BodyGuard 380 Rust

[ghostoftheprairie]

So I have fired 500 rounds through my BG380 in the month I have had it. Been carrying it as a backup most days and have recently carried it on it's own, always in a pocket holster. I received a DeSantis SofTuck holster on Friday, and have carried it in there yesterday and this morning. This afternoon I pulled it out only to find rust in all the areas with laser etching. I was able to clean it up with steel wool and then I treated it with a TufCloth. How do I avoid this as an ongoing problem?

 

[RightCoastBiased]

I'd suggest contacting S&W.

 

[GRIZ22]

If you sweat goes thru the leather it can be expected to rust. It also depends on how corrosive your sweat it. Long ago I ate the bluing off the sideplate on a Detective Special in one day. Bluing is designed to resist not eliminate rust. If you don't want to apply hard chrome or some other more durable finish use a OWB holster.


PS If its just the etching you can try filling it with clear nail polish for the same look or filling it in with white, gold, silver, or whatever floats your boat.

 

[hammerklavier]

Send it back to S&W. The slide is stainless steel with Melonite finish, it shouldn't rust.

 

[ghostoftheprairie]

So I have emailed S&W.. What is their normal response time?

 

[JoeH]

For warranty work you have to fill out this form
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_761651_-1_757814_757812_image

In a day or 2 they will send you a Prepaid Label and Instructions.

It takes about 2 weeks to get the gun back.

 

[Fishbed77]

So I have emailed S&W.. What is their normal response time?

Call them and the response time will be instant.

S&W's CS is top-notch.

 

[GRIZ22]

The slide is stainless steel with Melonite finish, it shouldn't rust.

All the stainless steels I've seen used in firearms will rust. They are rust resistant not rustproof. Most commonly you will see rust under the grips if they are not removed and the grip frame cleaned regularly.

 

[ghostoftheprairie]

UPDATE:

Response from S&W CS,

"Rust shouldn’t be an issue with these models. If you continue to experience this problem, contact us for a pre-paid shipping label and we will get your firearm in for review."

We shall see what happens...

 

[a1bigtuna]

I have been reading about those who carry using wax to coat and protect the sides against rust. I have a 438 airweight with the alloy frame (black) and have read about the finish wearing through. Wax seems to be the only way to resist it other than nickle plate. I got my info on S&W Forum and there are a few posts answering my inquiry on this.

 

[FruitCake]

Every single firearm I've had has formed some type rust or surface rust. Now even after taking care of it it gets worse then I would send it back

 

[Apocalypse-Now]

call s&w. they replaced the entire upper assembly of my mp45c for free because it rusted not long ago.

s&w polymers rust sometimes. luckily they have good service.