Shield slide machining marks

[TrauMedic]

I was cleaning my new Shield 9 after some range time and noticed some machining marks loaded up with brass residue. After checking it out a bit more I could feel it was gritty and catching a little bit. I compared that slide to a few other pistols I have and the others show brass but no rough machine marks.

I'm wondering if anyone has cleaned up/smoothed this area or don't bother because it doesn't effect anything? Thanks in advance.

 

[robkarrob]

That is just what they are, machining marks. Looks like the cutter (end mill) was run through fast, leaving the markings that you have. My Shield 40 is very smooth. Machined at a different time, possible different machine, and very possible by a different company. I doubt that S&W produces all their parts, and jobs them out, for the best pricing. If your bidding a job at a low price, then one way to make up for the low bid is to machine the parts faster, since they are paid by the part. I am sure S&W has an inspection system to verify parts meet their tolerances.

No matter those machining marks will not change the function of the gun. It will work the same as mine. If your going to have a cosmetic problem, then that is an area only you would be the only one to see it.

Bob

 

[SmurfHunter]

That is just what they are, machining marks. Looks like the cutter (end mill) was run through fast, leaving the markings that you have. My Shield 40 is very smooth. Machined at a different time, possible different machine, and very possible by a different company. I doubt that S&W produces all their parts, and jobs them out, for the best pricing. If your bidding a job at a low price, then one way to make up for the low bid is to machine the parts faster, since they are paid by the part. I am sure S&W has an inspection system to verify parts meet their tolerances.

No matter those machining marks will not change the function of the gun. It will work the same as mine. If your going to have a cosmetic problem, then that is an area only you would be the only one to see it.

Bob

Ill have to check my 40

 

[TrauMedic]

Yeah I figured it was just a fast pass but it still bugs me. I can feel a small amount of grit when racking the slide and was thinking about smoothing it out a bit. If I smooth that area down (taking off as little as possible) would that change any major tolerance? I wouldn't want to end up with a sloppy slide but from what I see it won't do any harm.

 

[MichiganScott]

Why is it that gun guys what to fix something that isn't broken until it is?

It does not affect the function of the gun and can't be seen from the outside. Leave it.

 

[gdnagle]

Or maybe you could send it back to S&W? Not sure they would fix a cosmetic thing.

 

[jagular]

My 9mm shield has the same markings. It hasn't impacted function with over 500 rounds so far. Stay calm and shoot on.

 

[TrauMedic]

Why is it that gun guys what to fix something that isn't broken until it is?

It does not affect the function of the gun and can't be seen from the outside. Leave it.

I understand what you are saying but disagree. I'm not fixing something that isn't broken I just want to smooth out a surface that should be smooth.

If someone with more experience can advise me against it because it will change important specs then I won't worry about it. Otherwise it's just my time and something I want to do. Thanks for the opinion but it didn't contribute much to answering my question.

 

[MichiganScott]

I'm wondering if anyone has cleaned up/smoothed this area or don't bother because it doesn't effect anything? Thanks in advance.

I did answer your question. It doesn't affect anything. Leave it.

 

[Enzo]

I had the same machine marks on 1/2 of the feed ramp to the barrel to my Shield 9. Since the GS owner was also a gunsmith he polished the feed ramp for me.
I still wonder how this left the factory in that condition.