Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols All Variants of the Smith & Wesson M&P Auto Pistols


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11-15-2013, 08:04 AM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default Storm Lake Barrels

I felt I had to post this and let all potential buyers know that the current Storm Lake barrels are all designed after the older S&W Gen 1 barrel with the collar by the chamber. I bought one and it immediately felt loose in the slide. I took it to the range, and although it shot fairly well. I had numerous failure to feed issues, failure to lock the slide on the last shot at least 5-6 times and one failure to eject. This to me is unacceptable. I emailed Storm Lake and they said they are now going to produce a new version of the barrel, modeled after the later Gen 2/3 barrels with no collar around the chamber. Anyone in the market, I suggest you wait a little bit until they start coming out with the new barrels. They didn't give me a ETA but I told them to let me know when they are in production. If you have an older M&P with the collar, this barrel will work for you, but the later models, this will not.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11-15-2013, 09:10 AM
Mike1161 Mike1161 is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 106
Likes: 29
Liked 26 Times in 18 Posts
Default

Thanks for the heads up. I have a 5" CORE 40 that I wanted to get that barrel for. I did notice in the pictures that the chamber area was different. I have been unable to find a S&W barrel in 5" 9mm so I figured I would get the Storm Lake one once it was in stock at Midway. Now I will wait until a new version comes out.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11-15-2013, 09:19 AM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

I was hoping the barrel wasn't exactly as shown, but it was. Just to clarify I purchased the threaded .40 to 9mm conversion 5.71 inch barrel.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11-15-2013, 09:24 AM
Woodman90 Woodman90 is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 8
Liked 31 Times in 24 Posts
Default

Is storm lake going to swap you out, provide a refund on return, or are you just stuck with this barrel. I'm also in the market for a threaded barrel.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11-15-2013, 09:30 AM
turbo38gn's Avatar
turbo38gn turbo38gn is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: western Mass
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1,692
Liked 986 Times in 559 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanTana View Post
I felt I had to post this and let all potential buyers know that the current Storm Lake barrels are all designed after the older S&W Gen 1 barrel with the collar by the chamber. I bought one and it immediately felt loose in the slide. I took it to the range, and although it shot fairly well. I had numerous failure to feed issues, failure to lock the slide on the last shot at least 5-6 times and one failure to eject. This to me is unacceptable. I emailed Storm Lake and they said they are now going to produce a new version of the barrel, modeled after the later Gen 2/3 barrels with no collar around the chamber. Anyone in the market, I suggest you wait a little bit until they start coming out with the new barrels. They didn't give me a ETA but I told them to let me know when they are in production. If you have an older M&P with the collar, this barrel will work for you, but the later models, this will not.
I'm a little confused... I know, what else is new... Can you be a little more specific about the application, what model M$P you are referring to and reason for a new barrel. I have several S\L barrels and have never experienced any of those issues, in fact never had any issues period... I initially purchased the 9 conversion barrel for my 40fs, a 357 sig ported barrel for my 40c and ported 40c for the same...

Is this a problem you have seen repeatedly or just your own experience.. ?
__________________
Jack C
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11-15-2013, 10:40 AM
scattershot's Avatar
scattershot scattershot is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,813
Likes: 166
Liked 979 Times in 490 Posts
Default

Not sure why you bought the barrel you did. If it was to convert a .40 to 9mm, Midway has the original equipment barrels for 70 bucks.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 11-15-2013, 11:09 AM
millisec's Avatar
millisec millisec is offline
US Veteran
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 227
Likes: 25
Liked 105 Times in 58 Posts
Default

Same reasons I'm looking at storm lake and waiting for stock
1) different twist
2) available ported
3) available 5.71" threaded for silencer
4) match grade barrels
5) available stainless or black

Smith makes none of the above (that I know of) except the black barrel part. I'm wanting one for my original 2009 5" 9 Pro.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 11-15-2013, 11:23 AM
turbo38gn's Avatar
turbo38gn turbo38gn is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: western Mass
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1,692
Liked 986 Times in 559 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by scattershot View Post
Not sure why you bought the barrel you did. If it was to convert a .40 to 9mm, Midway has the original equipment barrels for 70 bucks.
If this is directed at me..... I bought my conversion barrel because I wanted to have a barrel made to fit my application, not one that "should" work but may have an issue or 2.... I wasn't shopping for the cheapest way..
__________________
Jack C
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 11-15-2013, 11:42 AM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

I purchased this barrel for one main reason, so I could shoot cheaper practice ammo through my M&P Pro CORE .40L pistol. I like the look of the tactical barrel with the threaded end on it, and almost bought a FNX-45 Tactical for this reason, plus it is also milled for a optical sight. I did not even see a 5" stock S&W 9mm barrel for sale or in stock. I also want to mention that I did buy a brand new S&W M&P 9mm magazine to go with the new barrel.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 11-15-2013, 11:49 AM
turbo38gn's Avatar
turbo38gn turbo38gn is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: western Mass
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1,692
Liked 986 Times in 559 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by DanTana View Post
I purchased this barrel for one main reason, so I could shoot cheaper practice ammo through my M&P Pro CORE .40L pistol. I like the look of the tactical barrel with the threaded end on it, and almost bought a FNX-45 Tactical for this reason, plus it is also milled for a optical sight. I did not even see a 5" stock S&W 9mm barrel for sale or in stock. I also want to mention that I did buy a brand new S&W M&P 9mm magazine to go with the new barrel.
For the record, the magazine holds the slide back on the last round. I think your problems may be related to your own doing, not S\L...
__________________
Jack C
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 11-15-2013, 03:27 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Turbo, The magazine does activate the slide stop on the last round, but in my case, I believe the barrel movement caused this to not happen for whatever reason. I have never had a problem with my .40 barrel or magazine. It could of been the slight amount of play might of been enough to not engage the slide stop. First I thought it was my finger doing it while I was shooting, so I made a conscious effort to keep my finger away from the slide release. When I put the .40 barrel back in, not a single problem.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 11-15-2013, 03:34 PM
turbo38gn's Avatar
turbo38gn turbo38gn is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: western Mass
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1,692
Liked 986 Times in 559 Posts
Default

have you tried a 9mm magazine? To go with your 9mm barrel. ....
__________________
Jack C
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11-15-2013, 04:26 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

