I just bought a NIB m&p 9 and it has a dent in the barrel. FINAL UPDATE

[remat457]

So, now you have 3 barrels?

 

[Skeptic 9c]

That indent looks suspiciously like someone tested the barrel for steel hardness using a purpose designed testing machine.

Geoff
Who notes some folks who frequent machine shops are curious fellows indeed.

 

[My_Name_is_Guns]

I only have two barrels. I sent the first replacement barrel back to S&W before I received the second replacement barrel. I did not have to pay for anything though.

Concise Range Report:

I shot the gun for the first time the other day and it performed very well. It was extremely accurate and I experienced no jams or failures. The slide release was VERY tight, but a friend of mine who has an M&P as well told me that a tight slide release was normal and would loosen up after a while. I believe him since the slide release on his is nice and smooth. So final verdict, I am very happy with the gun. I would do it again.

 

[427mach1]

That indent looks suspiciously like someone tested the barrel for steel hardness using a purpose designed testing machine

The most common method used to determine the hardness of steel involves a Rockwell hardness tester. It can be used on round stock, such as a barrel, without any special preparation. That is, you wouldn't need to grind a flat spot or anything like that. The Rockwell machine leaves a very small dimple, perhaps in the tens of thousandths of an inch in diamater.

 

[jeffk49738]

Hi all! A rockwell hardness tester in Scale B or C. uses a diamond tip. It leaves a very sharp and small point indentation in the metal. Normally after the item has been machined and hardened. A Brinell hardness check uses more of a rounded (ball) point. A brinell check would be more of a check to the materials hardness before machining and hardening on a casting or forging, and the mark normally gets machined out. From my experience these look like dents that were caused by careless handling in the process. They more than likely mean nothing, and don't effect it's operation. But it's a new gun and if the customer doesn't like it, I see no reason not to get a replacement. Kudos to S&W for taking care of it as they did