ltwguns.com

First, let me say you have a wonderful site here. Tons of good information and countless spectacular pictures.

I’m in the process of deciding how I want my dream pistol equipped. This, I must admit, has created some difficult decisions. Sometimes I feel the more I read/research the more confused I become. I have decided on a NRM Colt 70 Series as my base gun, however, I really dislike the current roll marks. So much so, I’m seriously considering sending the gun to an engraver first. I plan to have him remove the current roll marks and replace them with the pre-70 ones. I like the “retro” look and I believe it will be easier for me to obtain a NRM 70.

Besides scheduling, will this create any problems for which ever smith I choose? I’m assuming it wouldn’t, but I don’t like to assume.

Thanks.

That's funny, because I really like the NRM, as opposed to the big letter Series 70's.

Ah well, to each his own.

I've got a follow-up question that falls into the same vein: Is it legally OK to remove/alter roll-marks? I'm sure it differs from state to state but I am looking into a Springfield Longslide that I would mildly customize, and one of the things I'd really prefer to do would have the roll-marks/logos removed from the slide. An acquaintance brought the legality issue up while we were discussing some particulars and I can't help but think he may have a valid point.

If it's not a problem, what is the best method to have them taken off?

I know of no law preventing the removing of any markings other than the serial number.

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

Why not find a decent 70's government model and use it as a base gun.

_________________
Jake Martens
Indianapolis, IN
https://www.facebook.com/USPSAIndiana

The marks that cannot be removed or altered are the manufacturer name and address, country of origin, and the serial number. These are all on the frame, the recognized "firearm". The caliber is also supposed to be marked on the chamber.

As far as your project, go ahead and buy a new series 70 repro, but sell the slide and replace it with a new Caspian barstock slide. You'll end up with a set that's easier to fit frame/slide on, and a clean slate for your engraver. No slide width lost, no typical Colt to Colt fitting issues (Some of the newer 70's have had as much as .016" lateral play. Way too far out to squeeze, welding is a must.)

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

Actually "NRM" (New Roll Mark) is a term applied to the last few years' production of Series 80 pistols, and that rollmark is very much like the one Colt used in the '60s, pre-Series 70. Check out the Colt Model 01991; it may be what you are looking for.

http://www.coltsmfg.com/cmci/1991.asp