Ok, here's the deal.

I'm an FFL and I just received my 1st 9L Performance Center CORE from my distributor. While looking it over and noticed what I believe to be some serious QC issues with the slide release. It looks as if it has been in service for a few years (obviously not, bought new) due to some discoloration on both sides of the release.

Sent my distributors these pictures and he stated that it's normal for M&Pvs to have this and that I should contact S&W. Don't like that answer.

What do you guys think?

Looks about like ours on a full size 40 and my wifes core. May be the cheapest part of the handgun but at least the darn thing is out of the way . Guess you could polish in out and blue it .

I'm not an FFL but I just purchased a FS during the last mag give away and the slide releases look just like that. Maybe a little better but they look like the already have wear on them. I just think the bluing isn't applied evenly during production. I would call Smith and see what they say.

I have a CORE 40L and the right side of the slide release has broken twice in less than 2 years of use (15K rounds). Since I am right handed I will not be replacing it for a third time. Just not worth the effort to contact S&W for another replacement and the time to take gun apart.

As a testament to S&W quality and brand reputation I will say that my brand spanking new M&P 9mm Pro had a slide lock that looked much worse than that. Don't know what's up with their parkerizing process but working it isn't (yoda speak for it's not working).

When you dump new parts into a bulk parts bin, "bad" things happen.

__________________
S&WHF 366

This is normal, not just for S&W but even with HKs. Slide release material and manufacture (I think MIM) just doesn't take a finish very well. I swear the slide release on my HKs get discolored just by looking at them.

Thanks for the replies eveyone. I may just keep this one for myself, as I don't feel right selling in this condition.