Question on slide wear?

[BrianNJ]

I have fired 350 rounds through my Kimber TLE II and have noticed wear on the front of the slide on the ejection port side of the weapon but none on the other side. I have attached a photo of the wear and would and would appreciate any opinions.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/BrianNJ/P2200040.jpg

[stans]

Fairly common event these days. Basically the slide and frame long axis are not parallel or the dustcover is slightly bent or slightly mis-machined or the recoil spring plug tunnel is slightly oversized. You can send it back to the factory or live with the wear on the finish.

[JerGun]

That doesn't seem normal to me. I think I would definitely be "concerned" (read - pissed) if that were my pistol.

Did you try sending that pic/explanation to Kimber?

That pistol is practically brand new. Kimber should do something about it, IMO.

[BrianNJ]

Thank you for your comments. I think I will give Kimber a call and see what they say.

[jcmios]

For a custom gun it is a sign of poor workmanship and improper fitting of the slide to frame. For a production gun, if it shoots to POA then you can either file down the inside of the dust cover and cold blue it or send it back to Kimber for them to do it for you.

[Jim V]

Hmmm, I've seen the same wear marks on a lot of newly made and old 1911s; I consider it a mark of a pistol that is being used and not a safe queen. Like holster wear on the finish.

[BrianNJ]

Jim:
Yea I agree, but its not happening on the other side of the gun. I'm thinking its something rubbing in the frame as the slide moves back and forth. I'll have to see what Kimber has to when I give them a call. Thanks.

[stumbler]

I've seen such marks created by "nicks", also. The nicks come different sources. From how one reassembles the 1911 after cleaning to having dirt (of some sort, or unburned powder land on the gun while I shoot another). "Touching" the slide to the frame during reassembly is another example.