M&P 45 frame not straight Update from S&W (pics with straight edge added)

[M&P Freak]

It's hard to see, but you are 100% correct.

 

[rxer311]

It's hard to see, but you are 100% correct.

What am I missing?

 

[Jyezahn]

What am I missing?

Basically, it just shows that the polymer is straight, and the rails are straight, they're just not absolutely parallel to each other. This is what causes his "drooping" front end illusion.

 

[M&P Freak]

Basically, it just shows that the polymer is straight, and the rails are straight, they're just not absolutely parallel to each other. This is what causes his "drooping" front end illusion.

Yup. And just in case anyone is curious, the gun was test-fired at the factory on 04/27/2012.

 

[rxer311]

So basically his is an illusion based on the fact that the frame and rails are not paralell, while my frame actually is not straight. Interesting.

 

[Jyezahn]

Yup. I'd say that's a fair assessment.

 

[had2]

I had the same issue with my 45. While it has always operated flawlessly, the droop was even more exaggerated than in the pictures posted in this string. S&W replaced my frame, which still has a very slight droop, but much improved over the first. Since the frame was replaced, I got a new serial number and had to re-register the gun. Strange that this does not seem to be an issue with any of the other caliber guns.

 

[rxer311]

I had the same issue with my 45. While it has always operated flawlessly, the droop was even more exaggerated than in the pictures posted in this string. S&W replaced my frame, which still has a very slight droop, but much improved over the first. Since the frame was replaced, I got a new serial number and had to re-register the gun. Strange that this does not seem to be an issue with any of the other caliber guns.

Glad we don't have a registry in PA.

 

[Rastoff]

The thing about this is that it doesn't matter. The slide only touches the frame at the four "rail" points. The "dust shield" has absolutely nothing to do with the operation of the gun. It only covers the return spring.

Also, while laying your straight edge on the gun, was it touching the whole of the frame or just part? My M&P 45 seems straight, but I can make it look bad depending on how I use the straight edge.

I may post some pics later.

 

[3hounds]

Glad we don't have a registry in PA.

Handgun Registry in PA

 

[rxer311]

Handgun Registry in PA

We have a sales database and not a registry. The database was never meant to be a registry and it is not legal for law enforcement in this state to use it as one. For instance if you bought the gun in another state or if it was purchased before the sales database went into effect, it will not show up. So basically, yeah, what the link says. But, I do not have to "register" it if S&W would send me a new frame with a different number.

 

[Jyezahn]

The thing about this is that it doesn't matter. The slide only touches the frame at the four "rail" points. The "dust shield" has absolutely nothing to do with the operation of the gun. It only covers the return spring.

It does matter if you plan to put a laser on your rail. Significant "droop" can result in not being able to zero your laser, and of course you'd want to get that remedied. But yes, other than that, it's pretty much cosmetic. (Though aesthetics is important as well) Would you accept a new car with the same kind of panel misalignment issue and blow it off since it runs fine?

 

[Rastoff]

You're right Jyezahn. I guess it could affect a laser, but I'll bet it could be adjusted in.

You're also right about the "fit and finish" issue. I'm not suggesting that it not be repaired or that the owner shouldn't pursue some satisfaction. I was just commenting on how it doesn't affect the operation of the gun itself.