Damaged Barrel

[potdraGGer]

I just took delivery of a new in the box M&P 9. Before firing I field stripped to clean and lube and found that the barrel was damaged. There is a crescent shaped dent on the side of the barrel.

I contacted CS and they want me to send the weapon back so they can check to see if this is a "warranty repair". How can it not be? I have shooting dates scheduled with this gun and am debating sending it in before or after those dates.

Does it look to be something that could be dangerous? OR potentially lead to a short lifespan of the barrel? I don't care about the aesthetics of the thing, I just want reliability and long life. Anyone please share your thoughts.

 

[Bkreutz]

Does it look to be something that could be dangerous? OR potentially lead to a short lifespan of the barrel? I don't care about the aesthetics of the thing, I just want reliability and long life. Anyone please share your thoughts.

That question is almost impossible to answer. It might be just cosmetic, or it may not be. No way to tell from a picture (actually no way to tell in person without checking it with a bore gauge). On a brand new, unfired gun, I'd take it back to where I bought it and exchange it (if that's possible). Don't think I would take the risk.

 

[Rastoff]

I don't think it's an issue. Do you see a protrusion inside the bore?

Here's the pic so you don't have to click on it to see it:

 

[dajogejr]

Brand new...I'd take that back in a heartbeat.

 

[Rastoff]

How does stuff like this leave the factory?

You guys have to remember the price point for the M&P. This is a mark on the barrel that most likely won't affect how it shoots. If the gun shoots OK, what's the problem?

Could you send it back? Sure, and S&W will probably replace it. But, 99% of the people who see this will just go shoot their gun.

Quality problems that affect how the gun shoots or safety are something to be concerned about, this is not.

 

[ginzo]

I have a little nick on the slide where the barrel locks up. I'm still shooting it. MY primary EDC.

 

[potdraGGer]

Minor Update

Thanks to everyone who chimed in!

I checked the barrel inside and out best I could by eye and took the gun to the range. I put a 'quick' 250 rounds through it, got the gun hot and then took it home and reinspected. Nothing changed. The gun ran perfect.

I will probably keep this routine up for the first 1000-1500 rounds and then forget about it. If anything changes, even a little, I'll send it in then.

As far as those who said I should take it back to where I bought it and exchange it. I would probably be doing that if I didn't live in Kalifornia. S&W are no longer selling M&Ps in Kali, so there are none to be found. The chain where I bought this one sold their shipment of 700 (sight unseen) in less than a week after the announcement. Gotta love the irony.