Manufacturing Defect In Colt Slide Forging

[ButchKent]

Just observed a case of spalling of the surface of a Colt slide near the muzzle. It appears to have originated from a inclusion of some type of flaw in the metal of the slide. It has occurred in three different areas of the slide. In each case a small conical piece of metal has come off the slide. Circular fracture lines are visible around the cone to the point of the internal flaw.

Has anyone seen such a problem with a Colt slide before? Can it be repaired by welding up the flaw areas?

I have tried to make pics but the close have not had proper lighting.

[rhtwist]

Howdy ButchKent,
No I personally have not seen this. My condolences. Is this a new pistol? And pictures would help. If new, contact Colt about the problem. Wish you luck.
You should get more informative answers from our more knowledgeable members
rhtwist

[Mr_Rich]

I used to be the Quality Manager in a forge shop and have to say what you are describing is not a common forging defect. Are the defects randomly distributed on the slide or are they in line with each other?

The forging process will align the grain of the metal to follow the contour of the slide, this makes the circular pattern of cracks around the inclusions mysterious. This is also what makes a forging stronger than the same shape cut from a billet or a casting.

Just my 2 cents.

Regards,
Rich

[Hunter]

Welcome to the forum Rich, and good answer.
Pictures would help and I would suggest a call to Colt's customer service at 1 800 962 Colt.

[ButchKent]

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/medium/DSCF2052.JPG

The attached pic shows the flaw. All flaws are located around the slide in the same general area.

[Hawkmoon]

Is this on a new pistol? If so I wouldn't even consider welding up. The finish will never be uniform (unless you use Gun-Kote or something similar). A TIG weld repair will be functional but unaesthetic.

I agree with Hunter -- you should contact Colt.