Is it REALLy new?

[swbrian]

Went to an LGS. Let me say that this is NOT a full service store. They are NEW to have an FFL at this location, and it is primarily a tactical store.

Brought home a 'new' FS/mid barrel (4") MP 45. First even after they told me it would have 3 mags (LE sale), it only had 2. I know this is normal, but they had said 3. But... "all sales final", so I went home with it.

Then I disassembled (they don't permit any disassembly in the store), to take a look at it at home. The barrel is very dirty. Pretty dark feed ramp, and the barrel is very dirty. NO smell of powder, but the barrel is way dirty. Brass marks on the breech face bigtime. I'm guessing this gun was MORE than test fired, and has been sitting on the shelf (in one of their other stores) for years. I found out in the magazine dispute that they have new ones in the back. Test fire date is 2010 - yes, 2010.

I took it largely because I've heard NO issues with the MP 45, and this one has smooth takeup and a very crisp letoff. In some way, I don't care, as Smith warranties for life, and I'm guessing its a good gun, but it does BUG me. I will likely go show the manager early next week - I'm tied up tomorrow, and they are at a gun show.

But, do you think it is used? Ser no. XX38037

 

[RobzGuns]

Call/Email Customer Service, give 'em the serial number and they can tell you when it was made.

 

[NucPhysics]

Some pics would help to determine just how brassed up the breech face is. 2 years old on a gun that doesn't normally sit on the shelves very long does sound somewhat suspicious. Ultimately, if it is shooting fine and there is no damage anywhere, then you should be fine. I would just be more careful with this seller in the future.

A small possibility is that it was a gun that was returned to the factory for service and a replacement gun sent to original owner. This gun was possibly refurbished and then resold as new. When a gun is refurbished, the factory runs many more than 2 shots through it to determine if it is operating properly. I have heard of this being done but have no idea if S&W does it. A quick call to S&W may provide you with some answers.

Best of Luck!

 

[swbrian]

Wrote an email. I'll call when at work Monday. The latter sounds like a real possibility. Now I really cannot disassemble the darn thing, because the takedown lever won't stay down!

 

[Gunsmart]

Also look at the contact points of the slide and frame. Sometimes it it has some markings, that's indication that the firearm has been used a bit. I agree that a call to customer support would help in determining the manufacture date.
I would not do business in that store again.

 

[Bodyguard]

Was at the local Gander Mountain a while back and noticed a Glock 34 for sale. The pistol had grip decals and Dawson sights attached. By the look of the breechface it had been more than test fired. It was listed as new in the box. I asked the clerk, of course he agreed with the tag. After politely trying to explain it wasn't new I said I was going to contact BATF. Finally the BATF could actually help gun owners!!!! Saw the same gun 2 days later and the tag was changed and so was the price. Dropped it down about 100 bucks. Don't believe everything you read on the tag. Do a little research first. Saves a lot of aggravation later.

 

[GregoryJ]

Now I really cannot disassemble the darn thing, because the takedown lever won't stay down!

There are videos on Youtube that describe how to fix the takedown lever problem. Just search for "M&P takedown lever problem."

If your gun has the problem described in this video, it might be time to file a formal complaint.

 

[1sailor]

You can either hold the take down lever down with your finger or take about 30 seconds with a file to "fix" it. That's about how long it took me.

 

[Maddmax]

Wrote an email. I'll call when at work Monday. The latter sounds like a real possibility. Now I really cannot disassemble the darn thing, because the takedown lever won't stay down!

Just hold the take down lever down as you fuction the slide and it will come apart. Some of mine did that too. As for the date of manufacture. You should have a test fired case in a small envelope in the cas it came in. If not,look on the side of the case it came with. It has what kind of model,serial number and some other info. At the bottom right there should be four numbers. Like 7103,8103, 9103.... The 7, 8 or 9 stands for year made and the 103 is the day of that year. The numbers I gave you are just "numbers" out of my head to show you what your looking for. All my feed ramps were a dirty dark color. It's a protective coating from the factory. But,everything else you discribe doesn't sound right and I'd give S&W a call. If they are BS'n and misinforming people about S&W products,they need to loose their S&W dealership and not be allowed to sell the product.

 

[NUTTBALL763]

I have seen shops (especially small ones) try to pass off a used gun as new. I was asked to leave a store for calling out several guns that were clearly used but marked new. I always closely inspect every gun I buy.

 

[VaRecon]

Just because it is as good as new in some cases doesn't mean it is still new.
If I had a gun in this condition presented to me, I wouldn't turn my nose up at it but I certainly wouldn't let them try to convince me it's new.
Maybe there is a reason this store doesn't want knowledgeable buyers disassembling their guns.

 

[swbrian]

I have an email in to SW, and will call them on Monday if I get a chance.

The takedown thing is solved by pushing DOWN on the guide rod to catch the lever. But... I'll say that a Glock is much easier.

 

[swbrian]

I will start a new thread on this - it needs it.