Hi guys.

First time owner and could not be more excited for this gun/purchase. Just curious as to your thoughts on whether these types of things are to be expected with a factory new firearm.

Photo 1: Scratch on the barrel hood.

Photo 2: Blemish on the polymer curvature.

Is this a QC issue? I get that guns accumulate their battle scars, but I was hoping to be the one to put them on it. Regardless, I'm sure once I get to the range this weekend and put a couple hundred rounds through it, I'll forget I even cared, but since I just got it home, I figured it was worth asking to hear your thoughts.

Thanks

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Did you examine the gun BEFORE the purchase? I NEVER accept any firearm without a thorough examination; I've even fieldstripped a handgun in front of the seller before giving an OK. Especially if ordered online, if there's an issue, the gun goes back for refund/replacement-period.

I’m not super picky but those two booboos would irritate me. That’s why it’s important to examine any firearm before accepting transfer. Great gun at any rate!


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I'd definitely be upset about the obvious scratch on the barrel, that's one that I would have refused for sure, but the polymer I wouldn't sweat that one, you can probably massage that down and get rid of a lot of it. Either way, that shouldn't be how a new pistol shows up and I'd be upset. I am sure with production being ramped up and everything selling like mad things are being allowed to slip by and if you'd have sent it back who knows how long it'd take to get a replacement these days. Regardless of the cosmetic imperfections, it's a tool and neither will affect performance, so take that thing out and use it!

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Not what I would consider normal...but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Would I have refused delivery on that basis? Certainly not under the current gun buying circumstances but probably not in the past either as I wouldn't have the patience to wait for an exchange. It will just become like a birthmark that ID's your gun at a glance. I think you have the right perspective of disappointment but realization that at the end of the day it won't matter that much. I have several guns that show wear that wasn't me but they are among my favorite shooters. To be honest I'm actually a bit relieved when I get my first mark on a gun I intend to shoot so I can relax a bit. Each person will have their own point of view on that.

I suggest you take it and enjoy the heck out of it! I have a number of M&P's both 1st and 2nd gen and am very happy with them. I recently purchased my first FDE pistol and it has really grown on me. We will be expecting a range report soon! Are you a first time gun owner or a first time M&P owner? I notice your gun has a loaded chamber indicator and thumb safeties. 10 rd mags as well from California, New York, Mass.? or am I being nosy?

Here's a couple of 2.0 Compacts. I love 'em.

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Welcome to the forum ! I wouldn't be happy if mine came with scratches, but after you use it a bit the sour taste will fade, and there's a good chance you might add a few scratches of your own.

Is yours a 5 inch model ? I have the same FDE model, darn accurate one.
I did drop an Apex kit in mine as I wasn't happy with the stock trigger.
Top one is the 9mm, bottom is a .45 that I Cerakoted in "S&W Tan".

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Sandog, I was looking at a 5" and think they look great but with my current level of inventory I'm not sure where it would fit in the rotation! Maybe you can tip the scale with info about how it differs from a Compact.

The 5 inch is a tad slower on the draw, but fast drawing is way down on my list.
The longer barrel gets more velocity and has a longer sight radius.
Sure seems easier to hit with and group well with compared to shorter M&Ps I've had.

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I guess this will just have to be a good lesson learned. In the future always inspect any new firearm before you accept it. As other have said, this isn't the time when you can be picky without waiting a long time for a replacement. You've still purchased a great pistol. I'm sure you'll be very happy with it. I'm very happy with my M&P 2.0.

It’s a polymer gun, not a collector piece or in a museum case. You’re going to carry it. It’s going to be sweated on, bumped against, rained upon, and who knows what else.
You can probably get one of the cold blue pens and cover the barrel scratch if you want. Some light sanding might remove most of the bump on the frame.
Were it me, I’d have bought and just done everything else accordingly.

The best fix that I can come up with for that scratched barrel is below...

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I wouldn't expect it on a new purchase by any means. They almost appear to be damage from being dropped. None of my new S&W products had any such blemishes. While it's doubtful either will cause any functional issues, it would still be very disappointing.

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Under current conditions I’d be thankful I was able to by a gun, even a blemished one.


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Sadly, given the current status of inventory, a blemished handgun in hand is worth more than a perfect handgun on backorder.

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I wouldn't call either "normal" but I also wouldn't care in any ways about either, regardless of inventory status. Worrying about a finish issue on the barrel hood (of any gun that is for shooting anyways) is kind of like worry about a finish issue on the head of a hammer.

At the risk of contradicting myself:

A scratch like that on a new M&P wouldn't bother me.

A scratch like that on a new Model 19 most definitely would.