I just got a new SW1911 Performance Center piece and it arrived with an idiot scratch on the frame. Returning the gun is not an option so I used some Alum black touch up and it sort of worked. How does someone repair/refinish the Scandium material ?
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Scandium frame touch up
- Thread starter tomfrey
- Start date
For black alloy finish, Birchwood Casey Aluminum Black is about as good as it gets, in my experience . . . sorry! 
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No worries! Technically that is not really an "idiot scratch", just normal wear and tear.
An "idiot scratch" is the more highly visible, longer, arc shaped scar, usually resulting from a fumble while inserting the slide lock.
I believe that the nickname refers to how you feel after you do it. Although I have always been lucky, I have seen them on guns owned by very experienced and careful shooters who are certainly NOT idiots.
I've seen quite a few 1911's for sale with the "idiot scratch". I take special care when reassembling mine so I avoid getting it. I also believe it was named for the feeling you get if you happen to cause one.
I hate to inflict damage on any of my guns. They are all over 40 years old and still retain all the beauty from day one.
I hate to inflict damage on any of my guns. They are all over 40 years old and still retain all the beauty from day one.
