Please me start by saying I present this as a valid, honest question, and realize opinions can vary widely. Please let my thread stay open by not starting a flame war of words. I am interested in thoughtful, experienced discussion.
I take care of firearms to the degree I can and would never scratch a gun on purpose of course, and in a perfect world would never get them scratched, but if you are doing to use a gun a few minors dings or light scratches seem bound to happen. Most of my guns stay in good to excellent condition though, just not necessarily mint.
I recently acquired a used but very good condition Stainless Springfield Range Officer in 9mm and it shoots great and I think its gonna be a keeper based on shooting performance alone.
BUT my question, it has a light case of the "idiot scratch" and also 2 or 3 light scratches on the slide. The deal was good enough and the scratches light enough I didnt want to pass it up.
I think the same question could be posed for scratches on any nice firearm, regardless of the reason.
My question for the GT brain trust- what would you do?
1) do nothing, take my own advice above and shoot and enjoy it without the pressure of worrying about getting a first scratch (since it already has some).
2) follow some advice I have read about where light scratches on stainless have successfully been removed by 3M scotch brite in ultra fine grade. (I do have the fear I might make it more noticeable than it already is since Ive never tried this before.)
3) Have the gun refinished at considerable expense and then retire it to safe queen status.
4) Sell or trade it for one in pristine condition.
I am strongly leaning toward #1 or maybe #2 above, I basically listed #3 and 4 because they are theoretical options, however I dont see them as practical.
Just curious how the GT crowd feels on this subject.
I take care of firearms to the degree I can and would never scratch a gun on purpose of course, and in a perfect world would never get them scratched, but if you are doing to use a gun a few minors dings or light scratches seem bound to happen. Most of my guns stay in good to excellent condition though, just not necessarily mint.
I recently acquired a used but very good condition Stainless Springfield Range Officer in 9mm and it shoots great and I think its gonna be a keeper based on shooting performance alone.
BUT my question, it has a light case of the "idiot scratch" and also 2 or 3 light scratches on the slide. The deal was good enough and the scratches light enough I didnt want to pass it up.
I think the same question could be posed for scratches on any nice firearm, regardless of the reason.
My question for the GT brain trust- what would you do?
1) do nothing, take my own advice above and shoot and enjoy it without the pressure of worrying about getting a first scratch (since it already has some).
2) follow some advice I have read about where light scratches on stainless have successfully been removed by 3M scotch brite in ultra fine grade. (I do have the fear I might make it more noticeable than it already is since Ive never tried this before.)
3) Have the gun refinished at considerable expense and then retire it to safe queen status.
4) Sell or trade it for one in pristine condition.
I am strongly leaning toward #1 or maybe #2 above, I basically listed #3 and 4 because they are theoretical options, however I dont see them as practical.
Just curious how the GT crowd feels on this subject.
