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  #1  
Old 04-07-2017, 07:38 PM
kstud kstud is offline
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New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal?  
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Default New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal?

I just picked up a Brand New Shield with Crimson Trace shipped to FFL. Everything is great on this shield, the trigger is similar to my compact and full size, unlike my previous shield that had a 87lb trigger pull.

However I noticed the finished on the slide was a rough matte black instead of the more smooth, shinier melonite finish on all my other M&P. It also had some scratches on it and scratches very easily but I could care less as this is a self protection tool and not a safe queen. More interested in the differences in coating.

Would someone chime in on this?

Here's some pictures next to the Compact:
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Last edited by kstud; 04-07-2017 at 07:40 PM.
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Old 04-07-2017, 08:33 PM
GeoJelly GeoJelly is offline
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Up front - I don't have a Shield, and won't get one until the 2.0 version comes out. That said, your Shield has a cheap looking finish - it reminds me of the similarly bad finish that Ruger is putting on the latest LCR's. If you got it off of GB, you may have a three-day window to return it ... I would. I would do that then wait until the new version comes out. The finish on it looks like it was done in a blacksmith shop in Kabul!!

I examined one last year - but did not buy it - that had a dark rich-looking finish on it - it was semi-gloss and looked well applied. It's funny how the two big makers fluctuate between semi-decent and plain unacceptable finishes. If and when I get a Shield 2.0, I will prolly just send it to CoyoteKiller on SigForum. He has a Cerakote finish that looks just like the semi-gloss I mentioned above - and I think he charges around $50 for it. Well worth it, to me, to have something that is both functional and professional-looking. Just my $.02 ...

Last edited by GeoJelly; 04-07-2017 at 08:37 PM.
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Old 04-07-2017, 08:35 PM
MichiganScott MichiganScott is offline
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Your Shield is not being scratched. It is removing particles of whatever the gun is coming into contact with. The nitrocarburizing process is extremely wear resistant. The roughness will wear off and the finish should approach that of your other M&P's.
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Old 04-07-2017, 08:41 PM
ScaryWoody ScaryWoody is offline
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It does look rougher than my Shields. Probably, not a perfect finish at the factory. It will wear fine but no I don't think it's right.
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Old 04-07-2017, 08:56 PM
Vulcannut Vulcannut is offline
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New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal?  
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I picked one up last weekend and mine doesn't have rough look to it like to one in the pictures.
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Old 04-07-2017, 09:10 PM
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You accepted that?
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Old 04-07-2017, 09:23 PM
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My FFL always let me check the gun first before filling out the paperwork, definitely there is something wrong with the finish none of the M&p's I have/had including the shield have that horrible finish.


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Old 04-07-2017, 09:36 PM
LAA LAA is offline
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Just compared. My 45's finish looks like my 9mm's. Which looks like the finish of the 9mm on the left, in the first pic. Certainly not dark & rough.
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Old 04-07-2017, 09:42 PM
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My Shield doesn't look like yours. That ain't right.
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Old 04-07-2017, 10:06 PM
kstud kstud is offline
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New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal? New Shield with rough matte black finish, normal?  
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I understand it doesn't look like the other shields or M&P, I have all 3 (FS, Compact, and Shield). This new shield I got seems to be matte black vs the standard shinier version. I really don't care what it looks like or if it has scratches as long as it shoots well with a good trigger. BTW, it does have a fantastic trigger (far better than my other shield). I'm not planning on returning the pistol for cosmetic defects as I plan to use it and not put into a display case to be admired.

I'm just curious if it's an edition made for a certain group eg LE, etc....I contacted SW but it's the weekend and no response. Just thought someone may know something about this particular matte black shield.

Manufactured date on the Shield is 11/29/2016

I did found some info regarding the matte black M&P.

Strange finish on a new M&P 40

EDIT:
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Originally Posted by MichiganScott View Post
Your Shield is not being scratched. It is removing particles of whatever the gun is coming into contact with. The nitrocarburizing process is extremely wear resistant. The roughness will wear off and the finish should approach that of your other M&P's.
I think you hit the nail on the head. I rubbed it with a paper towel and some Remoil and the matte black outer coat started to come off leaving a brown stain on the towel and revealed the smooth finish that is common to M&P pistols. I'm going to leave it as is because I think it gives the Shield some character as well as a layer of protection to prevent scratches (not that I give 2 cents about cosmetic imperfections).

