I've learned to question a 1911A1 that doesn't have the take down scratch as one that may have been refinished. If I found and bought one that was in perfect original condition I would be very careful not to scratch it as I would surely be an idiot for doing so but if all being the same but for a scratch I would not hesitate to buy one with a scratch and I feel the scratch takes nothing away from the value of the pistol. JMHO