Defender idiot scratch

[JackHass]

Well, I put an idiot scratch on my Defender's frame. It's not deep at all, and is just a shiny spot. What needs to be done to get rid of it?

Thanks,
JH

[dfariswheel]

The Defender uses an aluminum frame with an anodized finish.
Like most gun finishes, once the surface finish is compromised, there's not much you can do short of a re-finish.

You can't polish the bead blasted surface without leaving a worse looking blemish, and you can't bead blast ii without ruining the anodized coating.

There's one thing you can try, but be aware that it may damage the finish even more:
Get some medium grit wet and dry sand cloth.
Put a piece over the scratch and tap it gently with a small hammer as you move the cloth around.
This "sort of" simulates a bead blasted finish and may at least blend the scratch in with the rest of the surface.
Don't over do it and keep the cloth moving as you tap it with the small hammer.

[Collects]

JackHass, welcome to Coltforum, and congratulations on your screen name! lol

I did the same, I am ashamed to admit, and also put a small idiot scratch on my Colt Defender (with Crimson Trace Lasergrips), I plan to simply live with the idiot scratch on my carry piece as I continue to generate honest holster wear on the Colt Defender.

dfariswheel, a true Colt expert (like many of those who frequent this forum, but most unlike me) has given the definative answer. Thanks, dfariswheel!

You can purchase a small, inexpensive device to minimize the chance of additional idiot marks here: Buy Now

The simple fact is, if you use or even handle your Colt, it will eventually show some signs of wear.

[porsche]

Get it really dirty from shooting and handling marks don't matter so much.

[mentalstampede]

Get it really dirty from shooting and handling marks don't matter so much.

Exactly. Put a few thousand rounds through it and carry it daily. A gun is a tool. finish wear is simply a natural part of the gun being used for its intended purpose.