Removing “lady smith” logo

lolaralph

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I'm considering picking up a lady smith slide and barrel for possible "frankensmithing" on a 439 frame. I may also consider it for my 3914, for the two tone look. My question, how difficult is it to remove the "lady smith" logo. I've had other stainless guns bead blasted and they look great so that would be the plan after removing the logo. Thanks for any input.
 
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Nobody really notices so I just use mine as is. You could also buy a NL version. I would think it a lot easier and less expensive to buy a standard 3913 slide. If you are looking for the ramped dust cover look an NL has no logo.
 
Nobody really notices so I just use mine as is. You could also buy a NL version. I would think it a lot easier and less expensive to buy a standard 3913 slide. If you are looking for the ramped dust cover look an NL has no logo.

I found this particular slide for a reasonable price, that's what sparked the interest. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
I have a 3913ls.

The logo doesn't bother me at all.

At least it's not pink.

Just use it as is and don't worry about it.
 
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I have an extra LS slide that was bead blasted by my gunsmith. While it wasn't my intention to completely eradicate the etching, it is somewhat less noticeable.
 

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I have an extra LS slide that was bead blasted by my gunsmith. While it wasn't my intention to completely eradicate the etching, it is somewhat less noticeable.

thanks for posting the pic, i appreciate it. my plan was to have it blasted regardless of what i do with the logo, but it appears with a little work prior to blasting it could be completely erased.
 
Purely out of curiosity, is there a specific reason you want to remove it?

Sam
 
You would make a mistake trying to obliterate the LS's logo. Even if you find a slide that doesn't have the logo, you'll ruin the gun's value replacing it unless you modify nothing and keep the LS logo slide with the gun. If it doesn't have the NL on the model number, any S&W collector will know this is a slap-together and worth next to nothing except as a 9mm beater. Don't let machismo ruin a really nice acquisition for you.
 
I know next to nothing about bead blasting, but I wonder if enough of it would eventually remove the engraved Lady Smith logo. JSBethel's example leads me to that notion.

On the other hand, I have to think that enough blasting of the slide -- which, as I understand it, would involve the entire piece -- to remove several thousandths' worth of metal would have the undesired effect of ruining tolerances on some of the other surfaces.

So, long story short, I'm with the guys who suggest leaving it alone. But that's not what you asked us to chime in on, so I'll just answer, "Dunno." :)
 
You would make a mistake trying to obliterate the LS's logo. Even if you find a slide that doesn't have the logo, you'll ruin the gun's value replacing it unless you modify nothing and keep the LS logo slide with the gun. If it doesn't have the NL on the model number, any S&W collector will know this is a slap-together and worth next to nothing except as a 9mm beater. Don't let machismo ruin a really nice acquisition for you.

Since the purchase is only a slide/barrel combo I don't believe there is any real value to destroy and the fact that the two possible guns the slide will be going on are complete and can be easily returned to their original condition gives me no concern about value loss.
 
Purely out of curiosity, is there a specific reason you want to remove it?

Sam

I've passed on a few complete lady smiths, I just don't care for the logo. To me it looks like an afterthought on S&W's part, or something an individual may have added. If it was in traditional style lettering/font I don't think I would mind it as much.
 
I know next to nothing about bead blasting, but I wonder if enough of it would eventually remove the engraved Lady Smith logo. JSBethel's example leads me to that notion.

On the other hand, I have to think that enough blasting of the slide -- which, as I understand it, would involve the entire piece -- to remove several thousandths' worth of metal would have the undesired effect of ruining tolerances on some of the other surfaces.

So, long story short, I'm with the guys who suggest leaving it alone. But that's not what you asked us to chime in on, so I'll just answer, "Dunno." :)


My gunsmith is very careful when bead blasting, it is a fairly safe procedure and can be contained to a small portion without really affecting any of the internal mating surfaces. Although I'm thinking some flat plate sanding will be involved prior to blasting, I definitely don't desire a dished out spot on the flat of the slide, lol.
 
I have had the Ladysmith version for over 20 years and just picked up an as-NIB NL. The LS logo on the slide is meaningless to me but, I think, it adds some to the resale value when I get too old and have to part with it. Sr. Bethel's slide looks like sandblasting or alu oxide blasting to me. Either way, I would welcome a new upper if I could find one for less than $200. OP - I would leave the slide alone and enjoy it ...
 
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