NIB M&P Shield 2.0 - Finish scratches on barrel hood...normal?

[mike406]

Hello, I bought my first S&W handgun a few days ago and after opening I noticed there are what appears to be scratches in the finish on the barrel hood. There is also some weird minor discoloration on the top of the slide. Tried buffing them a bit with a microfiber cloth but it doesn't appear to get any better. I've attached some pictures. Thanks!

[mckenney99]

Perfectly normal wear to the barrel hood.

[scott.amy00]

The finish on my M&P Shield 9mm 1.0 is very similar to that and it definitely isn't the best looking finish, but it's held up well for the most part and does what it needs to. Take that gun out and shoot her like she's meant for and put your own wear marks and scratches on it and you'll never even think about those. I know it's a bummer when you drop money on a gun and it has scratches like that, but it's a tool and meant to be used as such.

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[mike406]

Originally Posted by mckenney99

Perfectly normal wear to the barrel hood.

Awesome, good to know it is normal.

Originally Posted by scott.amy00

The finish on my M&P Shield 9mm 1.0 is very similar to that and it definitely isn't the best looking finish, but it's held up well for the most part and does what it needs to. Take that gun out and shoot her like she's meant for and put your own wear marks and scratches on it and you'll never even think about those. I know it's a bummer when you drop money on a gun and it has scratches like that, but it's a tool and meant to be used as such.

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Thanks man, that makes me feel better. I plan to shoot her this week, once I can get my hands on ammo it’s sold out all over the place.

[BRL40]

If it was a highly polished blued Colt Python or something like that I might raise an eyebrow, but just take it out and enjoy it

[BRL40]

Originally Posted by mike406

...Tried buffing them a bit with a microfiber cloth but it doesn't appear to get any better...

Ya know, a thought occurred about those minor barrel scratches.

The ones on top happen when the slide goes over the barrel during firing and I don't think they can be completely eliminated, but maybe after a few years of use, you could polish the top and exposed side of the barrel.

I would think that as long as you kept the metal removal to the bare minimum, it wouldn't hurt anything and would look like just about every other barrel that comes with a new semi-auto out there.

I did my magazines and they turned out pretty good.

May end up doing that to my barrel eventually, but right now it looks fine. (so does yours really)

[Oldsalt66]

If you shoot that pistol often and put sufficient rounds though it, the finish will be worn off of that entire area which is perfectly normal.

[Babysitr]

Welcome to the forum from Illinois! That pistol is a tool, one meant to be used, mine looks the same and also has holster marks and scratches...enjoy shooting it!