Are these factory fired before shipped?

[flybyjohn]

I just became the owner of a new in box from FFL seller of a M&P 15-22. I opened the box when I received it and it was missing the magazine. He said they probably forgot to put it in the box and would call and get one coming for me. I got home and broke down the weapon and it had black oil on the bolt and power residue in the barrel. I am guessing this is not new, is it?

Now this riffle was won in a raffle so I did not spend any more than the raffle ticket for it but a new gun should be new, right?

 

[AreaCode201]

I noticed some powder residue inside the barrel of mine after I bought it new and before I fired it. I assume they're test fired at least once before they leave the factory. I don't mind it. I'd rather that than they send me a non functioning rifle.

 

[Kayback]

I know the guys at the shop I'm storing it at are making sure it still functions.

KBK

 

[eugene lott]

i know

This is a new thing s and w is doing. Cs said they want you to know it has been well tested.

 

[flybyjohn]

Thanks, just thought someone took it for a test drive while the raffle was going on. What about the missing mag. Does that happen often?

 

[rraisley]

S&W definitely fires each gun before shipping (and oftentimes includes an empty shell that was fired - I think there's a law about that somewhere), but it's only 1 round, AFAIK. Noticeably dirty probably means someone fired it a bit more. Not that it hurts it, though, and you want to clean it thoroughly before shooting anyhow.

As for the mag, while I've never heard of it being missing, just buy yourself another or so in the meantime. You'll probably want more than 1 (some will say more than a dozen - I don't feel that need). Oh, as far as missing goes, did you also get the lock, sight adjusting tool (if you have Magpul sights), plastic envelope with instructions, NRA stuff, etc.? If not, then someone has definitely done more than just give you one from the factory.

 

[Majorlk]

If something is missing from the box, the dealer took it! As for dirty, I just bought a second one and there's no burned powder or anything else to indicate it has been fired.

I have never seen a dealer that function fired NEW firearms before selling them. Used ones, are another matter. Sounds like the OP got a used one - especially if it came from some raffle.

 

[flybyjohn]

The FFL ordered in all the guns for the raffle, 33 total, and he said they cut the tape, two stripps, on the box to look at all the firearms and check serial numbers. The guy did this all at his cost and volunteered his time to fill out all the paper work for each of the raffle winners. It was for a Highway Patrol officer killed in the line of duty. I don't know the guy personally but he seemed like an honest guy.

There was a lock in a plastic bag but no plastic envelope with the instructions. The instructions were loose as well as the warranty card and NRA flyer. The rifle had the paper kick brass cover over the hand guard. It does not bother me too much any more becuase I decided to keep it for now and not sell it. I was planing to buy some mags for it anyway but I have to wait for them to get shipped and I kind of wanted to shoot it today. I will check all the stores local and see if they have one.

 

[w0ady]

give s&w a call, im sure they'll be happy to send you a mag.

 

[hkyplr]

There have been a few threads over on the handguns part of the forum where people are saying the same as the OP, their firearms look as though they have been fired multiple times. One talked to S&W CS and was told they fire all weapons to ensure function and some have to be fired multiple times to iron out any potential problems.

 

[rraisley]

One talked to S&W CS and was told they fire all weapons to ensure function and some have to be fired multiple times to iron out any potential problems.

Makes a lot of sense. Based on everything else in the box, it's probably as new as any. And if they're replacing the mag, then he's good to go. But if they have to order it from S&W, you'll want to buy one in the meantime.

 

[flybyjohn]

They have a mag coming from S&W and I found and bought the last magazine in town for it today. I have two on order so I should have enough to keep the kids cycling their own magazines as they shoot. By the way, the S& W customer service guy I talked to did confirm that the firearms are shot at the factory before shipment.

 

[Majorlk]

They have a mag coming from S&W and I found and bought the last magazine in town for it today. I have two on order so I should have enough to keep the kids cycling their own magazines as they shoot. By the way, the S& W customer service guy I talked to did confirm that the firearms are shot at the factory before shipment.

I am not disputing that, by any means, but the one I just bought for my grandson is spotless and shows no sign of being fired - either on the bolt face or down the barrel.

I want some of that super clean ammo!

 

[DelFuego]

Mine also came squeaky clean. But, I did clean it (oiled it down) before I took it out.

 

[JimGinMD]

Maryland requires an empty shell be sent to the state police. A sealed envelope with the shell from the manufacturer comes with the gun and the FFL then sends it to the state police.

 

[Majorlk]

Maryland requires an empty shell be sent to the state police. A sealed envelope with the shell from the manufacturer comes with the gun and the FFL then sends it to the state police.

Same way with New York.

The purpose is to have a reference of the chamber markings and firing pin strike of that particular firearm to match to a case found at the scene of the crime.

If my memory is correct, there has never been a crime solved using this reference case.

 

[w0ady]

ive fired all 4 of my guns without cleaning them after purchase so i couldnt tell you if they were dirty or not.

 

[Kayback]

ive fired all 4 of my guns without cleaning them after purchase so i couldnt tell you if they were dirty or not.

Not to derail, but what is the proper procedure when unboxing a new gun. I've always rushed to the range, thrown rounds into the magazine and fired them off downrange.

I know these aren't 1950 cosmoline embedded SKS's we're talking about, but is there a level of cleaning that needs doing? I was just going to maybe hit up some of the metal on metal with Slip 2000 and go to town.

KBK

 

[Majorlk]

Not to derail, but what is the proper procedure when unboxing a new gun. I've always rushed to the range, thrown rounds into the magazine and fired them off downrange.

I know these aren't 1950 cosmoline embedded SKS's we're talking about, but is there a level of cleaning that needs doing? I was just going to maybe hit up some of the metal on metal with Slip 2000 and go to town.

KBK

There are two schools of thought ...

(1) Do nothing; just head to the range and shoot it.

(2) Clean the firearm and properly lube it, then go to the range.

For firearms manufactured in the US, either one will probably do.

For anything imported, the second is almost mandatory, due to the heavy protection lube use to inhibit corrosion and/or rusting during shipment - especially if it comes by sea.

Personally, I clean and lube any new firearm before heading to the range.

FWIW, do NOT assume the dealer does any kind of inspection and/or cleaning on any firearm, domestic or imported.

Oops, I forgot where you live. In your circumstances I would clean and re-lube before shooting as virtually everything you have is imported.

 

[ravridge]

Cleaned mine before going to the range the first time and it was clean as a whistle.