New SW1911SC normal or problem!?

[aqualungs]

I have had a S&W 40c for a while. It's my first pistol and it has been 100% reliable, except for a front night sight that went out. Smith sent me a label and I had it back and fixed in weeks.
So to make a long story short December 4, 2013 I had my lower back fused with pins and rods. I've always wanted a 1911 and I had some of my bonus leftover so I decided to splurge. Also motivation for a speedy recovery. Everything I wanted the SW1911SC had. Light, beautiful, and the best warranty.
My brother took me to the gun shop a few weeks after surgery and they had one in the case on display. I was told it was new and had been in the shop at least 6 months.
A month later I was able and strong enough to break it down and clean it. After I took it apart I noticed huge scratches on the frame's left rear side where the slide runs. I picked up the slide and ran my finger across the left of the slide and felt two rough spots, while the right side was smooth as butter. I can understand safety wear etc. but is this right? I contacted Smith and should hear from them tomorrow. I'm guessing they'll be sending a label... The negative is seeing this scratch, the positive I have about 4 months before I am able to shoot it so I'm sending it back to have it looked over and am in no rush. What you guys think?

Left side







Right side

 

[windmills]

I have similar 'scratches' on the frame from the slide on the left side - not as bad as yours. Also on a new SW1911SC... What did Smith say? Are you sending it in?

 

[rwsmith]

Even if....

Even if it weren't to affect the function/reliability I'd feel a lot better about getting it replaced since it was bought new.

 

[timn8er]

For what that beauty cost you I don't think I would put up with that...by all means send it back. I'd want it as near perfect as possible!

 

[aqualungs]

I have similar 'scratches' on the frame from the slide on the left side - not as bad as yours. Also on a new SW1911SC... What did Smith say? Are you sending it in?

I'm waiting to hear from Smith. I am definitely sending it in ASAP. I'm waiting for a response for a return label. I agree with all of you. I wouldn't have paid this much if I'd saw that. I would have looked elsewhere. I'm confident S&W will take care of It.

 

[growr]

I am going to be the odd man out here......I would take the gun to the range and have a blast with it....it is going to develop wear markings anyway....if it bothers you that much get out your black sharpie and make it go away for a few minutes.....

Those markings will have NOTHING to do with the guns performance....any time spent traveling to and from S&W is time away from you and the range.

That how "I" would handle this.....go shoot it!!!

Randy

 

[aqualungs]

I am going to be the odd man out here......I would take the gun to the range and have a blast with it....it is going to develop wear markings anyway....if it bothers you that much get out your black sharpie and make it go away for a few minutes.....

Those markings will have NOTHING to do with the guns performance....any time spent traveling to and from S&W is time away from you and the range.

That how "I" would handle this.....go shoot it!!!

Randy

Lol that's want I want to do, but I'm recovering from major surgery. I have 4-6 months before I can shoot it, only reason I'm willing to part with it. That's the only reason I haven't fired it. If this is normal and people start chiming in with this experience or Smith says its normal. Then I'm not worried. I'm halfway on the fence. Guns will wear and scratch. All my guns are beautiful with scratches! So if this is normal from racking a slide, then fine. May I also again note the burs only on the left side of the slide and it's smooth as butter on the right... should never have gone past QC, but it happens.

 

[aqualungs]

I waited on the phone again for 25 minutes today for Smith Customer Service. I emailed them 2 days ago with an explanation and pics. They must be BUUUUUSSSY! I will keep you all updated.

 

[t-bird]

You can send it back to S&W but I think they will tell you that it is ok. My PD had the same marks when it was new and after six thousand flawless rounds, still not a problem. Best of luck and enjoy your new toy as soon as your back gets better.

 

[Smoke52]

I have the same model 1911, had it for just three weeks and a couple hundred rounds. Just looked at the slide and there are NO marks or scratches at all. Just a slight amount of finish is gone from firing the gun.

Good luck with Smith and I would not like to see that on my new toy either!

