Polymer frame flaking

[bmmac]

I've searched through the forum, and I haven't found anything really matching what I'm experiencing, but I probably just missed it. Anyway, fairly new to shooting, but after two range sessions (300 rounds total) my shield's polymer appears to be chipping/flaking. I have put an e-ticket in with Smith&Wesson, but I wanted to see if anyone here had any experience with this, or if I am just over-reacting to something normal. I've circled the spots of concern in the photos.

 

[Bob O]

Not normal.

 

[bmmac]

Any ideas on what could be causing this?

 

[Prasko]

Few questions.

1. Are there any protrustions on the bottom of the slide? Metal burr/raised portion etc...?

2.) What kind of solvent/solvents are you using the clean the gun? Have you ever cleaned it?

3.)Are you positive those marks weren't there before and you just didn't notice them?

4.) Are pieces actually flaking off? Or is it just a wear mark?

Either way, with any of the answers to those questions, CALL s&w tuesday and talk to someone. Don't email, it'll take forever.

 

[bmmac]

1) No protrusions on the bottom of slide
2) The only thing I've used to clean it is CLP.
3) I'm not 100% positive the marks weren't there, but when I got home from the range and went to wash my hands, I noticed small black flakes on my forearms, which seemed odd to me, until I went to clean my gun and I saw the marks.
4) So, I assumed that the black specs on my arms were from the gun, but maybe they were from something else.

I will call s&w on Tuesday. Thank you.

 

[Prasko]

If you rub the marks with your finger, does more come off?

 

[McE]

Black flakes on your arms is likely just gun shot residue/ejecta/powder/etc. I get the same when shooting all metal guns.

I can't really tell from your pictures what you mean by flaking polymer. Polymer doesn't flake, it will have bits of flashing just from the process of molding but gouging damage doesn't really flake off chunks of the surface.

 

[jstanfield103]

Definitely not normal. Call S&W

 

[Stratajema]

The front of the polymer frame flexes during firing. It is possible that the frame of your gun is flexing excessively and hitting the slide at the point where the slide is nearly fully retracted (especially during the last round when the slide locks in place). Or the front slide rail might be placed too deep into the polymer frame bringing the slide closer to the frame during the flexing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fr5ccyriJI



.

 

[bmmac]

Just an update to close out this thread. Smith and Wesson say that the marks look like they are from the injection molding process, and it's safe to use. I just don't think the marks were there when I bought it, but we'll see if it gets any worse I guess

 

[sschrick]

if that is there claim, then they are what is called "sink marks". and, yes, you can get those in injection molded plastics that are not processed properly. should not be a problem, more cosmetic in that area I would think.
As a side note, I checked my shield in these areas and don't have those indentions.

 

[bmmac]

So I thought this was over with, but a different customer service representative has reviewed my photos, and he now wants me to send it in. He was most concerned with picture number 2.

 

[Stratajema]

After downloading and then zooming in on picture number 2, the polymer does look very unusual.