Scratching on finish

[newXD]

I just got me my first XD! It's a 9mm 4" version. I've only had it for a few days, but have already noticed alot of scratching on the surface of the slide. I've discovered that it only takes a very light brush of something metal to brush up against the slide to make a silver scratch that appears to be the metal underneath the finish. I thought gun finishes (especially on the XD) were supposed to be tough! If I even set the gun down on a hard surface, I have to be very careful not to let it rub against that surface even just a little, or it scratches the finish. One time, I put the gun under my waistband to see how it would carry that way. When I pulled it back out, it must have come in contact with my beltbuckle or something and now the slide has a shiny new scratch along the entire side of the slide.

Is this typical of the XD's finish, or is mine just bad? Even my car's paint doesn't scratch nearly this easily!

[TexicanKid]

Originally Posted by newXD

I just got me my first XD! It's a 9mm 4" version. I've only had it for a few days, but have already noticed alot of scratching on the surface of the slide. I've discovered that it only takes a very light brush of something metal to brush up against the slide to make a silver scratch that appears to be the metal underneath the finish. I thought gun finishes (especially on the XD) were supposed to be tough! If I even set the gun down on a hard surface, I have to be very careful not to let it rub against that surface even just a little, or it scratches the finish. One time, I put the gun under my waistband to see how it would carry that way. When I pulled it back out, it must have come in contact with my beltbuckle or something and now the slide has a shiny new scratch along the entire side of the slide.

Is this typical of the XD's finish, or is mine just bad? Even my car's paint doesn't scratch nearly this easily!

Yes, I have had that experience too, with my first XD. Now I have an XD Sub and am taking special precautions but it is probably a matter of time before it gets scratched or dinged.

I am trying to put myself into the mindset of a cowboy who has a trail gun for many years, and the firearm is worn with use but still beautiful in its own way.

[newXD]

I'm trying to think like that too. But when I bought it, I got it from a gunshop used, so it was a good deal. In fact it was at a price lower than I often see people selling them for in the local paper, and the guns in the paper always sell before I can make the call to say I'm interested. So I figured I would be able to sell mine for at least a break-even price if I decided to, but if it's going to get all scratched up, I don't know if anyone will want to pay me as much anymore.

Is there a service somewhere that refinishes the slide with a better finish? Does Springfield offer that as part of their lifetime warranty?

[SpringfieldXD.40]

Honestly, I doubt your belt buckle scratched the slide. If I had to guess, I would say when the slide and the buckle came in contact, some of your buckle actually rubbed off on your slide. How do you fix this, got me. I know it can be done, I just don't remember how.

[newXD]

I actually tested my theory by scratching my belt buckle over the slide very lightly over an area that already had scratches (so it wouldn't be as noticable) to see if it would scratch it, and it did. It made me totally unimpressed with the finish. I mean, guns are supposedly made to take some hits now and then. But I wouldn't expect them to permanently show every hit and scratch they've ever taken, no matter how slight!

[SpringfieldXD.40]

I'm sure it LOOKS like it scratched it, but I really doubt it is an actual scratch. Would you happen to know what your belt buckle is made of?

[Terry]

If you bought it used it may be old enough to have the old type finish. You can call Springfield and give them the S. number. They will tell you what finsh you have.
My XD40 had the old finish and they replaced it , free of charge.

[SpringfieldXD.40]

I, too, own a pre-melonite XD and I still doubt that it is an actual SCRATCH. Chances are, his belt buckle is made of a softer metal than the XD Slide. Try rubbing it with a cloth and some gun oil...it may take a bit of elbow grease, but I think it will probably come off.

[newXD]

Originally Posted by SpringfieldXD.40

I'm sure it LOOKS like it scratched it, but I really doubt it is an actual scratch. Would you happen to know what your belt buckle is made of?

I don't know what it's made of, except that a magnet will stick to it.

TERRY: Free of charge? Do they pay for shipping too, or would I just have to bring it to an authorized dealer to have it done, and then Springfield pays for it? When you sent yours to them, did you mail the whole gun, or just the slide?

[C-Bone]

I had my XD in the holster that comes with the XD package and later that day I noticed some tiny copper looking scratches on the slide. The rivets on my jeans had put them there! I was bummed til I worked it with some Hoppes #9 and a silicone rag. Took them off.