Is there a problem with my Shield 9mm feed ramp?

[ifilef]

See this thread for reference:
Shield Feed Ramp Problem - The Firing Line Forums


This is the first that I have heard of this issue, BUT mine has it as well.

(Probably wouldn't have noticed it had I not polished my feed ramp with a Q-tip and Mother's Mag Polish).

My photos are below: Look on ramp's left side, where the indentation extends from the base all the way up to top left side of ramp. There's a discernible, very short horizontal machine mark 2/3 the way up on left side of ramp. Follow the red line which points to it. OP in the linked thread has described it as a 'divot' and I say that mine is identical in size and location up the ramp to his 'divot'.. I also have some very minor machine marks down by the base of the ramp. Not really sure if 'divot' is correct word because not certain those marks are above the surface.

But what is the big deal, really? Seriously, what danger, if any, might this pose?

Gun operates great (only after 135 rounds in two range trips) but do you think the 'divot' would affect accuracy, feeding reliability, or pose a danger? Does it matter?

Do you think it will result in premature damage to the feed ramp/barrel?

I don't think the 'divot' was designed into it and don't know whether to try to dremel or sand it out but I am just going to leave things alone for now. Have read too many nightmare stories where people who DIY get the gun messed up. Also, I don't want to compromise the warranty on my firearm.

'If it ain't broke..'

Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I will chime in.

Would also ask that 9mm Shield owners closely inspect their clean feed ramps on the left side to see if they have that horizontal indent or divot as well- and mention what they observed here. That would be much appreciated.

The following are 'grab' shots only- click on a given photo for expanded view and keep clicking on it, or don't click on photo and just do "CTRL +" from the get-go:

[kcstott]

135 rounds thats not wear from use that the way it came from the factory.

it's a lower end S&W so finish is not going to be perfect.

and if the weapon functions fine why worry.

I think the guy in the last thread is a little anal retentive if I was S&W I'd tell the guy to go pound sand. unless the weapon is malfunctioning there is no cause for a new barrel. It's jerks like this that drive up the cost of all guns.

"I bought a $450 pistol and i don't like the fit and finish!!!" F&$k me really???

I wouldn't even worry about the on my HK or my Kimber. again unless the weapon is malfunctioning don't sweat it.

[ifilef]

135 rounds thats not wear from use that the way it came from the factory.

it's a lower end S&W so finish is not going to be perfect.

and if the weapon functions fine why worry.

I think the guy in the last thread is a little anal retentive if I was S&W I'd tell the guy to go pound sand. unless the weapon is malfunctioning there is no cause for a new barrel. It's jerks like this that drive up the cost of all guns.

"I bought a $450 pistol and i don't like the fit and finish!!!" F&$k me really???

I wouldn't even worry about the on my HK or my Kimber. again unless the weapon is malfunctioning don't sweat it.

Yeah, I agree with everything that you've said, but was wondering if it were anything other than cosmetics to be concerned about. I'm really curious how many other Shield owners out there have similar machine marks, and whether they matter, or not.

Thanks for your comments. And, yes, I think his decision to send back to S&W without malfunctions was precipitate.

[bigcalidave]

$450? that's a $350 gun really. The feed ramp does look like hell, but if it works 100%, then it works.

[ifilef]

$450? that's a $350 gun really. The feed ramp does look like hell, but if it works 100%, then it works.

There was only one failure and I wasn't shooting the gun at the time. It was a failure to extract one Tula range casing. It was non-lacquered Berdan-primed steel case. The spent casing was stuck in the breech. It stuck in the breech chamber and I think the shooter limp-wristed it. I have one box left of it out of three, no other malfunctions with it, so 99 out of 100 Tula no problem. Will spring for Brass Max or WWB and going to rule out the Tula for that reason- but I actually like shooting the Tula and find it accurate, and cheaper. It's most likely better overall to only shoot brass-cased, nickel or aluminum, but thought I'd give Tula a try- never had sampled it before.

(For defense, it will be HST 124gr.)

[kcstott]

$450? that's a $350 gun really. The feed ramp does look like hell, but if it works 100%, then it works.

I just pulled MSRP so if they go for $350 with a little shopping i'd say someone doesn't have a damn thing to complain about.

OP cosmetic or not if it shoots its fine it's in a not critical area as far as safety goes. From googling S&W shiel feed ramp and looking at the images that pop up it looks like nothing more then production machining marks.

Now there is a separate issue and that is the unsupported area of brass where the feed ramp hit the chamber. that has been known to cause a case bulge

Never shot Tula pistol ammo but the 7.62X39 works great and would use again.

[ifilef]

I just pulled MSRP so if they go for $350 with a little shopping i'd say someone doesn't have a damn thing to complain about.

OP cosmetic or not if it shoots its fine it's in a not critical area as far as safety goes. From googling S&W shiel feed ramp and looking at the images that pop up it looks like nothing more then production machining marks.

Now there is a separate issue and that is the unsupported area of brass where the feed ramp hit the chamber. that has been known to cause a case bulge

Never shot Tula pistol ammo but the 7.62X39 works great and would use again.

MSRP CA Shield- $469.00. Best price down here would be about $419.98. That's about what I paid, plus tax & DROS. Occasionally, it can be purchased on special sale for $399.99, but that is infrequent.

Thank you for the other comments.

[bigcalidave]

http://www.kygunco.com/smith-and-wesson-mp9-shield-9mm-31-8rd-black-59482

$350

[ifilef]

We digress a bit...

http://www.kygunco.com/smith-and-wes...rd-black-59482
$350

Great price if you live in KY. I live in CA, and with FFL transfer fees, SSE charges, shipping costs (if applicable), tax, DROS, etc. it is CHEAPER to just buy the CA Compliant Shield here.

[ifilef]

Comment on another forum...

'If it ain't broke...fix it 'til it is!'

Clever.

[bigcalidave]

Ok, all the things you said are not part of the "its a $350 gun" issue.

[ifilef]

Subject matter of thread- " Is there a problem with my Shield 9mm feed ramp?"

Let's just let that rest. This thread isn't about expectations with a gun at a certain price point. It's about whether there's some justification for a concern over the condition of one's feed ramp.

[kcstott]

Let's just let that rest. This thread isn't about expectations with a gun at a certain price point. It's about whether there's some justification for a concern over the condition of one's feed ramp.

And you were told what again???

[Fizz]

My CA shield has 3 divots, about where the OP picture is and maybe about 1/9th the way up the ramp on the left and right sides. Mine has about 500 rounds though it without issue.

Cartridges are round. Take some snap caps and watch it feed from the mag. Brass and projectile just don't touch those areas. I suppose if something were to feed way off center the rim of the brass could ostensibly get hung up there, but if that occurs it's probably already in the process of malfunctioning.

The melonite finish definitely isn't as thick on the ramp as it is everywhere else. They probably do some post-coating work on the ramp. The chamber immediately after the ramp looks like it gets some minor cutting after being coated as well.

Won't bother me until it stops going bang. It's a cheap compact pistol.

Now, if this were my EMP on the other hand...

[John Browning]

If the feed ramp feeds, you have nothing to worry about. Do you have FTF issues? If not, leave it be.