New Sigma Frame CRACK?!? (pic)

[freesoulvw]

I just had my sigma out for a weekend of shooting about less than 100 rnds, I was getting ready to do some minor polishing and I noticed something I wasnt able to see untill I got in the right light, I will post a pic of what I am seeing and hope to get some input from you folks, I will be calling tommarrow to get my SW shipping lable due to the fact that I want them to work some magic before I try some of my own. Check out the pic and see what you think......the "crack" or line is at about 3'oclock from the rear pin out to almost the end of the rear of the gun, it took about 10 pics to find one that showed up, so I hope you all can see what I see. I don t know if it is just a scratch or a begining of a problem, I have never seen this before so if anyone has had a frame crack in a polymer gun maybe they can throw in some experiance.

Also if it is a crack will SW end up sending me a new gun due to the ser# change, and then will it go to an FFL and will I have to wait a waiting period or will I get to just take it when it arrives?

 

[SirIsaacNewton]

That isn't a crack it is a stigmata.

 

[CajunBass]

If that's a crack, mine (with just over 100 rounds) has one just like it. I suspect it's a mold mark.

 

[Walthernut]

Don't have one on mine.

 

[Rockhanger]

Mine has one also. I would agree it's a mold mark

 

[Rockhanger]

Don't have one on mine.

I had to hold gun on an angle to see it .

 

[novalty]

Seems like an odd place for it to crack. I wouldn't figure that as a location that would have receive much stress. Have to keep us updated with what occurs with S&W.

 

[Jim H]

...I will be calling tomorrow to get my SW shipping able due to the fact that I want them to work some magic before I try some of my own.

This will settle the question about cracking, and if you mention a 'gritty' trigger they may do some 'spit and polish' too.

...Also if it is a crack will SW end up sending me a new gun due to the ser# change, and then will it go to an FFL and will I have to wait a waiting period or will I get to just take it when it arrives?

I think the serial number will change, since it is on the frame, and I also think they ship it right back to you, no FFL involved.

 

[Sleddog30]

I think the serial number will change, since it is on the frame, and I also think they ship it right back to you, no FFL involved.

From the Sigma Owners Manual: If your firearm must be replaced, it may be necessary to ship the replacement to a dealer rather than directly to you. You will be requested to furnish a signed FFL (Federal Firearms License) from your dealer in such an instance.

So, if the serial number changes (the weapon is replaced), then it has to go thru an FFL. If it comes back with the same S/N (repaired), they will ship it direct to the individual.

 

[HPHooked]

From the Sigma Owners Manual: If your firearm must be replaced, it may be necessary to ship the replacement to a dealer rather than directly to you. You will be requested to furnish a signed FFL (Federal Firearms License) from your dealer in such an instance.

So, if the serial number changes (the weapon is replaced), then it has to go thru an FFL. If it comes back with the same S/N (repaired), they will ship it direct to the individual.

'Taint necessarily so, Sleddog30. I had to ship my Sigma 40 back to them after a case head seperation blew the bottom out of my magazine. They called me back and said the weapon I shipped them was no longer serviceable. They FedEx'd a replacement weapon straight to my house with a different serial #. Now, other jurisdictions may require a replacement weapon be sent to an FFL to be registered to you but not all areas are that way.

GOD how I love living in Montana.

 

[depicts]

There were a lot of problems with frmes cracking on the very early SIGMAs, Like early 90's. If it's one of those guns, S&W will replace it with a newer model

 

[Sleddog30]

I just checked my Sigma and it has the same mark, in the same place. It's tough to see unless you hold it just right. I looked at it under a mag. glass. It is not a crack. It appears to be something from the molding process.

 

[kvanderploeg]

My new and unfired SW40VE has it also. Looks like a molding mark to me.

Kent

 

[Rick-F]

My SW9VE has a the same mark. It's not a crack (on mine, anyway).

Great picture, Kent. Nice job.

 

[blastfact]

Use Macro for your close up pictures! Works great.

My 9VE does not have the mark. It's more than likely a mark made when the molds are released made by a harden string of marital from a previous release. Or a production handling issue.

Just more of American lack luster basic production.

 

[PDL]

My .40VE has a shadow of a mark in the same location. I can barely see it with a magnifying glass.

 

[angel71rs]

I think it might be a weld line. Mine has it too.

If they used core pins in the mold to form the holes instead of drilling them out later, this might cause a weld line as plastic flows around the core pin, then rejoins on the other side.

I eyeballed the grip, noticed the gate (where plastic is injected into the mold cavity) is located inside the trigger guard behind the trigger. The line is in the direction of probable plastic flow. No line by pin hole on other side of grip, but internal section width of the grip is thicker on right side under trigger link bar, so that alters plastic flow.

I looked at the rear of the grip where plastic flow meeting at far end from gate might also cause a weld line, and sure enough there was a long one running down the right rear of the grip where the web of your hand goes.

I can't feel the line by the pin hole with my finger nail, and it tends to disappear when pistol is held at different angles.

Whatever the cause of the pin hole line, I think it is strictly cosmetic, and will not have an effect on mechanical strength of the grip. Of course that is JMO. So if you want to know for sure, send it in and let us know what they say.

 

[setxn]

Thought it was just a scratch that I had caused,but it is identical to Kent's picture.Same mold I guess.Wonder how many they use?

 

[FourEyez]

Well, I never noticed but I love the fact that everyone has been able to jump in and acknowledge that its more then one person. Maybe this should be added to the FAQ sticky just in case it comes up again?

 

[Rick-F]

Well, I never noticed but I love the fact that everyone has been able to jump in and acknowledge that its more then one person. Maybe this should be added to the FAQ sticky just in case it comes up again?

They could add Kent's photo with the caption in yellow or red: "Relax. This is NOT a crack."