Was recently in the market for a high capacity 9mm for home defense. Found a GREAT deal on an M&P full size, 17 round at Academy. After getting it home and stripping for cleaning, I noticed I didn't get the standard S&W packaging...no lock, no spent test round, the serial number is laser etched on the slide and the barrel along with US POL and a 16 digit code. The barrel was really dirty. I've put a couple hundred rounds through it with no problems. I'm just curious.

I would try to take it back!

What model did you get? Is it one with an internal lock? Many manufacturers no longer ship a pistol with a spent case, as no states require it anymore.

And no, you can't take it back.

Academy won't resell it.. you may have not received the extras, but I imagine the barrel is dirty from test firing at the factory.

My new MP did not come with a spent round

No extras explains the good price. Any ideas about the extra etching?

Pics of this extra etching?

I Think Smith and Wesson mixed up their Home shopping network and academy shipments.

Call smith and Wesson

this is nothing more than a BS TROLL,

Go back to Frisco, Buzz. Where I come from, if you can't help...butt out.

My M&P Shield doesn't have anything like that. I would contact Smith & Wesson and ask them. Is the serial number stamped on the frame?

Obviously not the gun you thought you were buying, did you not notice this when you bought it or did he just hand you the gun in its box and walk you out? You stated it didn't come with "standard Smith and Wesson packaging" , brown bag, box?

Just kinda weird you bought a gun and did not know what you were getting until you got home??

If it is A BLEM , or special gun, Academy should advertise as such. Definitely worth taking it back for clarification.

Now that you have started this you need to finish it.

Where are you from?

Here's another guy posting a similar experience on another forum Link to thread on another forum

I doubt it's used. Likely dirty from test firing. The markings could be from a contract overrun or who knows. Stay tuned, the internet will make up a great story for you.

You inspected the gun at the counter when you bought it, you get what you get.

You're not missing out on anything with a cable lock. Those things are junk.

I've seen S&W handguns with similar markings at Cabela's.

Academy definitely doesn't sell used guns.

P8riot76.


Don't ask questions after purchase, know and understand what you are buying before the fact.

As it stands, it will probably be an excellent firearm. If you don't like or trust it, sell it.

I wish they'd stop putting those locks in the box. I'm too big a packrat to throw them away but they clutter up my junk drawers. IDK, I guess they make some folks feel good.

Have some fun with them... lock your boss's coffee mug to his desk drawer! That is always good for a laugh.

+1, I have basically a whole entire drawer of gun locks.

Remember when Remington decided to do the integrated trigger lock safety? I have a beautifully engraved shotgun with a gold trigger that has a huge dip [censored] looking keyed safety. I wonder if you can just swap that out with a regular safety button?

The locks are smoke and mirrors...

Fed Law