Field stripped my new gun today and found a serial number suffix engraved on what I expected to be a smooth surface (on the slide; disregard barrel). I understand the purpose of engraving the numbers, but am curious about their location. Is this common or is it a QC error? Also, what is the specific name of that surface on the slide? Thanks!
Can't remember specific name,but that is where disconector rides.The dip at the rear is where the disconnector rides up to allow the sear to rotate for firing.(Slide rearward-the disconnect goes down and won't allow sear to rotate & fire the pistol-if everything is right)
Jwenum, thanks for helping clarify the use of that surface. Any experience seeing engravings on it?
Several of mine are engraved or stamped there.
I've seen it referred to as the center rail or disconnector rail.
If the engraving has raised the surface, I'd stone it smooth so it won't cause any excessive wear on the discommector.
Wavelength, is that a Springfield? I only ask because that looks similar to mine.
And as niemi24s said, you can polish down any of the rough spots - just don't go crazy and remove any metal.
The numbers are sometimes used by the builders of better quality 1911s to ensure that parts selected for the best fit remain together through the build process.
It is unfortunately a very common place for the slide to be marked, and they don't even stone the high spots down which is all I would suggest as the disco head is riding against that as well as the brass cases. As a positive point one could say it's to hold oil.
Thanks for the insight everyone. I agree log man, its an unfortunate location to engrave but I'm at least happy to hear its not an error on my gun, which is a Springfield 1911.