Did I just get ripped off?

[GoombaLord]

I just received a "new" M&P Shield 9mm, purchased through an online auction site. Description said new in box, seller had a good rating, and the pics looked fine. Now that I have it however, it looks like its been used more than just a little. That said, this is my first S&W, so I don't know if this is just how things are with new M&Ps. My main concerns are the brass marks on the breech face and the followers in both magazines seem to be very dirty for being new. So, did I just get ripped off, or maybe just a test fire with some really cheap and dirty ammo?

Sorry for the quality of the pics.

 

[hkyplr]

I just received a "new" M&P Shield 9mm, purchased through an online auction site. Description said new in box, seller had a good rating, and the pics looked fine. Now that I have it however, it looks like its been used more than just a little. That said, this is my first S&W, so I don't know if this is just how things are with new M&Ps. My main concerns are the brass marks on the breech face and the followers in both magazines seem to be very dirty for being new. So, did I just get ripped off, or maybe just a test fire with some really cheap and dirty ammo?

Sorry for the quality of the pics.

I know that S&W fires all firearms before sending them off, some more than once if there seems to be a hiccup. The mags do look dirty, I just can't see them well enough to tell if that is packaging grease or what.

 

[M&P Freak]

A lot of people have mentioned dirty new guns lately. My guess is S&W is so busy keeping up with demand that there is little time to clean them after they test fire them. I believe you're all good. The envelope that holds the spent cartridge should have the born on date.

 

[nixpap]

I just received a "new" M&P Shield 9mm, purchased through an online auction site. Description said new in box, seller had a good rating, and the pics looked fine. Now that I have it however, it looks like its been used more than just a little. That said, this is my first S&W, so I don't know if this is just how things are with new M&Ps. My main concerns are the brass marks on the breech face and the followers in both magazines seem to be very dirty for being new. So, did I just get ripped off, or maybe just a test fire with some really cheap and dirty ammo?

Sorry for the quality of the pics.

I just shot my brand new shield i bought new at the LGS on 9/30/2012 and the followers on the mags were dirty also.saw a little brass streak when i removed the slide.must have been from the test fire.so i ran 100 rounds of El cheapo blazer bronze 115 & 124 gr ammo and not one problem whatsoever.Nada.real nice piece and accurate too.

 

[GoombaLord]

Many thanks, you've helped ease my worries.

 

[Sammler66]

I received my new Shield about a week ago and followers and breech face looked the same as yours.

 

[Maximumbob54]

My used 40c looked cleaner than the brand new 9c!!!

You bought a great new gun!!! No worries!!!

 

[rmwill]

My 9 looked the same, but was dripping with oil. The two mags I bought off ebay had the same marks also. I guess they test the mags also.

 

[dwp10mm]

My 9 looked the same, but was dripping with oil. The two mags I bought off ebay had the same marks also. I guess they test the mags also.

Dripping was an understatement. I think BP lost less oil in the Gulf of Mexico. I was going to ask the original poster if his was dripping too. Both that I bought a few weeks back looked the same as pictured. It is new in my opinion.

 

[kodiakpb]

None of my mags looked like that. My followers were spotless.

 

[158Grain]

I agree with the others that your gun is new. My 40 Shield looked about the same. Both of my mags were also dirty. I probably could have checked to see if my truck was a quart low with as much oil that was on/in mine. You have picked a great gun. I honestly haven't found one thing I don't like about mine.

 

[Shielded]

My 9mm Shield looked about the same when new back in April. Not dripping with oil though. I'd say it's new.

 

[Maximumbob54]

The one odd thing that I just remembered is that the followers have what looks like Sharpie marker down the top length. But it wipes right off on your finger. I cleaned it off but I have no idea what that was all about.

 

[gnystrom]

I think you are fine. My gun and mags looked exactly the same way and it came from the factory that way. Shoot it and have fun.

 

[GaryS]

They test fire them before they leave the factory, but I don't think they clean them. That's why the first thing I do when I buy a gun, new or used, is field strip, clean, lubricate, and reassemble it.

Any firearm that I plan to carry for SD use gets wrung out at the range after that and then cleaned again.

It's the same thing I advise my friends who are new to guns to do.

 

[fooman]

The one odd thing that I just remembered is that the followers have what looks like Sharpie marker down the top length. But it wipes right off on your finger. I cleaned it off but I have no idea what that was all about.

Same with my new 9 that I picked up yesterday

 

[team sidewinder]

Who knows it might be just to make the 9MM caliber stand out better for inspection and to make sure the right mag goes with the right gun.

 

[Hohopelli]

Me too.. Mine looked just looked yours. The date on the fired cartridge bag was about three weeks from purchase.. Ron

 

[dcmdon]

I bought a Les Baer about 3 years ago. They must run 100 rounds of Win 231 fueled ammo through them, it was filthy. Then they drench it in oil and seal it in a plastic bag. Nifty.

 

[NucPhysics]

Not only do they test the gun but I believe they test them with an over-powered round to ensure the integrity of the barrel. That could add to the dirt and the "excessive" brass marks - just a thought.