF right for over 40 yrs now.

Jim

That cheap, ****** lazer etching is completely gone from my 629 mtn gun and my 686 mtn gun...........NOT A TRACE left. No marking at all left on either one as to ID or caliber.

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S&W Accumulator

Yep ****** for sure. But most of us did not buy them for those stupid embellishments anyway.

TSW’s, some P.C.’s, the CS’s, 4040 Air Lites and others just never needed that nonsense to begin with. (Just my opinion of course.) How was it EVER supposed to really last?

The 945 I got was “ANIB” and I believe it. It wasn’t shot much if at all. I’m sure the imperfect etching color was direct from the factory.

My 100 yr anniversary Colt Defender .45 I bought new came with messed up laser etching too. It’s not just S&W. (Nope it is messed up roll, not laser. I just looked.)

I'll disagree on the slide's billboard signage being laser etching.

The model# & serial number on the frame are laser etched. You can feel & see the difference.

On the slide the lettering does not have the burnt/rough texture of the frames lettering.

The slide lettering has a slightly goldish color to it & is not rough. I'll guess some type of transfer (?) which might have been done with a laser.

It doesn't look burnt-in like on the 3rd Gen's frame or the laser etching on S&W stainless steel revolver barrels.

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Waiting for the break of day

I am watching this thread with great interest. I, too, have several TSW‘s with faded etching/markings. There have been several threads here, before, asking about this but there was never a reasonable solution. Supposedly, the mothership just replaces slides on TSW’s sent in for refinishing. Up front, I don’t know that for sure but that is what I have seen. Someone with a laser etching machine and a bead-blaster, plus some time on their hands, could sure make some money off of those of us here on SWF!!