Last edited by kstud; 04-07-2017 at 11:04 PM.
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Old 04-08-2017, 04:42 AM
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That finish is not normal. I have a new Shield .45, a two year old Shield 9 with nearly 5000 rounds fired, and a 2 1/2 year old M&P 40 Compact with 8600 rounds fired. The slides of all three look like your Compact, with smooth, flawless finishes.

Assuming the Shield was sold to you as new, someone at S&W has some 'splainin to do. Even if you like your Shield and plan to keep it, you should share these photos with customer service. They might do a goodwill thing and send you a free magazine or two to atone for having sold you such an ugly slide.
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Old 04-08-2017, 07:03 AM
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"I really don't care what it looks like or if it has scratches as long as it shoots well with a good trigger. BTW, it does have a fantastic trigger (far better than my other shield). I'm not planning on returning the pistol for cosmetic defects as I plan to use it and not put into a display case to be admired."

Very well said! The "marks" give it character. I view my guns as tools and not "looky what I've got" objects de art. Just like brand new cars: there's a door ding coming! Shoot it...enjoy it!
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:14 AM
kstud kstud is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swsig View Post
Assuming the Shield was sold to you as new, someone at S&W has some 'splainin to do. Even if you like your Shield and plan to keep it, you should share these photos with customer service. They might do a goodwill thing and send you a free magazine or two to atone for having sold you such an ugly slide.
Good idea!!! I've already contacted them but no response due to it being the weekend. Their customer service has always been excellent. I'd rather not take advantage of their generosity but if SW choose to compensate for this oversight, who am I to turn it down...but I'm also not going to abuse them as I think abusing the best warranty and customer service in the business will affect its future dealings with other customers.

I'm getting ready for the range and putting at least 100-200 rds through this shield to test function but so far with dry-firing, it's feeling amazing. If anyone saw my posts on my previous Shield, they know how much I hated that pistol. Very difficult to get an accurate shot due to the extremely heavy trigger pull and I'm not about to spend $100+ on a Apex kit to fix what should have been a non-issue...****** trigger.
The trigger was so bad that after a couple dozen pull or so, my index finger fatigued, even sore.

Although for a $450 pistol, it shouldn't have this kind of cosmetic flaws but the ultimate test will be later at the range today.

BTW, I've already taken 50 seconds to submit my Shield $75 rebate. Will report back after my range session. Hopefully every thing goes well.

Thanks to those that replied...much appreciate your assistance.
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:32 AM
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For sure that is a return for replacement.

Never seen a shield slide like that one. It should be same as your 9c for sure....that one slipped under the radar......

And yes by all means, take whatever S&W offers as comp for your time and trouble...not a thing wrong with that......

Here's hoping for a great outcome.......
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:33 AM
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I have a fairly new (a couple of months or so) .45 Shield. Although the finish on it doesn't look as bad as the OP's, it's not up to snuff in my opinion. The top of the barrel hood has a somewhat mottled black finish, and the finish is already wearing off the thumb safety and slide stop just from a couple months worth of holster carry. Compared to my Glock 30S and its finish and non-existent wear after two years of carry...well, there is no comparison. The Glock's finish beats the Smith's hands down. I'm not pleased about it, but it isn't worth my while to really complain about it or send it back to S&W.

The OP asks if the finish on his Shield is "normal". Well, the Shields I've seen have no consistency of finish...just about every one of 'em looks a bit different. So if inconsistency can be considered "normal", then yes, the OP's pistol is normal. Also known as "par for the course".

Frankly, the .45 Shield is a cheap pistol. Shields aren't meant to be collectors' items. It's a fairly well made carry pistol, but far as I'm concerned, it's obvious that S&W cuts corners when putting them together and finishing them. I'll keep mine until I see something I want more...which might not be that long from now. Like, it might get traded at a gun show this weekend, who knows.

Last edited by Watchdog; 04-08-2017 at 10:37 AM.
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Old 04-08-2017, 10:58 AM
LAA LAA is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NevadaBob View Post
"I really don't care what it looks like or if it has scratches as long as it shoots well with a good trigger. BTW, it does have a fantastic trigger (far better than my other shield). I'm not planning on returning the pistol for cosmetic defects as I plan to use it and not put into a display case to be admired."

