What is this??

[Shooting Padre]

what is this little symbol next to the serial number on my new Shield? Looks like a miniature QD code.

 

[AR-Getsome]

You just answered your own question.

 

[photoman]

QR code. Have no clue what it says.

 

[Shooting Padre]

Next, why is it there?? Who is spying.

 

[AR-Getsome]

It's most likely used in the factory during the assembly process. Parts we use at my shop to build race cars have them. Some vendors use stickers some etch in the part.

 

[photoman]

It's actually a NSA satellite transmitter... You should send the gun to me and I will safely store it in my lead lined bunker.

 

[ScrapmasterFlex]

LOL I noticed that too but i just didn't care much.

If it really is some sort o secret surveillance device, *** are we gonna do about it , anyway.

Otherwise, it's just nutthin I care about. I love my Shield , it's my every day carry dedicated piece. Even if Glock comes out with a single stack 9, ,I wouldn't give up my Shield.

 

[Randyp1234]

My guess is that they use it to read the serial number as part of some automated manufacturing process or inventory control.

 

[S&W Rover]

Yes, it is a 'data matrix code' reflecting the serial number and presumably the Unique Identification (UID) for that pistol. I think the data matrix codes system being used is called ECC200. It is essentially a two-dimensional bar code. These are required on all sensitive or high-cost items sold to DoD since 2005. It is on there to help DoD (and presumably other volume users, like police departments) use automated devices to keep track of sensitive or serial numbered items, as well as to presumably distinguish items that are NOT theirs. If you are S&W, and you sell to the government, you want to have it on your pistols.

 

[Rastoff]

It is essentially a two-dimensional bar code.

Yeah, because those one dimensional bar codes are a bugger to read.

 

[Venefikus]

It actually monitors how many rounds you put through your pistol so that when zombie hitler comes back he knows who to go after first.

 

[S&W Rover]

Yeah, because those one dimensional bar codes are a bugger to read.

I guess the biggest benefit over 'old fashioned' bar codes is that the data matrix code box is a little smaller.

I would think a police department and even the military would also want RFIDs built into high-cost/sensitive items... helps keep track of when they leave the building... which can always be matched to the video...

 

[Shooting Padre]

It's actually a NSA satellite transmitter... You should send the gun to me and I will safely store it in my lead lined bunker.

Wow, I knew there were threats out there but you guys are the greatest for letting me in on these. Maybe we should do a sticky thread on this. It's hard for us older guys to keep up sometimes, that's why I'm on the forums a lot. Oh, what I have learned here.
I think I'll take Photman44 up on his offer and avoid any trouble. Thanks again guys from the bottom of my heart, if you can't trust you guys, who can you trust? I bet you heard this on the internet, huh.

 

[PastureOfMuppets]

Yep. Dot Matrix code. Probably reflects the serial number...

So blurring your serial may not have done what you thought it would

 

[E.Coors]

That code is used during assembly to track parts installed based to the serial number of the gun. This makes it easy for the manufacturer to track recalls or parts affected for quality control issues. The code is tracked for every part installed during the build.

 

[Shooting Padre]

Seriously, thanks for the info everyone. It's the first firearm I've seen it on.

 

[photoman]

I recently bought my first Shield and noticed the mark. The only other gun I know of with one is the Mk25 SIG P226.

 

[Rastoff]

One thing to remember, it's illegal to obliterate or alter any identifying mark on the gun. So, while I understand that some might not like this symbol, it would be illegal to remove it.