So, this my third M&P pistol, 2nd with a ding in the polymer. The first one I sent back and S&W said it was fine because it didn't effect the functionality of the gun. On my brand new M&P 45c there's a chip on the corner of my rail. It kind of chaps me because it's a brand new gun, but I could probably live with it. Has anyone else experienced things like this with the M&Ps?

Not on mine. Bought new in Dec. 2012. M&P 40 FS.

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Criminals don't register guns.

Do you imagine that the plastic frames are removed from a mold and gently packaged individually for eventual assembly into the finished gun?

I remember when we were told in a Glock class that their plastic frames are popped out of molds every 80-85 seconds. I can only imagine the conveyors, bins or hoppers that hold the new frames.

Plastic is easily scratched, dinged, gouged, rubbed or scored by anything harder than the plastic.

If you want nicely hand-finished guns, buy a metal one from the Performance Center (and cross your fingers).

No, it doesn't bother me, and I've seen my fair share of "imperfect" new plastic frames.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

No, I haven't had the problem but - just like steel pistols have and show wear, plastic chips and mars similarly.

I treat them like, and use them like the tools they are. Scrapes, mars, dings, gouges... are just signs that it has been used. Enjoy it.

In addition to the above comments, you did inspect the piece before agreeing to buy it, didn't you? If you didn't inspect it, or didn't notice the issue, shame on you.

I doubt many of us are buying the plastic framed pistols for pride of ownership. They're a tool.

I expect I've seen a lot worse cosmetic defects in war production 1911s and no one much cared, either at the time or later. I recall early production estimates on the M&Ps of 10,000 per month. By contrast, Colt took years to reach 50,000 total units.

You're absolutely right! The LGS was so slammed when I bought it, I really didn't have good chance to inspect it thoroughly. I feel kind of dopey now, because you are ALL right. It's a tool, I'm going to be carrying it and it's going to get more dinged up. I can live with that!

I would like to see a picture of what you are calling a chip or ding. I have never seen an M&P or a Glock (and I have seen quite a few - ) that had such a thing. However, it is possible that what you are calling a chip or a ding is something I just "look past" as an ordinary part of production. I have seen people complain of the least little machining or tool marks - stuff that I would see, but not even think about as a "defect."

A "chip" on the corner of the rail, assuming you are referring to the steel rail insert on which the slide rides - now that might be an issue later, and it might be something to have S&W fix. A little indent in the polymer - not so much.

If you could post a picture, it would allow WR Moore and others who are knowledgeable to evaluate it better.

I was a little worried when I bought my Kydex OWB holster, because it rubs the slide and leaves a little mark. Then I just got the tool attitude, I don't want to beat it up, but I go to the range and use it for what it is intended.

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Criminals don't register guns.

Shawn, honestly...I tried taking a picture and you can't even see it. ha I feel kind of dopey. What happened was, I noticed a little shard of polymer on one of the picatinny rails. It came off and left a little rough part on the corner. It's probably going to happen over the course of it's life anyway. I bought this to carry, so I'm sure other things are going to happen.

Ginzo- EXACTLY! It's going to happen when I holster it and unholster it anyway. If the gun were old, I wouldn't care. I'm a just a little OCD, just a lil.

I had a chip in my fs 45 one day when I let a buddy try it out. He dropped it off the table after firing and my heart stopped. I went to pick it up and there was a good scratch by the slide lock. So I tried something. I used a small piece of metal bar and heated it up. It got hot enough to melt the plastic just enough to get it uniformed back to normal (almost). It looks better then it did and no problems firing. My buddy was sorry but I told him it was just a battle scar.

I think I just needed to come here and vent so you guys would make me feel better about it. It worked. ha

It is always better to ask. I thought you were talking about one of the frame rails, not the Picatinny rail.

I am glad we got that cleared up!

Me also on the OCD! LOL

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Criminals don't register guns.

I just bought a Olive Drab Glock 19 and it's a very limited production model and very hard to get. Rumor has it, there is a two year wait. I was lucky to find one at my local gun shop. I too found a very tiny indent on the top of the frame, right below the rail and it really irked me. The indent is so small, you would probably need a microscope to see it and the irony here, my Glock 34 also has some dings on the frame, looks like tool marks and far deeper, but I still love that gun and it does not bother me. However, my newly bought G19, I am contemplating sending it back to Glock to have them replace my frame. Is it worth it? Probably not and the blemish is so small, I think most people would not even notice it. What I decided to do is I will buy one new gun a year and if I buy another Glock 19, then I can use this one as a beater gun and not worry. Also I have to consider the money I paid for it is not that much so why worry. I am now just beginning to realize the Glock is the chevy of guns and just a tool. If I bought an Wilson 1911 or another showgun, then maybe a different story

didn't you check it over before you bought it ?

Read post#6.

Shrug? I have a nylon spatula I flip my fried eggs with in the morning. It's a tool, it gets used, it gets dings, bottom line. Same for my M&P.

The holster marks, the wear, the dings I get from inadvertent contact with the slide just add 'character' to my gun, IMHO. I guess they don't call it a "service" pistol for nothing.

Just my 0.02, YMMV.

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Take your time, fast. J.Hughes