I'm 64 yrs old and I finally realized that my black powder pistols would not be helpful for defence.
I got a concealed carry lic. and bought a Smith and Wesson M&P 9c compact. It came with 2 10 rd. mags, one of which has the ext. grip so you can hold the grip with your pinky finger, it feels better with it. It also came with 3 grip back straps.
The manual they provided is a generic manual and uses a full size M&P for pics. The frame tool needed to be removed to install a larger back strap are very small while mine is large. I tried to turn it 1/4 turn and it didn't move.
Question is, "Does this compact model have the frame tool? Do I just have to gently use pliers to remove it? Dumb question but like I said I'm a novice and I'd hate to break my new M&P 9c before I've atlest fired it!
Thanks.

I don't know about the compact but my full size was a little tough the first time to get out. It seems to loosen up the more you use it.

sent from my S III using TapaTalk

THe 9C does have the tool and universally, the thing is a bear to get out the first time. Good thing is that once you get the grip on, there's little to no need to remove it again.
Some guys, once they get it off, put a drop of gun oil on the rod before replacing it.
Good luck and be careful not to break the "tang" that holds that thing in place. Work it out carefully, it will come.

i have the 40c and mine was a true p.i.t.a. to remove the first few times. one trick i read on here that helped was use the bottom of the flat mag to turn it. once it is turned, you can use the mag to push it down too.

i would like to suggest to you Products - A2 Stippling
i normally do not like stippling, but i put his number 8 design on my 40c. i feel as if there is less movement in my hand and i have noticed tighter groupings.

WOW, Thanks for your quick replies, I can see that I'll be spending some time on this site........I found myself last night reading the threads for 2 hours.
Again thanks, Bruce (bebola)

this sight can be a gateway to a gun addiction...lol...i've only had my 40c since the end of january...i'm hooked

Bought my M&P 9c last week and I'm already looking for another .........us old guys need toys too! Not really a toy though.
Did you check out that site speadquad posted! I'd like to put the tan back straps on my black gun as in one of the pics, looks nice.

The tool is hard to turn the first time, a tip for us "senior" members. The first time, open up a vice a little bigger than the short measurement of the tool, drop a towel into the vice, remove the magazine (duh) and slide the base of the pistol into the gap, then turn it 1/4 turn (either way). Then pull the pistol out of the vice and pull the tool out by hand. After this, the tool is relatively easy to remove and install by hand (remember it has to be turned 90 degrees to reinstall). I found that I had to play around with the backstraps for about a week until I found one that satisfied me. The one that was most comfortable was the one that affected my accuracy in a negative manner so I shot with the different choices until I found the one that was the most accurate. I'll take accuracy over comfort any day.

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