Shield Feed Ramp Problem

That finish didn't "wear off" like that..I suspect an overly agressive Dremel polishing job. I don't blame S&W for not just sending a barrel. The barrel isn't a cheap part and they don't want to be sending barrels to everyone that asks for one.. Something tells me that this will not be a warrantee repair.
 
That looks like a typical, contemporary Smith & Wesson Holding Company hack job to me. I'm beginning to long for the old Bangor Punta days.
 
by presspics
That finish didn't "wear off" like that..I suspect an overly agressive Dremel polishing job. I don't blame S&W for not just sending a barrel. The barrel isn't a cheap part and they don't want to be sending barrels to everyone that asks for one.. Something tells me that this will not be a warrantee repair.
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And you don't know what the heck you're talking about with respect to origin of the machine marks. That is the way that mine came from the factory, unless shooting factory ammo has something to do with it- which I indeed doubt.

And learn how to spell, please.
 
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I know machining marks and while there are some visible it is also clear that the feed ramp didn't have it's finish worn off like that. That is very clear overly aggressive Dremel work. Also, I used the spelling of the word warrantee that I intended to use. Learn English..
 
So, how is it the OP and I have identical divot appx 2/3 up the left edge of the ramp!?! Others may have commented, also.

My feed ramp's finish is not worn off.

Learn how to spell.
 
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One has to wonder why a tool has to be absolutely perfect. Does anyone check a shovel for tool marks?

Jim
 
That was the point/question that I raised in my initial post #12, above, James K.

by jtmckinney: I haven't modified the gun in any way. So far it has been 100% reliable with factory ammo and a few of my reloads I have tried. My wifes firearm does not have the divot in the upper left feed ramp shown in the OP's picture.
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Also, jtmckinney- I am not wishing to make you wrong or insult you by the next comment- but so far as S&W may be concerned, they would likely consider your firearm 'modified'. I think that you can guess that to which I refer and you should be aware of it. It's a minor point but I wouldn't go volunteering such a thing should you at some later date need to submit the firearm for warranty repair.

Why is it that so much 'work' need be done to quote someone here?
 
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There's is no problem here other than the one being created out of thin air.
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That's what I've gathered as well.

If the pistol is functioning properly, polishing the feed ramp on a new pistol is a waste of time at best, and detrimental at worst.
 
by Evil Monkey:

There's is no problem here other than the one being created out of thin air.
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That is the reason I joined this thread in the first place- to try to ascertain if the above statement is true and accurate.

Unfortunately, Evil Monkey, you don't say anything more in support of that statement, though I tend to agree with it.
 
Not sure if some of these more recent comments are addressed towards me or brentfoto. What I can say is that on my particular gun it has never been touched by a dremel let alone a rag and polishing compound.

In regards to this comment

One has to wonder why a tool has to be absolutely perfect. Does anyone check a shovel for tool marks?
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This is my carry gun, I don't depend on a shovel to save my life. Tool marks from the machining process are one thing, actual divots in the feed ramp are a whole other story. Also I consider the feed ramp one of the most integral parts of the gun for reliable feeding, not something I want to take chances on. I have owned over a dozen handguns, and have never seen a feed ramp look like mine before. My hard earned money went into this gun, I should not have to settle on a feed ramp with divots in it, it's clearly not the norm.
 
That I'm sure is a dremel polish. Who did it is a question . Perhaps S&W did it to correct a problem .If you want to polish for sure feeding a 400 grit polish is all that's necessary !!! For a feed ramp polishing should be parallel to the bore axis !! A dowel , 400 grit paper ,by hand is the proper way.
If you've never had a feeding problem , leave it alone.
BTW an M&P Compact is very close to the Shield in size , try both !
 
Dragline, I don't think anything was pointed at you. I was only trying to tell you that my wife’s Shield also had the two indentations at the lower part of the feed ramp and were probably engineered and built into the barrel. I am no expert on manufacturing of pistol barrels but I am thinking they require a separate step in the CNC operation and these steps are very well thought out.

