ltwguns.com

I've been disappointed with the rollmarks on the new series 70 guns. For starters, they're crooked, i.e. not aligned parallel to the base/top of the slide. Additionally, they're light enough that they are easily washed out in the refinishing/chroming process, some parts (horse) worse than others.

Is it an option to have these completely polished out of a custom gun prior to final finishing? I have a second series 70 awaiting its turn..

Methias, Sure, they can be surface ground off, or if really light can be polished off. Regards,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Mr. Williams.... can you estimate how expensive that process is? And is it something the majority of quality smith's can do in their shops... or is it generally "farmed out"?

I have a 70 series Combat Commander that I want to use as a base gun and would like to consider putting the elimination of the roll marks on my "wish" list.

Thanks

Shootist, It's going to depend some on a couple of factors, such as if you have to surface grind, will it go deep enough than it starts touching the cocking serrations. If so, to make it a top notch job, the serrations will need to be recut. Assuming it won't, I'd guess anywhere from $35 and up, again depending on the time and possibly machine time involved. If they were REALLY shallow, I'd probably just put it on the surface plate with abrasive paper and go at it by hand. I don't have a surface grinder, so if it were deeper, I'd send it out. I really don't know how many LTW guys do have a surface grinder 'cept one for sure.

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Methias,

I do feel your pain. Though I love the new Colts, the rollmarks have often been quite shallow. As Don mentioned, sure they can be surface ground off...though what a shame that this has to be done, as that rollmark with the pony is what immediately distinguishes that Colt from what some might call a "parts gun".

I recall one of the LTW smiths had a conversation with a Colt rep at a recent SHOT show, constructively mentioning that it would be great if the rollmarks could be deeper so they stand out more on a full custom after polishing. The response was unfortunately underwhelming. Sigh.

When surface grinding, care has to be taken to not allow the slide to get too hot too fast, or it will expand with the heat (can happen very quickly), and the wheel may take off quite a bit more than you expect. Some techniques are certainly better than others. Do have it done by an experienced skilled smith/machinist.

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Stan Chen Customs
http://www.chencustoms.com

I believe that Bill Adair can redo the rollmarks for you.

It is one of his areas of special expertise.

http://www.restoration-gunsmith.com/

HTH

John

Methias, I believe that would be me Stan is refering to. The 'underwhelming' response from the Colt rep is 'understated'. I was rather disappointed in the 'oh well' attitude.

At any rate, having the Colt markings removed is obviously possible, as others have pointed out.

However, having those rollmarks engraved deeper is another relatively inexpensive option (as has also been pointed out).

Heck, everything's already been pointed out - what am I doing typing?

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

Since the S70 rollmark is so ugly, and often so crooked that it will make a french border look like hell, Colt is probably doing us a service unknowingly by making the rollmarks so light.

Maybe it's just me, but the rollmarks on the S80 guns look so much more tasteful.

I once was quoted $75 per side to surface grind a slide to remove rollmarks. I was also quoted $50 per side at one point. I would reccomend doing both sides so as the slide thickness is the same on each side so when looking at $100 to $150 to do that I sold my slide (STI, I didn't like the logo) and bought one made without the logo. Doing it by hand if it is shallow is what I would do (if it were me working for me) because my time only costs me

Would it be too much to have a smith sub out reworking the roll marks prior to final polishing? I have grieved over a perfectly functioning finished piece where the roll marks were ruined during prep.

Nope. Not if he can't do it properly himself. It would be the only right thing to do. Of course all of that is contingent on the scope of work agreed upon and your/his understanding of his capabilities.