Idiot Scratch

[MikeBjerum]

The other day I was looking at some videos from different trainers on the internet.  I do this from time to time just like I attend classes given by others - It validates what I do, it corrects some of my errors, it gives me food for thought, and it helps me evaluate my own teaching style.

While doing this I came across a video titled something about "idiot scratch."  This caught my attention, so I watched it.  It was by a person who purchased a product and was bragging it up.  It is nothing more than a small piece of die cut mylar that hooks over your mag release and protects your 1911 frame from being scratched when you reinstall the slide stop.

Apparently I am an idiot because when I reinstall my slide stop I allow it to scratch the frame where the hook end passes through the notch.  Not only does this company and the maker of the video think I'm an idiot, but many commenters on the site claim it is outright abuse, neglect and carelessness to allow your 1911 frame to be scratched in that way.  It apparently is not a normal wear and tear mark from gun maintenance, but pure neglect.

I should have known the pansies I was dealing with when one guy talked about scars being ugly and unwanted    I'm of the school that if you want tattoos, that is fine.  However, scars are tattoos with better stories.  Which sounds better to you:  The last thing I remember was buying this blond a drink, and the next morning I woke up hung over with this heart and the name Rhoda tattooed on my ass; or the ride was going great until the clown dodged right, and when the bull followed I was thrown over the fence ... 25 stitches and a couple of shots later I was at the bar with everyone buying me shots.

Sorry folk, but I buy my guns to use.  Part of using is maintaining.  If I use and maintain my gun enough to cause a "scratch" that is a good thing and not something to call me an idiot over!

[Timothy]

I saw that last week myself!

I'd much rather have a well worn tool than a 40 year old virgin......

[MikeBjerum]

According to the commenters it is abuse as apposed to wear.  My opinion is that the difference between abuse and wear is how it was obtained:  If it rusts sitting in a safe, case or drawer it is neglect and abuse.  If it rusts, scratches and dings because it is carried, fired and maintained it is love and respect.

[Timothy]

Abuse is using a torque wrench as a hammer!  Scratches on a pistol frame are "use" not abuse!

[mkm]

Not a 1911 guy, yet, so not completely familiar with this particular issue, but I am familiar enough with guns to get the basic idea.  It sounds to me that some people spend more time fondling their guns and worrying about what they look like than using them.  I agree that a good battle scar generally brings back fond memories.  I would much rather carry/trust a gun scratched from being there with me through thick and thin than one that has been babied to the point of riduculousness.  Maintenance wear is a sign that you take care of you firearm.

[Sponsor]

[DGF]

You can't use a torque wrench as a hammer? Next thing you will tell me is that you can't use a micrometer as a c- clamp. Hurummpf.

[MikeBjerum]

Here's the video if you care to see it:

[tombogan03884]

You can't use a torque wrench as a hammer? Next thing you will tell me is that you can't use a micrometer as a c- clamp. Hurummpf.

It may come as a surprise to you, (it sure did to me ) but some , mostly women, even get mad if you use their butter knives for screw drivers.

[mkm]

Thanks for posting the video as that clarifies things.

I get the not scratching your gun if you don't have to concept, but the marketing is a major put off.  Calling people who don't use their products idiots is crazy.  Market it as a scratch prevention tool that helps eliminate avoidable maintenance scratches.  Saying that you're abusing your gun by doing normal reassembly methods is also stupid.  I think they would have much better success and appeal using the "honey" approach as to the "vineger" one.  Although, their target market is probably the idiots who believe normal wear is abuse.  

I'm playing the role of a semi-devil's advocate here.

[1911 Junkie]

Most of my bluing is worn off, I could care less about scratches.  

And I have to wonder what makes one a bigger idiot, the scratch or buying the tool to prevent the scratch.