Greetings fellow S&W members. First post from self proclaimed newbie, here is my question hope someone can help.

Pardon me if I dont use the correct lingo, I am new to the game but a quick learner. Here goes.

I picked up an M&P 9mm range kit. First time I go the the range I notice that it is hard to get a cartridge to load. The cartridge gets hung up going into the barrel. It is pointed up at an angle with the front of the cartridge facing upwards. If I rack the slide it goes in, but sometimes gets hung up during further shooting. Not every time but over the course of 50 rounds or so, it happened three times. Where the bullet would get caught up and have to be cleared by racking again.

My question, is it an easy fix, or do I have to send it to Smith to get it looked at.

Thanks in advance to anyone who could help.

What are you using for ammo? The only time I've had ftf issues was using remanufactured lead and it was only once. Try different ammo first IMO.

Without further information and hoping your ammo is just fine, I see 2, maybe 3, possible problems. You're slide is sticky, your feedramp is not quite right, or your mags are causing the ammo to bind somehow.

The first thing I would do is clean the gun really good (as I'm guessing you did as that is what you do to every new gun) focusing on the slide and the slide rails. Make sure they are oiled well and nothing out of the ordinary looks like it's getting in the way.

The next step would be to take a look at the feed ramp and polish a little if it was needed so it was smooth as could be.

Does it happen with all of your mags? If it does, that eliminates option #3 which is your mags are the problem. If it only happens with a certain mag, that narrows down the problem.

I hope this helps.

I would suggest that you check the S&W site for warranty return information, type up a letter, and send the pistol and all the magazines back to them per their instructions. They'll send you a Fed Ex lable, so nothing will come out of your pocket.

In my experience, it is unusual for a newer pistol such as an M&P, a Glock, etc. to have teething problems during break-in, but it can happen. If you don't want to send it back immediately, start with about 300 rounds of 124 grain FMJ ammo and make sure that the pistol is properly lubed according to the instruction book before shooting. As was suggested by others, if the problem persists, mark the magazine(s) with tape or something. If its just one mag, send that mag back to S&W. If the problem persists with all magazines after 300 rounds, send it back to S&W. If it breaks in and starts running like a top, run 100 rounds of whatever hollow point defensive ammo you'll use if the pistol is also for self-defense to make sure it chambers. I consider 300 rounds a good number for considering that a pistol is broken-in and is safe to rely on.

The first step is to clean and lubricate the pistol.

Second item is to use factory ammo.

-- Chuck

Step three is to send it back if it still happens. I don't believe it the "shoot 500 rounds to break it in" school of thought. I really doubt your local PD runs 500 rounds through each patrolman's pistol before they are allowed on the street.

As stated by others with any gun I purchase, the first thing I do is to break them down as per the manual and inspect them and then clean them before I ever take them to the range. There are seven points that need only one drop of oil make sure to not let there be too much oil in this matter.

After cleaning your gun to satisfaction of yourself then go to the range with factory ammunition 115grain for 9mm 180grain for .40 or 230grain for .45 with a full metal jacket if available.

Make sure that your feed ramp is clean and shiny by using solvent and a brass brush on it!

If you follow these basic suggestions and still have a feed problem then it is probably time to have a dialog with Smith and Wesson about returning your gun for some repair or replacement of parts!

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59,M&P9,40,40C,357,(2)45,G26

Thanks guys, some great suggestions. I will take the gun apart and do a thorough cleaning, and check the ammo. Appreciate the help.

Also, try a different mag. If the lips on the mag you are using are malformed you can have feed issues.

Wow, three of the first six responses include "send it back" and not one mention of the term "limp-wristing", which has nothing to do with a Seinfeld episode, by the way. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

The term "limp-wristing" refers to the shooter easing up the gun when shooting. This absorbs the impact but unfortunately doesn't allow the springs to properly do their job in ejecting the round.

Try a little firmer grip. Don't squeeze tighter, just be aware to keep your wrist steady.

Limp wristing and 500-round break in periods are the excuses Kimber uses when their pistols don't work.

-- Chuck

I took my new M&P9c out yesterday and ran about 120 rnds of my reloads through it. I only had one FTE issue and that was when my son was shooting it for the first time. This was obviously a limp wrist type thing as he was starting to get a little intimidated by it before even finishing the mag. (he had been shooting .22's all day)

What it sounds like you're having is a failure to feed issue, even from the start of mag. Please let us know what ammo you were using. This is strange enough that if the ammo isn't the problem the gun is probably taking a trip to the factory.

After two successful trips to the range with a new M&P 9 without any jams or feeding problems I experienced several jams on my third trip which resulted in several frustrations myself. On my last trip to a range it happened again when a "good samatrian" suggested I should change my grip and grip the handle as high as possible to the upper receiver. I apparently adjusted my grip to make it more comfortable and my grip was lower. I cannot explan why, but when I changed my grip higher I had not had a single failure to feed and my pistol fired like a champ. Why? I don't know but there may be something to the limpwristing idea. It worked for me, but can anyone explain this?? I am happy that I have regained confidence in My M&P 9 once again.