I agree with you that the other indentation on the feed ramp is probably a defect. S&W has already agreed to service the pistol. Whether or not you choose to do so is your choice, I have other pistols so I know what I would do but that is me. S&W probably wants to service the firearm themselves because if the barrel is not to their standards they want it off the streets.

My only comment about me admitting using reloads and voiding the warrantee:D is; If I couldn't use reloads in the gun it would still either be in the LGS display or in someone elses posession. I made sure the gun functioned as expected with 100 rounds of factory ammo and after a through cleaning and inspection I decided to shoot my reloads. It may very well never see another factory loaded cartridge.
 
For ME, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I abide by the rule for the most part for fear that if I return something it may come back with some issues that DID NOT EXIST previously in an otherwise perfectly operating firearm.

As I stated, I have purposefully not put a dremel to mine. I spent approximately 15 minutes with a Q-tip and some Mother's Mag Polish, I like a ramp that looks shiny and polished. Sue me.

What ever happened to your firearm, OP? Did they replace the barrel or not?

FWIW, I am through with this thread. Yay!

I have no intention of returning my barrel or firearm as I have stated. Thus far, I am very happy with my new Shield and can find no reason to seek a repair or replacement.

One doesn't know how one might feel about something unless they are truly in the other person's shoes. So, I do not intend by my comments to 'judge' on the propriety of OP's decision. I joined the thread due to my own curiosity with respect to my firearm and its intended use.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the thread.
 
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brentfoto, there are 2 ways to spell warranty, warrantee. They have different meanings.
 
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So I sent this picture to S&W asking if they could send me a new barrel since the feed ramp on mine is not up to par and has several divots. They said they cannot send me a new barrel since it's a fitted part, I call BS, I can buy conversion and match barrels that drop right in, these pistols are not 1911's. So they said the firearm would have to be sent in. So far the gun has fired fine, no failure to feeds, though I only have about 200 rounds through it. I am going to try to get them to send me a barrel again, but if that's a no go should I send it in and wait the probably 4-6 weeks to get it back, or just keep it how it is? Right now this is my only carry gun and I would rather not be without one for a few weeks.
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and...

... the ramp one of the most integral parts of the gun for reliable feeding, not something I want to take chances on. I have owned over a dozen handguns, and have never seen a feed ramp look like mine before. My hard earned money went into this gun, I should not have to settle on a feed ramp with divots in it, it's clearly not the norm.
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It sounds like you spotted a potential problem with your gun. Potential I say, because you say you've but 200 rounds through it with no problems laid to the "divots". So it may not be a problem at all other than cosmetic on the other hand it could be a sub par part and why settle for that. But it's your piece, you paid for it and it's under warranty. S&W offered to make it right you say. Others have explained why they don't just mail folks barrels. Send the gun to them, they will do something to it, and return it to you.

Your also say...

...should I send it in and wait the probably 4-6 weeks to get it back, or just keep it how it is? Right now this is my only carry gun and I would rather not be without one for a few weeks.
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For certain it's not S&Ws fault, or concern, that you have only one carry gun. That mistake is all on you. The rare fella who's security depends on always having a piece with them oughta have at least two carry guns in case he drops one in a toilet, pawns it for booze, has it confiscated by a school crossing guard, or just mucks it up by polishing all the internals with a dremal to "improve" it. :)

I put that emoticon there so no one would think I'm insulting them. See it's got a smile on it.

tipoc
 
What ever happened to your firearm, OP? Did they replace the barrel or not?
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I sent it out about a week and a half ago, still waiting on it. I'll post an update once I get it back.


For certain it's not S&Ws fault, or concern, that you have only one carry gun. That mistake is all on you. The rare fella who's security depends on always having a piece with them oughta have at least two carry guns in case he drops one in a toilet, pawns it for booze, has it confiscated by a school crossing guard, or just mucks it up by polishing all the internals with a dremal to "improve" it.
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100% agree, I sold my other carry guns recently to fund my AR build. If anything this experience has taught me the lesson to always have a backup carry piece. I have been carrying my Beretta M9A1 since and it's been a hassle to say the least. Plan on picking up another pocket .380 real soon.
 
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