M&P R8 shroud discoloration issue

[Targetfan]

I bought a M&P R8 last May and I observed a progressive discoloration of the barrel shroud; the black color was turning progressively to dark gray with light gray spots close to the frame.
The shroud seems to be the same material than the frame (scandium alloy) but with a different finish.
Do anybody else had the same problem?

 

[Macinaw]

As you can see from this photo that the barrel shroud and the frame aren't the same color.

 

[cjo]

Targetfan, like Macinaw's, it's the same with mine too.. The shroud is made of steel.. the frame is scandium. I suppose the bluing process and the color outcome would differ too..

 

[MichiganScott]

Targetfan, like Macinaw's, it's the same with mine too.. The shroud is made of steel.. the frame is scandium. I suppose the bluing process and the color outcome would differ too..

Different materials color differently. Even two steels with different carbon content will not be the exact same color if placed in the same bluing solution.

Spotting is different. Try wiping the gun down with a solvent and finish off with an oily rag and see if the color normalizes. If you still have spotting, contact Smith.

 

[Targetfan]

@ Macinaw

Thanks for your comments.

I had a hard time to take photo that show variations in black color when the surface is glossy. Finally I have these two photos.

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(I am not familiar with the photo insertion)

Does the discoloration is similar or worse than with yours.
My concern is that the color change is becoming worse from week to week.

 

[Targetfan]

@MichiganScott

Oiling the surface does not change the color; the finish of the shroud is is very glossy.
The discoloration was gradual in the past three months and does not seems to stabilize.
I observe light gray spots close to the frame. See photos on my previous post.

I own a SIG P226 two-tone (black-nitrite frame and stainless slide) and I like it's look. But for the M&P R8, I was not thinking that I was buying a two-tone gun.

I will contact S&W service.

Thanks for your comments.

 

[Macinaw]

It looks as if Targetfan's gun is a "pinto gun" whether he wanted it or not!


If it bothers you; send it back. I use mine for Steel Challenge competition and I really don't care what it looks like as long as it runs well.

 

[cjo]

Hey targetfan, would you mind telling us what type of cleaning solution you are using for the R8?

I emailed to S&W a few months back about scandium frame cleaning and was surprised to know that Hopps 9 or ammonia based solutions are not advisable for scandium...

I know your particular problem does not pertain to scandium but maybe it is something to keep in mind for myself and my gun...

 

[Macinaw]

I clean my M&P 327 with brake fluid cleaner. I remove the grips and spray down the inside and outside to get the carbon and powder residue off. Then I spray it with Rem Oil inside and outside till it runs out. Then a bore snake. I've been doing this after every competition for about two years.

 

[Targetfan]

I have used only Break-Free CLP oil, for cleaning on this gun. I used this oil for the last five years on my other guns without any problem.

I use to clean my guns after each visit to the range.

 

[Targetfan]

@Macinaw
I use the Break-Free CLP oil to clean the powder residue in all my guns.

Back from the range, I apply a few drops of CLP in the barrel and spread it with a nylon bristle brush. I do the same in the areas where there is gun powder residue with a tooth brush.
After a day or two, I rub again with nylon bristle brush and clean the oil with patches. I rarely have to use brass bristle brushes or solvents.
I found it convenient;I do not have to remove the grip, It is quick, not messy and have no odors.