idiot mark

[thomashoward]

how to remove idiot mark on XSE stainless

 

[Mike McLellan]

When I hear or read the word, "idiot", my ears perk up. I'm married, you see. But, I don't have any idea what you're talking about. What's an idiot mark? If I did it, I'm sorry, but, man, I don't know.....

 

[SW CQB 45]

Its when your are trying to insert the slide stop back in a 1911 style pistol and upon forcing it in....it slides away from the insertion point leaving a scrape mark on your frame.

If you type idiot mark 1911 on images....I am sure you can see some.

If its deep.....you may be stuck with it.

Pics!

 

[smitholdtimer]

Another Situation

When you are using the wrong type screwdriver to remove the side plate screws and your screwdriver slips out of the groove and causes a deep scratch on the plate or frame.

 

[bgrafsr]

When you are using the wrong type screwdriver to remove the side plate screws and your screwdriver slips out of the groove and causes a deep scratch on the plate or frame.

I'll agree on calling it an "idiot mark" when it comes to scratching up a revolver or any other gun if the wrong tool is used to work on it.

Calling the scratch on a 1911 caused by the slide stop, especially on a military 1911, an "idiot mark" is really uncalled for. The 1911's were weapons and as such were prone to finish damage, hard use, etc.. The military did not care one iota about preserving the weapon in a pristine manner for future collectors.

 

[arjay]

I read about a neat trick for avoiding that scratch.Put a piece of tape or a business card on the frame below the hole before installing the slidestop.
Wish I had known that back in '84 when I was reassembling my new government model...Idiot isn't what I called myself that day

 

[shawn mccarver]

Calling the scratch on a 1911 caused by the slide stop, especially on a military 1911, an "idiot mark" is really uncalled for.

It may be, but that is the universal terminology for incorrect installation of the slide lock resulting in a moron marring of the frame of your 1911. What did it do to you that necessitated the abuse?

Just because it is a military sidearm that might be used in a rough environment does not excuse mishandling. Seriously, do people think that you are going to have to re-install the slide lock in a hurry? There is a universally known procedure requiring nothing but your brain to prevent this, regardless of where you are when reassembling your pistol.

Proper installation of the 1911 slide stop is a matter of knowledge, not whether you are in a fox hole or your gun room.

 

[litenlarry]

I bought my 908 used and came with the idiot mark...
Another reference to a idiot mark is when you are hit with the scope of a rifle upon recoil...Nice little semi circle above the eye brow..

 

[shawn mccarver]

Another reference to a idiot mark is when you are hit with the scope of a rifle upon recoil...Nice little semi circle above the eye brow..

Proper terminology for that is "telescope eye." Good reason for the Scout scope!

That goes along with "pistol grip teeth," caused by trying to fire one of these pistol-gripped 870s or Mossbergs by holding it up too close to your face to use the sights with your buckshot or slugs.

 

[Mr.parker]

I used a green colored 3m pad that my wife has for cleaning pots and pans.
you can buy them at just about any store. look in the kitchen cleaning dept.
when you use it.remember to polish in one direction only. do not go back and forth. hope this helps.

 

[Schofield]

Golly, all this time I thought 1911 pistols came with the Idiot Mark from the factory.

 

[arjay]

Golly, all this time I thought 1911 pistols came with the Idiot Mark from the factory.

According to some sellers,It's really a plus!

 

[saemetric]

Golly, all this time I thought 1911 pistols came with the Idiot Mark from the factory.

My Browning 1911-22 came from factory with one

 

[Photog]

I always find the term "idiot scratch, or mark" very offensive. My dad is a WWII vet and I am sure that when he was in a foxhole cleaning his 1911A1 that he was not real concerned about leaving a scratch on one of his tools.
And another thing before I finish my rant for the day, if you ever have a chance to see John Browning's prototype Government Model .45, you will see that it has the "idiot scratch." So maybe they should redo the plaque in the case stating something like this, "John M. Browning, mechanical genius, firearms design genius, a man who designed some of the most iconic firearms ever made. And, by the way, idiot because he was too dumb to prevent a scratch being put on one of the tools he designed because he had no idea of the proper way to do it." Or maybe he was just out of business cards that day........

 

[cddanjr]

If your that worried about a scratch on your weapons, you should just buy them and make them all Queens and Princesses of your SAFE.

Stuff gets used, stuff gets wear marks, so what?

Use it enjoy it!f

Chuck

 

[jack the toad]

idiot mark

I was expecting to see a pic of this guy I know named Mark... and yes he's an idiot.

 

[BruceM]

To me, justifying the "idiot mark" with some variation of "guns are made to be used" is similar to justifying wearing a tuxedo to clean garbage cans because "clothes are made to be worn". I mean, stuff happens but almost invariably, these marks are made during incorrect or careless assembly and dis-assembly and most folks who add these marks to their gun will tell you the same. To compare maintenance by a soldier under combat conditions in the field with cleaning & maintenance at home by the recreational shooter is foolish IMO. This damage are not in the same category as the cylinder turn line on a Smith & Wesson revolver which is a function of a correctly operating action that normally cannot be avoided. Are idiot marks a big deal-probably not but...................

And, by the way, idiot because he was too dumb to prevent a scratch being put on one of the tools he designed

I think the reference to a 1911 as a "tool" is quite telling and, for most 1911 owners these days-not quite accurate. Hammers, screwdrivers and prybars are tools. I'm sure that JMB designed them with this use in mind as did Gaston Glock. Unfortunately, commercial 1911's have evolved way, way beyond "tool" status. Glocks, not so much.



Bruce

 

[cddanjr]

To me, justifying the "idiot mark" with some variation of "guns are made to be used" is similar to justifying wearing a tuxedo to clean garbage cans because "clothes are made to be worn". I mean, stuff happens but almost invariably, these marks are made during incorrect assembly and dis-assembly and most folks who add these marks to their gun will tell you the same.. They are not in the same category as the cylinder turn line on a Smith & Wesson revolver which is a function of a correctly operating action that normally cannot be avoided.

C'mon dude were here to share, not blow out another's candle! If your angry go see a therapist, you've only liked 1 post in 10 years?

Some people are new to this stuff, you live and learn, you get along with others. If you have to, you pitch in and clean garbage cans in your Tux, WHICH I HAVE! believe it or not, I do not care.

Relax and try to contribute, not hate.

CHUCK

 

[BruceM]

Relax and try to contribute, not hate

To be honest, I'm neither stressed nor hateful. What I said may be more matter of fact than some folks may like but not hateful.

I just need to point out that some statement just don't have a lot of linear thought processes behind them. And, I'm definitely not trying to change the mindset of those who made them but, just possibly, they may look at them a 2nd time.

As far as being "new" to this stuff, after 200 plus posts, I find the adjective "new" a fascinating choice of words.

Let the floggings begin.

Bruce

 

[JDBoardman]

My name isn't Mark, but my wife does call me "Idiot" on occasion (usually well deserved, but I am a guy...). How about you geniuses among us teach us idiots the 'approved' method of installing the slide stop (without the business card, please) so we don't leave our trademark.