Rust or pitting on slide ?

[Hairyfeet77]

 

[Hairyfeet77]

looking for advice. I've owned my SA 1911 RO Operator for 3 years and noticed this . Please help. Thanks

 

[BangBang]

If it’s rust get some steel wool and WD-40 and run it on there and see if it will remove it. I can’t tell if that’s a blued or stainless gun.

 

[Hairyfeet77]

Blued.

 

[HansGruber]

Steel wool works, but can sometimes embed hairs of the “wool” that will continue to rust.

Brass wool works better, won’t rust.

Either way—well oiled is the ticket. Don’t let the wool get dry.

 

[HansGruber]

To prevent it for returning/getting worse...try putting a thin film of grease over it after it's removed.

 

[Hairyfeet77]

Will this area be a weak point for the slide? It seems to me like it wouldn't. Thanks again

 

[jumpinjoe]

Steel wool works, but can sometimes embed hairs of the “wool” that will continue to rust.
Brass wool works better, won’t rust.
Either way—well oiled is the ticket. Don’t let the wool get dry.

Brass is definitely the right choice, and a very fine (suggest 3 or 4 ought) weave. And as suggested, plenty of oil.

 

[jumpinjoe]

Will this area be a weak point for the slide? It seems to me like it wouldn't. Thanks again

Not likely .... and I'm thinking there will be much less obvious 'pitting' after a good cleaning than appears to be there now.

 

[Peglegjoe]

I'd bet it's gunpowder schmutz, burned into the metal and needing a good cleaning. Clean as noted above, and add that area to your normal cleaning-and-oiling routine...

 

[Annihilator]

I'd bet it's gunpowder schmutz, burned into the metal and needing a good cleaning. Clean as noted above, and add that area to your normal cleaning-and-oiling routine...

I agree, that’s what it looks like to me also.

 

[BangBang]

Like Hans and jumpin joe said use 000 or 0000 wool. Should have been specific. No you will not have any issues of “weakness” on that point. I do not see you having an issue once you clean that spot. I assumed burnt powder as well but I’m not seeing how, I could see the breech face but give it a good cleaning and put a wooden dowel on the wool with oil or WD-40 then clean with OIL, I’m not a advocate of using WD-40 as oil. Keep us posted.

 

[Hairyfeet77]

Thanks for all the advice. I was a little worried I did something horrible to my 1911. Its one of my favorite pistols to shoot .

I appreciate everyone that took the time to respond.

 

[Hairyfeet77]

Update on the slide. Sent in pictures to SA and the tech looked at it. From what I was told this spot is where the slide is held during the finishing process. If it rusts or pits it will be covered under warranty. For now I just oiled it well and left it alone. Thanks again all