I field stripped my M&P40 so I could clean some of the gunk out of my barrel. After putting everything together something seemed odd it wouldn't dry fire after I sling shotted the slide! I then soon noticed the slide was only sitting on 2 of the metal pins and the take down lever wouldn't budge.. (It was raised off the back ones, and was sliding on the front.) So after a few moments I was able to release the take down lever by locking the slide back. I was able to take it off and inspect it.

I noticed shavings of plastic hanging off the left side of the polymer slide..



Was able to get them off gently using a razor blade.. Everything functions fine, rounds eject, it dry fires, slide slingshots with no issues etc. Though that part of the frame looks slightly uneven.

Do these front ridges effect the slide at all? Or is it only the metal ones that matter. Accuracy won't mess up will it?

Also...

More Pics..


Found a slight amount of gold metallic shavings..



I think it's from the gold/brass colored component of the slide?




Everything look normal though? Sorry to ask about this and if I seem paranoid, just can't believe I've goofed like that with the slide alignment. it's just been a long day. I just feel like a dumb @$$.

Cosmetic damage to the dust cover on an M&P is irrelevant to the slide operation. You probably will be watching carefully as the slide goes over each of the frame points the next time you reassemble it?

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Science plus Art

Yes most def. I'll be more careful with reassembly.

Also thanks for easing my mind a bit.

gold colored metal shavings are from the brass........normal

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NRA life member

Actually that makes sense, I should have thought of that. I was just a bit freaked out yesterday. Was worried I might have messed something up -.-

Sorry if my questions seemed stupid.

Hey it is only normal when you first get a new gun and have some difficulties with it at first it is human nature, if you didn't feel concerned then you might have a problem so your concern and seeming paranoia is a good thing in this case we have all had those bad feelings about our weapons till we become accustomed to them and how they operate!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26