Issue with new M&P 45c (frame not straight)

[rxer311]

Hey everybody. Last year about this time I picked up an M&P Shield for CC and I love it. I just got my tax refund and decided it was time to step up to a 45 that I could carry in the winter under the jacket. I found a new M&P 45c in FDE at a local gun shop and snagged it up. They actually had 2.

Anyway, I now have a slight concern. I broke down the gun and it does not seem as though the frame is perfectly straight and a gap opens up between the frame and rail as it goes towards the end of the barrel. There is a gap between the frame and slide at the end as well. I went back and looked at the other one they had in stock and it was the same way, however, they had an all black one and it did not have this issue. They also had a 9mm VTAC in FDE that did have this issue.

Is this normal for the M&P?

I contacted S&W via email today so we will see what they say.

Pics

 

[Jyezahn]

Normal, it's fine. If it really bothers you, you can take a heat gun to it and push the dustcover section up a little. But it won't affect performance.

 

[rxer311]

This is normal, and if you don't see it on the black ones, it is an "optical illusion."

It is not an optical illusion. I can press on the frame of mine and move it to a straight position against the slide. On the black one it was impossible because it was perfectly straight and had nowhere to be pushed.

It actually makes it difficult to reassemble after break down because it is not straight.

 

[reece27]

I looked at mine and it looks like it has a smaller gap at the rear than it does at the front. Its a very small difference but it does have one. I don't have any problem reassembling

 

[reece27]

It's hard to see but there is a difference. My phone doesn't take great pictures

 

[rxer311]

It's hard to see but there is a difference. My phone doesn't take great pictures

Yes I do see it on yours but it is nowhere near what mine looks like. Happen to have a picture of the front? Thanks for the picture!

 

[rxer311]

Well, whether it is or is not an "optical illusion," it is supposed to be there. I have asked about it before, and recall an explanation related to expansion on continued firing or something. I doubt that using a heat gun on your frame is a good idea. I believe it is supposed to be there.

There is no difficulty re-assembling your pistol. Just don't use the dust cover as a guide for sliding the slide back on the frame.

Or, if you really want to make an issue out of it, don't listen to us. Call S&W and send them your pictures. Who knows - maybe you will get a new gun and a dozen magazines for your trouble. Worth a try, isn't it?

I agree that using a heat gun is probably a bad idea! You may be right that is supposed to be there, however, it just does not look right to me. If you really look at it you can see that the frame actually "droops". Maybe mine is just "worse" than others? Can't hurt to call Smith so I will see what they say.

In any case. Thank you for the help. At least I know mine is not the only one like this.

 

[EugeneNine]

I see the same on my 9c

I figured it was just manufacturing tolerances.

 

[laskt9]

I didn't see it at first but now that I do it would bother me. I'll check out the ones at my gun store. Mind saying how much you paid?

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[rxer311]

I didn't see it at first but now that I do it would bother me. I'll check out the ones at my gun store. Mind saying how much you paid?

Sent from my HTC PH39100 using Tapatalk 2

I paid $590 for it. Let me know what you find at the store. Thanks!

 

[rxer311]

I see the same on my 9c

I figured it was just manufacturing tolerances.

I see yours but it is nowhere near as crooked as mine. Your slide at least covers the lip on the frame. Mine produces a noticeable gap. Thanks for the picture.

 

[reece27]

Front view

 

[robkarrob]

Since the slide does not ride on the frame, but on the rails of the locking block and the sear housing. So this is at most a slight cosmetic problem, not an operation issue. If it isn't pointed out, I doubt anyone would notice it.

Bob

 

[rxer311]

If you look at the front of my pistol up close you can see through to the spring and then out the other side.

 

[rxer311]

The slide does not ride on the frame, but on the rails of the locking block and the sear housing. So this is at most a slight visual problem, not an operation issue.

Bob

Understood, however, a new firearm should be in new condition free from defects, operational or otherwise. The way it sits I would not attach certain equipment such as a laser to that rail. Therefore, it becomes an operational issue.

 

[rxer311]

Front view

Thank you very much. My gap is about triple what you have.

 

[reece27]

I got mine for $490 but I bought the M&P 22 at the same time

 

[Jyezahn]

I agree that using a heat gun is probably a bad idea!

Several people have done it for the same reason you're complaining about. It doesn't hurt the frame as long as you're careful about it. On the other hand, you could just not let it bother you, as it's not a defect, it's normal and well within tolerance of variation.

 

[reece27]

Thank you very much. My gap is about triple what you have.

No problem, anytime

 

[3hounds]

I used a hair dryer on mine easy fix.