M&P chipped locking block

[iakdrago]

I came home from the range to clean my new backup m&p9 full size. The one that i carry every day has given me zero issue--100% reliable with 2000+ rounds through it, and no dreaded "barrel unlocking" issues. After purchasing this backup gun, i went to the range and fired 250 rounds of various ammo ranging from UMC, WWB, Remington golden sabre 147grain. Accuracy was great at all ranges 5-25 yards. When i went to clean the gun, i discovered a a chip in my locking block:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70217458@N04/6377824523/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70217458@N04/6377824581/

Now, my go to m&p9 has a slight "dimple" in the same area and according to my research that is "OK" as it is a byproduct of the injection molding process.
However i think as the photos indicate, this is something more.

Any input would be appreciated.

In case the pictures don't come through, here are the links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70217458@N04/6377824523/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/70217458@N04/6377824581/

[TheRoland]

I ran into this on another forum, and S&W told the user that this was a minor defect from the part's mold, and did not present a problem. The user, like you, had pictures that seemed to show a greater-than-normal depth there, but S&W was not impressed.

You could always call and at very least try to get a replacement locking block sent.


EDIT: The user eventually reached someone who had him return the pistol for repair. I'm not sure if they actually thought his divot represented damage or just wanted him to go away. To me, it sounded like the latter.

If it were me, I'd probably try to get a replacement to compare.

[iakdrago]

I hope I have better luck... I don't feel to good about relying on a gun that has such a key component crumbling after light use. Afterall it only locks the barrel to the frame

[Serpico1985]

Its a result of casting and normal, dosent cause any problems.

[nwhpfan]

I just checked my M&P9. I have a dimple too. It must be a sign of goodness because my pistol runs like a champ and accurate too. Completed the 2k round challenge with it as well.

[iakdrago]

I just checked my M&P9. I have a dimple too. It must be a sign of goodness because my pistol runs like a champ and accurate too. Completed the 2k round challenge with it as well.

My carry m&p has a dimple as well--this a crater is different. Itis about 1mm deep. It significantly reduces the contact area with the barrel locking lug, thus increasing the pressure to the rest of the locking block--a part, that at least in this particular gun, is suspect. Scratches and wear on surfaces is one thing--metal crumbling out on critical component is another. Going to contact S&W tomorrow and hope that they will do the right thing. This is in no way a bash on m&p it's still my go to gun (the one without a chipped block)

[WDW]

My M&P15 has a similar chip on its hammer. I was concerned about it at first, but several thousand rds. later, the hammer has yet to break and I doubt it will. It seems purely cosmetic in nature. Now that I think about it, my M16A2 and M4 both had similar "chips" on their hammers too. I wouldn't worry about it.

[iakdrago]

Spoke with S&W today, according to them it's not an issue. Going to have put a couple thousand of rounds through it before i can convince myself of that though.