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Altering Colt 45 to remove engraving

Benny_48162
I have a satin nickle Colt 45 which the previous owner engraved his social security number under the grip on one side. Only one numeral is visible when the grip is on, but should I have this ss number removed? The gun is in "as new" condition, and I don't want to decrease the value by making the wrong decision. Any information would be a great help. Thanks!!
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Comments

14 comments

Date Votes
  • Hawk Carse
    The number is probably scratched through the plating.
    A good polisher could get it out but it would then require refinishing the frame if not the whole gun.
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  • rufe-snow
    Get oversized commercial target type grips so the number won't be visible. To remove the SS number correctly will be expensive and the pistol will probably have to be completely refinished.
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  • cpermd
    The gun is NOT in as new condition.

    It has been defaced.

    Not worth repairing.

    CP
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  • Benny_48162
    The gun is in as new condition, except for the engraving. Perhaps you were unable to grasp what I was saying.
    So, in your opinion, I should just take this gun down to the local sheriff and turn it in for the $75.00 per gun price paid to get this off of the street?
    Since I have $0.00 in this gun I guess it will just become another range gun with oversize grips like a previous poster recommended.
    As for your comment, thanks for the "expert" opinion. The gun doesn't need "repairing" as the engraving does not affect performance.
    quote:Originally posted by cpermd
    The gun is NOT in as new condition.
    It has been defaced.
    Not worth repairing.
    CP
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  • Spider7115
    You can get a Hogue wrap-around grip for $15.

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=221895924

    pix642947154.jpg
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  • CS8161
    It all depeneds on how much you want to spend. If you are going to keep the pistol for a long time and pass it down to your kid, I would get the number removed and have the area refinished if possible. If its just going to be a shooter and you will sell it off one day, just get oversize grips to cover the blem. Then get a baseball bat and knock the previous owner upside his head for carving his social into the gun! What a dope! The pistol has a serial number already, why did he feel the need to add more numbers??
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  • Benny_48162
    quote:Originally posted by CS8161
    It all depeneds on how much you want to spend. If you are going to keep the pistol for a long time and pass it down to your kid, I would get the number removed and have the area refinished if possible. If its just going to be a shooter and you will sell it off one day, just get oversize grips to cover the blem. Then get a baseball bat and knock the previous owner upside his head for carving his social into the gun! What a dope! The pistol has a serial number already, why did he feel the need to add more numbers??

    Thanks. I received a price of $150-$200 tops to remove and refinish. Do you think I would recover that amount if I have the job done, or should I sell it at a discounted price and do nothing to the gun?
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  • Benny_48162
    quote:Originally posted by Benny_48162
    quote:Originally posted by CS8161
    It all depeneds on how much you want to spend. If you are going to keep the pistol for a long time and pass it down to your kid, I would get the number removed and have the area refinished if possible. If its just going to be a shooter and you will sell it off one day, just get oversize grips to cover the blem. Then get a baseball bat and knock the previous owner upside his head for carving his social into the gun! What a dope! The pistol has a serial number already, why did he feel the need to add more numbers??

    Thanks. I received a price of $150-$200 tops to remove and refinish. Do you think I would recover that amount if I have the job done, or should I sell it at a discounted price and do nothing to the gun?

    And also, I agree with the baseball bat comment. What a complete moron!!
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  • OLDCOP
    The "engraver" probably fell for the 1960-1970 police drive to engrave everything you owned of value. I'd say it was "non-gun" guy that did it. My philosophy is that any mark is just part of the gun's history...scars, like ours...as we're handled and age. Why worry about it?
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  • nmyers
    Well, technically, CP is correct. Your gun is not "as new". Grinding out the mutilated area & refinishing is really a repair.

    But, I knew what you meant. And, I probably wouldn't have felt the need to correct you. I generally find that it's best to ignore responses that aren't helpful, rather than post a sarcastic comment; that accomplishes nothing other than irritating folks. I suggest that you read the Posting Guidelines for this forum.

    There have been many reports by owners of satin nickel Colt Government/Commander models that the finish has flaked off. Colt attributed this to powder solvent, but this was never proven. I never had a problem with mine, but I would be reluctant to refinish one with a sound finish. If there is flaking anywhere, the value takes a huge drop.

    Neal
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  • Grasshopper
    Keep the 200 and put some wrap-arounds on it..
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  • CS8161
    quote:Originally posted by Benny_48162
    quote:Originally posted by Benny_48162
    quote:Originally posted by CS8161
    It all depeneds on how much you want to spend. If you are going to keep the pistol for a long time and pass it down to your kid, I would get the number removed and have the area refinished if possible. If its just going to be a shooter and you will sell it off one day, just get oversize grips to cover the blem. Then get a baseball bat and knock the previous owner upside his head for carving his social into the gun! What a dope! The pistol has a serial number already, why did he feel the need to add more numbers??

    Thanks. I received a price of $150-$200 tops to remove and refinish. Do you think I would recover that amount if I have the job done, or should I sell it at a discounted price and do nothing to the gun?

    And also, I agree with the baseball bat comment. What a complete moron!!


    How much do you have into the pistol now?
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  • kimi
    I wou;d not worry about it. Contrary to what some folks might believe, there are endless accounts of rifles, shotguns, and handguns that have an SSN on them that bring near top dollar in collector and shooter circles. And, identifying a person who once owned it makes it kind of neat to some extent as well.
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  • Benny_48162
    quote:Originally posted by CS8161
    How much do you have into the pistol now?

    I have nothing in this pistol. I made some trades and ended up with it free. Resale wise, I would think the pistol in original condition would be worth more, but that is what I am unsure of. I would hate to spend $200 and then find out that I would have gotten more out of it had I left it alone.
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