Ever had this problem?

[Chris A.]

So, got back from an IDPA match this past Sunday and I was cleaning my MP9 FS and I noticed that the right-hand tab for the slide release had broken off. The internal part of the slide-stop mechanism is all there, and the stop works fine, but the tab you would push to release the slideis just gone, with just a little piece of metal left where it broke off.

For the life of me, I cannot think what would do it. I didn't drop or bang the gun during the match. I couldn't even tell you when it happened. I thought maybe I knocked it against one of the barricades during a course, but when I tried to recreate it at home, I immediately saw that I would have crammed the heck out of the back of my hand and trigger finger, and nothing like that happened.

Anyway, it's weird. I plan to send it to SW for repairs, but might wait until I get a little bit of a break in competitions so I can keep shooting since the slide stop itself works fine (and I use the left-side slide release button since I am right-handed).

Anyone have experience or hear of this happening before?

[growr]

Not had that happen...but I'd send it to S&W ASAP. They will take GREAT care of you in no time at all.
Randy

[Bicky Robby]

Would be interested in what Smith says caused it when you get it back. Sorry it happened.

[NCW Ray]

I haven't had it occur, but I've read about it happening to others on another forum. I tried linking the thread here to help you out but it looks like that isn't permitted.

[hberttmank]

Wow, bummer never seen that. Anyhow, how did you do at the match? I love shooting my M&P 9 Pro in IDPA.

[Chris A.]

hb-

Match was fun. Scored top 25% in terms of total time, but a bit lower in terms of accuracy. Got to work on that.

Thanks!

[SMMAssociates]

Chris:

I've heard of that, and of the thumb safety outer (plastic) lever doing the same thing. None of my three M&P's have managed to do it, though, but it's early today....

Might just ask S&W to send you a replacement - it's not too difficult a swap. (I'm not sure any fitting might be required. The thumb safety seems to be a drop-in, but slide stops need to interact with the slide and the magazine follower, and may need a little touch-up.)

Definitely a "Don't Panic" thing, anyway. Apex has some videos posted for installing their kits that cover the necessary disassembly/reassembly if you're not already familiar with it.

Regards,

[chuck s]

I had to go get my M&P9 to see what you guys were even talking about! I frankly didn't remember there was a slide lock on the right side of the pistol.

Looks like a robust steel part that would be easy to change. See if S&W will just send he part.

-- Chuck

[SMMAssociates]

chuck:

I think the actual thumb button on mine is plastic.... Definitely is on the thumb safety....

(Can't look now - the gun's upstairs, and I'm not....)

IAC, the slide stop itself is easy to swap, but I think you have to pull the trigger block, and getting that back in can be fun. Jigsaw puzzle sort of fun , but not too terrible.

Regards,

[NCW Ray]

On my 40 FS & 40c my slide stop looks to be all metal, no plastic thumb button.

[SMMAssociates]

Chris:

Oooops....

I looked at my 9C's slide stop....

It's metal. The whole thing is one stamping.

That said, a 90 degree bend like that is a potential fracture point. Easy enough to put a radius into it, but difficult to get it exactly right.

S&W should be happy to send you another one, or let you send 'em the gun. (I like the former option, but it's up to you.)

Regards,

[Chris A.]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will get through the next couple months of IDPA matches in my area and then plan out the best time to send it in for repairs -- all depending on what kind of turn-around time that they can approximate.