Serious Locking Block Problem

[McQz]

I purchased a new M&M9 on October 15, 2016. (This was an emergency purchase because my duty gun had a broken ejector and had to go back to the factory for repair AND it was time to re-qualify.)
Everything was going smoothly, even though I was becoming familiar with the new pistol I was able to consistently 240-245/250 and qualified. However. . .
AFter about 500 rounds I noticed a shiny spot in the middle of the locking block. It was a build-up of metal that the sheriff's armored determined would eventually interfere with lock-up. The barrel was picking up material from the bottom of the locking block and depositing it on the locking face. I completed the course of fire and took it back to the dealer. Their gunsmith was stymied. They were going to swap it out with one from another new gun only to discover that it showed signs of the same issue after the test fires.
I sent it back to S&W in mid-November and still have not heard back, much less received the repaired pistol. I am on administrative duty until it is returned! If I have to get another pistol, I will have to re-qualify and will be on hold until another session is scheduled.
I see that others have had locking block issues, but this seems to be a new twist. I will include a picture.

 

[MichiganScott]

Normal. Your armorer needs take a S&W armorer course.

 

[kcbet2]

Looks just like mine and I've had it for years with no issues

 

[PSC617]

Admin duty due to lack of firearm? Mayberry RFD?


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[Rastoff]

Looks OK to me, but I may be missing something. Do you have a closer pic or different angle?

Admin duty due to lack of firearm?

I had the same question.

What organization do you work for McQz? I've never heard of an LE organization doing that. I've known of some that require individuals to get their own firearms. But to put you on the bench because of a gun that "might malfunction at some time down the road" is ridiculous. That could be said of any gun.

 

[McQz]

The problem isn't "a gun that might malfunction" but rather the gun I qualified with that is now in Massachusetts being evaluated by S&W for what they identified as a serious problem. The barrel is literally stripping metal from the bottom of the locking block and depositing it on the center of the face. Over the course of 500 rounds it was the depth of a drop of solder and the smooth bottom edge was chewed up. None of the older M&Ps show this wear pattern.

 

[McQz]

My wife and I are members of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Posse. We provide our own equipment and there are no "loaners." In order to carry another weapon, I would have to wait until the next qualification module as well as provide another pistol at my own expense.

 

[Heyman]

Um, I don't know what the heck the others are looking at, but that does NOT look normal to me. Sure, there will be some minor wear there, but yours looks like a chunk of metal was taken off of it.

 

[NCW Ray]

Looks like casting marks left from the manufacturing process. All of my M&P have them to some degree.

 

[Muss Muggins]

My wife and I are members of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Posse. We provide our own equipment and there are no "loaners." In order to carry another weapon, I would have to wait until the next qualification module as well as provide another pistol at my own expense.

So when does the first pistol, with the broken ejector, come back?

PS: This is a volunteer gig, right?

 

[McQz]

Those aren't casting marks. A new locking block has a straight flat bottom edge and the flat rear-facing face is smooth and black. I first noticed the shiny spot in the middle and assumed the dark on the sides was carbon, but when I approached it with a pick - lo and behold the raised part was silver. Over time the bottom edge became more ragged and the raised shiny spot got larger.

The Springfield Armory 1911 has been returned with a brand new ejector. With its 5.5# trigger it JUST qualifies for carry, however I haven't qualified with it and there are no qualifying sessions scheduled this month. (It is more challenging to hit the times with a 10 RD mag than a 17, but OTOH, I am more accustomed and accurate with the SA.)

As to the last question, Yes. The MCSO Posse is all voluntary, so at least it isn't costing me any money - other than the wasted cost of equipment and training while I sit idle.