While cleaning new my Shield I take close looks into the barrel to see if I have it cleaned good after a range trip.

I noticed these chatter marks in the lands but not in the groves.

What made me notice it was the chatter marks look like they still contain brass which need to be cleaned but it seems impossible using a brass brush.

After running a patch through the barrel it comes out clean. I've just never paid close attention to the lands and grooves before. If the barrel looks clean then it's clean.

Two pics taken 180 degrees apart.

Your thoughts?

Attached Images

	20210820_141504~2.jpg (40.0 KB, 78 views)
	20210820_141650~2.jpg (35.0 KB, 82 views)

Nothing to worry about finding those in $500 handgun.
That's how the barrel is machining.

I've got similar in not expensive 1911 pistol. After few months of shooting I tried Flitz Paste with Felt Cleaning Pellets - it helped somehow, but I would not expect miracles.

Just...
shoot -> clean -> lube -> dry -> repeat

Ok. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum from Illinois!...looks like you have good pics' taken. mail them to S&W customer service, maybe along with a phone call. They built it, let them decide...would maybe give you peace of mind IMHO

I almost missed your post!

Your suggestion is an option. I feel that I'll probably get a canned response like "all are made that way" or something along those lines.

Checking a couple of other brand pistols show similar grove / land markings. Maybe the way manufacturing is done which I've never paid that close attention to before.

The pic on the left is a Ruger LCP .380 barrel from 2009 and the right is a Sig Sauer P938 barrel from last year.

Thanks for the welcome!

Attached Images

	Ruger LCP.jpg (40.2 KB, 35 views)
	Sig P938.jpg (43.0 KB, 39 views)

Out of all the semi auto pistols I've bought over the last ten years, the only ones with shiny bores were either US guns made in the 90s or foreign built weapons.

__________________
Release the Kraken

I remember bores looking a lot nicer than what we get now. Some looked like a mirror.

I'm not complaining either rather just observing bore quality of the past vs now with the high speed, mass produced bores we have now. Now I understand why some shooters prefer match barrels.

I read a article about a fellow who purchased a 1911-A1 9mm barrel dirt cheap where he observed horrible bore machine marks. When he performed a shooting test of the barrel using ransom rest with 30 shot groups, the accuracy was there!

Thanks for your comments Steve!

I recently received an EFK Fire Dragon FN FNX 40 S&W to 357 SIG conversion barrel and it is a work of art!