I managed to put a deep scratch into the slide, and my mind JUST WONT LET IT GO, even though it doesn't affect functionality at all.

I'm wondering if it's possible or even cost effective to buy a new slide? Would SW would generally be willing to replace it for a reasonable fee?

You could give S&W Customer Service a call and check with them about the cost of a repair, or replacement slide......1-800-331-0852.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Ebay has a few slides showing, seems to be $185 range.
Maybe you can find someone who does laser etching and make good of the scuff somehow in a decorative way?

Yours may have some worth to someone else to re-coup some replacement cost.
Good luck, I know how it is to have a blemish on a nice gun that you can't live with!
Karl

If it shoots well, spend your money on ammo and enjoy it.

No offense but there are "show-ers" and "shooters". A new never fired Shield is not a "show-er", it's a fairly inexpensive pistol meant for self defense and carry (a shooter). Forget about what it looks like and enjoy it for what it is.

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Loving retirement!