 

[chipking]

Not familiar with the "E" series but compared to every other 1911 frame that I remember working on or looking at your frame is missing the top piece where the Slide release goes into the frame. That is normally a window with a rounded top and the upper rail is continuous above the opening NOT cut all the way through as in your picture. It surely looks like someone has "Bubbaed" that frame. Darn sure does NOT look like a new gun.
Chip King

 

[aqualungs]

Not familiar with the "E" series but compared to every other 1911 frame that I remember working on or looking at your frame is missing the top piece where the Slide release goes into the frame. That is normally a window with a rounded top and the upper rail is continuous above the opening NOT cut all the way through as in your picture. It surely looks like someone has "Bubbaed" that frame. Darn sure does NOT look like a new gun.
Chip King

I'm not sure about this. Maybe Smoke52 can look at his frame and verify a flaw? I know for sure there are burs on the slide that run across those areas on the frame. I called the dealer and they said it's definitely not right. I emailed Smith 2x already (dealer recommended) and if I don't hear from them Monday the dealer said they will step in. They are being really helpful. They are a Police Smith Dealer... I may ask for a refund.. I'm good for it, as this is the 3rd pistol I've bought from them. T-bird these are my initial thoughts, but I can't test fire it yet lol. Had some titanium installed in my back.. So I have time to get this fixed. Thanks for the good wishes all.

 

[aqualungs]

PS they have two full size 1911s in stock. I may ask for a swap, but I'm in love with this piece and I haven't even shot it. I like the two tone. Here's the links for the other 1911s, note they have steel frames

E-series for $1175

Product: Model SW1911TA<br>E-Series?, Tactical Accessory Rail

$785 and can add night sights

Product: Model SW1911<br>E-Series?, .45 ACP

 

[chipking]

aqualungs I had the 1911SC commander length and it FOR SURE was not missing that piece so I am pretty sure that it is not a "feature" limited to the Scandium frame but as I said before I cannot speak for the "E" version. If they have another "E series" have them remove the slide and look at the frame to see if the section is there or not.
Chip King

 

[Smoke52]

Hey this is fun, glad I joined the forum.

I just disassembled the gun again to check out that notch and it is definitely necessary on this piece as the slide stop fits through there, the end used to release the slide, not the through pin, and the tab wraps under the slide. Definitely not a mistake or anything like that.

I have only taken this gun apart 3 times so far, two just for this thread. Thanks, it gets easier each time!

 

[aqualungs]

aqualungs I had the 1911SC commander length and it FOR SURE was not missing that piece so I am pretty sure that it is not a "feature" limited to the Scandium frame but as I said before I cannot speak for the "E" version. If they have another "E series" have them remove the slide and look at the frame to see if the section is there or not.
Chip King

Smith and Wesson - SW1911SC E-series Takedown - YouTube

I looked,this video shows the notch, but notice no mutilation like the pic below



Also there's a pic on this site showing normal wear, no gouging, and the same notch.

Smith & Wesson "E Series" 45 ACP SW1911 Auto Pistols

 

[aqualungs]

Hey this is fun, glad I joined the forum.

I just disassembled the gun again to check out that notch and it is definitely necessary on this piece as the slide stop fits through there, the end used to release the slide, not the through pin, and the tab wraps under the slide. Definitely not a mistake or anything like that.

I have only taken this gun apart 3 times so far, two just for this thread. Thanks, it gets easier each time!

Nice, thanks, so no scratches.. Gotta be the burs on the slide. There's two and they grab the ridges on the skin of my fingertips.

We'll I have 3 options and the weekend to think
1 Send back to Smith
2 Ask the dealer to exchange for the full size
3 Refund if possible

 

[t-bird]

Take some fine sand paper and knock the burrs off and your new toy will be ready to go. I don't see any missing parts on the frame at all. Best of luck.

 

[rbert0005]

Looks to me like a bit of sand or something would up in your slide and scratched it up.

I would knock the burrs off the slide and be done with it.

Bob

 

[lhump1961]

Took mine down along with a full size steel frame. They both have the same wear in the same place...the Sc just shows it. Yours looks to be a bit more but I have less than 1k rounds down the Sc.

Pics continued in next post...