Is This Normal: Rust ?

[IronSkillet]

Yesterday 02/18/26, recieved my approval to take possession of my first suppressor, after arriving home and inspecting this was observed. After running a patch with CPL it didn’t cleanup and feels more surface imbedded. Is this normal?

 

[Hawg Rider]

I think that this might be a question for the suppressor manufacturer. I can't tell the make & model of your suppressor, but that "rust" (or discoloration) doesn't look normal to me and it appears to even be in the threads. It probably would not affect performance, but suppressors are expensive and you expect a new one to be in new condition. I would contact their Customer Service and send a couple of photos. Good luck!

 

[IAM Rand]

For as much as they cost I would have an issue with that. I would contact the manufacturer and complain. If not, a little 000 steel wool and WD-40.

 

[IronSkillet]

Contacted Gemtech but S&W who owns Gemtech picked up the call. Mixed bag of more frustration after speaking with Brick from CS. Will send me a shipping label, that still hasn’t arrived but I need it to drop it off at FedEx, my trouble with that is over State lines for my hub area FedEx. Another thing seems off they request you complete and sign a NFA items S&W generated document “ “ I am temporarily conveying to you the enclosed NFA firearm(s)”. This is a suppressor not a firearm no language in this document addresses “suppressors”. Customer service says the suppressor is a weapon as defined by the ATF. They also want me to include a copy of my issued suppressor license.

Have added a photo. Typical cardboard box, nylon pouch to store suppressor in. But I believe this plastic bag with seal they place the suppressor into may in fact be a direct connection to the rust inside. Ironically they toss a silica gel packet into the box, obviously doesn’t effectively work for the item placed inside a plastic bag inside the box.

 

[Glenn R. McMannly]

For a glorified steel pipe, that costs that much; I’d sure be upset.

 

[desmodue]

For a glorified steel pipe, that costs that much; I’d sure be upset.

A suppressor is nothing more than a glorified lawn mower muffler. If not for the Federal Government a suppressor would cost less than $50.

 

[dben002]

looks like you got one that was stored long time outside in a crate with no top.
I would be contacting my CC company for a refund.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I don't believe it's normal nor would I be satisfied to recieve it in that condition.

Good luck with customer service and hopefully they will make things right.

 

[wood714]

Contacted Gemtech but S&W who owns Gemtech picked up the call. Mixed bag of more frustration after speaking with Brick from CS. Will send me a shipping label, that still hasn’t arrived but I need it to drop it off at FedEx, my trouble with that is over State lines for my hub area FedEx. Another thing seems off they request you complete and sign a NFA items S&W generated document “ “ I am temporarily conveying to you the enclosed NFA firearm(s)”. This is a suppressor not a firearm no language in this document addresses “suppressors”. Customer service says the suppressor is a weapon as defined by the ATF. They also want me to include a copy of my issued suppressor license.

I hope they mean a copy of your form 4, I've never heard of a suppressor license.

Your suppressor looks like it's sat outside in a rain or snow for a coupe weeks. I'm in Florida where everyone claims is most humid. I've had a 10" section of a 10/22 barrel, and 24" piece of a old Remington shotgun barrel laying on a shelf in my garage. Not a speck of rust on either of them. The 10/22 barrel has been out there for years.

 

[Dangerman]

looks like light pitting to me if you have already tried CLP on it. Get it wet with clp and let it sit on it... then maybe some fine steel wool. Sure looks like light pitting is occurring though. Unacceptable. Almost makes me wonder if it was a demo and they cleaned it before sending.

 

[Friendofbillw1]

I guess that little desiccant bag was worthless. It could have picked up that moisture in the shipping process they go on airplanes that are not temp controlled in the cargo hold (I don't think) have you ever seen what happens to a fire arm when it goes from freezing to warm? It fogs up and sucks up moisture. I am with the other guys, No it's not normal and No I would not accept it. They should pack them better for what they are charging. I hope you remedy your issue I know I would be frustrated.

Daniel

 

[Miltfarrow]

New York State's Democrat legislators and Gov. Hochul have saved me from such mishaps. WHAT??

 

[Jim Kuykendall]

What are the chances that it will look the same after two boxes of shells?

 

[IronSkillet]

With some of the good advice in this thread went ahead and used some 4x ought wool and WD-40 chain oil. With the exception of the shoulder it cleaned up better than anticipated. The shoulder rust gives the feeling of being deeper or more imbedded will give it a third cleaning and recheck for improvement. (could the suppressor been vertically stored allowing moisture to concentrate in this area) The rust in the threading hasn’t changed, have a small brass rotary wheel ordered and will take a slow steady approach.
I used the word “license”, for describing paperwork associated with the suppressor, it was mentioned that is not correct. After reviewing my Form4 is it acceptable to refer to as a “permit”, moving forward. The word permit is mentioned several times on the approval status change notification?

 

[Yendor 1]

Internet psst with photos,
Phone calls,
Customer service,
Legal forms,
Print label,
Take to FedEx,
Without your suppressor for weeks,

It’s just a little surface rust on the INSIDE of a Suppressor.
It’s an imperfect world. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did.
Let it go.
That rust will probably blast off the first few times you shoot the gun on which it’s mounted.

 

[Breakaway500]

If not for Hollywood and hysteria we could all enjoy supressors..just like we do on all our cars..trucks...most motorcycles etc etc.

 

[wterrell]

Is this a titanium suppressor? If not, seems a ferrous metal would add weight to the muzzle of the barrel. Also, many shooters run their suppressors with water to dampen the first shots if they are not going to run a box of bullets at each shooting. Water will definitely rust a ferrous metal can. Titanium, not so much.

 

[kev74]

New York State's Democrat legislators and Gov. Hochul have saved me from such mishaps. WHAT??

#metoo

Whoever you bought the suppressor from should be the first line of contact. They took your money and gave you a damaged product. If they won't help, dispute the charge on your credit card.