remove laser engraving?

Spackler

New member
Can laser engraving be removed by bead blasting or covered by a dark finish? No, I'm not talking about a serial number! I have a 4013TSW and I really do not like the large laser engraving on the slide. I wouldn't mind a two-tone, with the stainless slide refinished in a dark finish, if that would do the trick. I guess it would at least tone it down a little. Any ideas? Thanks.
 
You're probably going to have to get it polished out. Bead blasting isn't that intensive and won't go that deep.

What engraving do you mean (knowing little about S&W autos, except the new acessory rails on the TSW series SUCK)? I'd leave it unless it wasn't original to the gun (e.g., a police dept logo, etc.).
 
I have an earlier model 4013TSW so it's "pre-rail". I hate those rails also.

It is engraved "Tactical Smith & Wesson" on the left side of the slide. The right side of the slide is bare, thankfully. There is a nice S&W logo on the left side as well, and that is tastefully done.

It's a great pistol, I just don't care for the slightly tacky engraving.
 
My advice would be to live with it and get used to it. But if that is not an option, you want to leave the slide surface as flat as possible. A buffing wheel will take a good while and leave a "dished" area.

I think you will probably have to go to a large file or a planer. I don't know how hard that slide is, but I am pretty sure a machine shop will not want to find out on their planer, so the file may be the way to go.

Jim
 
I'm thinking about going in the opposite direction. I am going to contact Smith & Wesson and see if they can laser engrave the words "Super-duper" in front of the existing engraving. It'll give me a one-of-a-kind piece.

No, actually I think I'll leave it alone. I bought it three or four years ago, so I've learned to live with it. I was just wonderin' if I could do anything about it.

Thanks for the info.
 
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