I just picked up a new M&P .40, and when I checked it over in the gun shop everything looked good. But after I got it home and cleaned it, I noticed that there are scratches on the frame at the rear of the trigger guard directly behind the trigger. The scratches (gouges?) are mostly vertical, and go right over the seam that runs down the middle of the frame (right over the little square behind the trigger on my other M&P’s), and there’s another set that’s not quite vertical. It’s not something that could happen through accidental handling–it would take a lot of effort to get something in there behind the trigger. It’s nothing that will affect function, but I’m not thrilled about scratches on a brand new gun and I’m curious about what in the manufacturing process would cause this. Has anyone else run across anything like this?
If it bothers you then take it back and see if you can get another one. You can also call S&W and talk to them. They have some of the best CS out there. If it doesn’t affect function then I would just shoot on. Mine are all going to get scratched up anyways.
Here you go. I called S&W this morning, and they didn’t seem to have any idea what I was talking about. They said that there’s a nub of plastic that they cut off–maybe it’s the square that’s at the back of the trigger guard on my other two M&P’s, and the scratches are a bad deburring job? It doesn’t matter too much, in the end since it won’t affect performance, but I’m curious as to what they are, especially if other people are seeing them on their guns.
I just looked my M&P, which I just bought and haven’t even fired yet. There aren’t any scratches, but there is a pretty good gouge above and slightly to the right of that square. There is another smaller, more shallow gouge above the larger one. My guess is that you are right about it happening when they cut the plastic off.
In what way will this hinder it’s performance? It’s a gun, it will get a lot more character than that, if you actually use it. Shoot it and be done worrying about it. Your main concern should be feeding it.
I can vouch for that. Had severe gouges on a NIB 637 that interfered with the cylinder closing. Called them up, they received it and replaced the entire gun, no questions asked. As a matter of fact, will be picking the replacement up this afternoon. Absolutely fantastic Customer Service.
gtmtnbiker98: Unless I’m really missing something, it isn’t going to affect function at all. The plan is to drop in an Apex kit (stiffest trigger on an M&P I’ve seen yet!), some Heinie Straight-8 Ledges, and a Surefire X300, then put about 1,000 rds. through it and run it as my dedicated flashlight gun. I’m going to send the photos to S&W and see what they have to say, but if nothing comes of it, then no biggie.
RWK: As far as I know no trigger locks, and this shop doesn’t used pegs to display their guns
OK here ya go. I just looked at my M&P45 DE, and there is no “scratch”, however there is a square of plastic protruding above the frame. It is where the plastic is injected into the mold, or where the air is vented from tho mold. They probably just scuffed it down during the assembly process so that people did not complain about the “Square of plastic” … Almost 3K through the gun and I never noticed it. Go shoot her and Good Luck!
Yes, That’s where they cut off the plastic ejection mold spure or vent spure after manufacturing. They just didn’t do a good job cleaning up the frame.
I e-mailed S&W last night, and got a reply e-mail from them saying to call CS so I could get a return authorization for inspection/possible replacement, so I called and they’re sending me out a shipping label. Since I can do without the gun for a few weeks, I figure why not? I’ll keep you updated as to what they say.
… Almost 3K through the gun and I never noticed it. Go shoot her and Good Luck! 