Very well said! The "marks" give it character. I view my guns as tools and not "looky what I've got" objects de art. Just like brand new cars: there's a door ding coming! Shoot it...enjoy it!
I feel better already! I somehow put a scratch on my new S&W engraved 1911. It's been bugging me like crazy. Until now, I kind of considered this gun as purty art.
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Old 04-09-2017, 06:32 PM
FredBart FredBart is offline
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Send your photos attached to an email to S&W customer service. Last Saturday I sent them an email and I got a response in two business days, less than the three to five business day window that they promised. My pistol went back Tuesday by FedEx prepaid.

Why be unhappy with a brand new pistol?
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Old 04-09-2017, 07:12 PM
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Default The Shield 2.0 has a.....

.....more 'aggressive' finish. So aggressive that people are sanding them down. Looks like they've gone 'aggressive crazy' on everything.
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Old 04-09-2017, 07:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kstud View Post

If anyone saw my posts on my previous Shield, they know how much I hated that pistol. Very difficult to get an accurate shot due to the extremely heavy trigger pull and I'm not about to spend $100+ on a Apex kit to fix what should have been a non-issue...****** trigger.
$40 dollar sear at midway



Quote:
Originally Posted by kstud View Post


Although for a $450 pistol, it shouldn't have this kind of cosmetic flaws but the ultimate test will be later at the range today.
I have 4 Shields. Pretty sure I KNOW what they are supposed to look like. Im not looking for collector grade stuff but that looks HORRIBLE to me.....even for a 225 dollar gun much less a 450 dollar one. I wouldnt have accepted that from my FFL....but thats me. Of course you have to make your own decision.

My 2 Shield 45's were somewhat soaked in RemOil inside and out. Required a good wiping down. The 9mm was rather dry. All appeared and have performed primo (like we expect from a S&W)
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Old 04-10-2017, 11:22 AM
kstud kstud is offline
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Update:

I contacted SW and chatted with a rep name Steve. He just wanted me to send in the pistol and have them look at it. Was hesitant about sending it in since it's a new pistol and didn't want it to be away for 2 weeks but that was the only option...even after I offered minor compensation to keep pistol as is.

Will keep you guys updated on how SW handle this situation as it's going out today back to SW.

I do agree that the finish is horrific looking but it shoots fantastic. Ever since I started using Crimson Trace I haven't touched iron sights but had to use iron sights at the range because I forgot to re-calibrated the laser from its factory 50ft range. I was able to put 2 mags at 10yds (can't really see a 3" splatter target any further than 10 yards with iron sight) nearly dead center with about a 2-3 inch spread. Pistol appears to be adequately accurate and shoots perfectly with a great trigger. Don't know if it's the gun or if I've gotten better at shooting but so far I have no complaints with the exception of cosmetic in appearance.

Last edited by kstud; 04-10-2017 at 11:23 AM.
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Old 04-10-2017, 12:40 PM
Dad_Roman Dad_Roman is offline
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Good update. Sorry you have to part with your new baby.

Watching and waiting
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Old 05-19-2017, 02:19 PM
kstud kstud is offline
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Just an update:

Received the Shield back from RMA today via FedEx (4 weeks). Nothing was done except for cleaning. Same pistol, no replacement of slide, there was a New 8rd mag in the package, and 4 weeks of not having the pistol.

With the exception of the complimentary 8rd mag and a free cleaning, it was a total waste of time being without the pistol. Not only did it cost SW money to ship both ways, it was not worth the hassle.

It doesn't bother me that the pistol looks the way it does as long as it functions and is reliable if or when I really need it to. I won't be sending it back or escalate the issue as it's just more time wasting...don't think SW will do much for cosmetic.

Time to put 3-400 rds through it to ensure functionality then it'll be ready for prime time.
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Old 05-19-2017, 02:38 PM
ScaryWoody ScaryWoody is offline
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If that is that, I would sand the finish off or at least down. Maybe a bead blast, if you can. Cerakote the slide a color or pattern to make you feel good about it.
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Old 05-19-2017, 03:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScaryWoody View Post
If that is that, I would sand the finish off or at least down. Maybe a bead blast, if you can. Cerakote the slide a color or pattern to make you feel good about it.
Thanks for the suggestion.

It doesn't bother me very much but I'm also not into cosmetic with respect to firearms. It's a $450 pistol (minus another $75 rebate) and for me I don't feel it's worth the effort. My phone cost twice as much and I use it with no case and have acquired many dings/scratches...so a $450 SD pistol with a lifetime warranty is not worth the hassle of trying to make it "pretty" again.

Just wished I never bothered sending it in and waiting 4 weeks for SW to clean and send back without any changes. Totally not worth the wait and hassle.
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