I bought a brand new S&W M&P 9mm magazine with the barrel. That's what I was using. The RSO at the range suggested I try filling the magazine to the top, and let it sit for about 5 minutes or so. I did and came back and the same thing began to happen. Failure to feed and not locking back.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11-15-2013, 04:34 PM
turbo38gn's Avatar
turbo38gn turbo38gn is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: western Mass
Posts: 2,418
Likes: 1,692
Liked 986 Times in 559 Posts
Default

Oh shoot... I misread your earlier post, thought you said you were using the 40 magazine. How about trying your 40 magazine with the 9's.... also what kind of ammo are you using?
__________________
Jack C
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 11-15-2013, 04:41 PM
jstanfield103's Avatar
jstanfield103 jstanfield103 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 698
Likes: 16
Liked 323 Times in 165 Posts
Default

I have the SL 9mm barrel not the conversion in my 9FS, wonderful barrel shoots more accurate than the S&W. I could not get consistent groups with the S&W barrel, with the SL barrel I get consistent grouping not a shot gun pattern
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 11-15-2013, 04:52 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Shooting the gun, I did get pretty decent groupings. I just couldn't handle all the problems. I couldn't help think how much more accurate it would of been if the barrel fit correctly.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 11-16-2013, 12:31 AM
Duster340 Duster340 is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Illinois
Posts: 527
Likes: 1,128
Liked 477 Times in 185 Posts
Default

That's unfortunate. Wonder if you just got a bad barrel? I've got 450 rounds through the 4.25" 9mm Storm Lake conversion barrel on my M&P 40 FS. It eats everything I have thrown at it 115 & 124 gr FJM, JHP. WW, Remington, Federal, Fiocchi. Even mixed the various rounds in a single mag. Not a single FTF, FTE. Groups every bit as good or better than the factory 40 barrel. (Though both shoot better than I can hold )

Hope you get it sorted out DanTana.

Be well,
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 11-16-2013, 10:37 AM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Duster, Thanks, I hope I will, and if Storm Lake is revising their production with the new style, then that's a good thing for everybody. I think KKM makes theirs using the new style already.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 11-16-2013, 10:54 AM
AwfAxis's Avatar
AwfAxis AwfAxis is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Reno
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Liked 26 Times in 21 Posts
Default

I just bought 2 KKM barrels. One for my 9L CORE, and one for my 40L Pro. These both have the newer design, and dropped right in. Shipped same day of my order; purchased direct from their web-site.

Ran 100 rounds through the 9 CORE on Thursday, no problems. Going out this afternoon when it warms up for some USPSA practice.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 11-16-2013, 02:27 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Awfaxis, If Storm Lake doesn't come out with the new barrels soon, I will buy the KKM.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 11-18-2013, 12:03 PM
Woodman90 Woodman90 is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 151
Likes: 8
Liked 31 Times in 24 Posts
Default

I must admit my heart sank a little reading your post. I own a full sized M&P 40 and recently purchased a Storm Lake 40 to 9mm conversion barrel. It is the 4.95" threaded barrel (gonna have to break down and buy another AAC product) and hadn't had a chance to shoot with it yet. Ran 103 rounds of various brands of factory ammo through it with zero issues. No FTF, FTE, or any problems with slow, intermittent, or rapid fire. So far I couldn't be happier. After 900 more rounds like that and this weapon system will get to stay and get listed in my trust.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 11-18-2013, 06:10 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Thats good to hear, I wish I was that lucky. If Storm Lake doesn't release the new barrel soon, I will buy the KKM. Their barrels look exactly like mine.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 11-19-2013, 09:07 AM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Turbo, I had not tried the .40 mag. I was using Federal 115gr ball ammo. I had read where users were having problems using the .40 mag with 9mm ammo.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 11-19-2013, 05:08 PM
DocGlock DocGlock is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Arkansas
Posts: 95
Likes: 2
Liked 37 Times in 17 Posts
Default

DanTana, is it safe for me to assume that the red arrows in my pic are to the collar you're talking about, and I should be ok with my StormLake barrel? This is my only M&P (besides my shield) and didn't know there were differences like this.

Thanks!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_00000186 (Small).jpg (94.8 KB, 112 views)
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 11-19-2013, 05:16 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

DocGlock,

Exactly, that is the way my Storm Lake barrel was, but my original barrel was not like yours. One thing you can try is put the new barrel into the slide and see how snugly it fits in there. Mine had some play, not like the stock barrel which fit very tightly. My stock .40 barrel looked like this one on the bottom.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg M&P-Barrels-2.jpg (24.1 KB, 102 views)
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 11-19-2013, 05:41 PM
DocGlock DocGlock is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Central Arkansas
Posts: 95
Likes: 2
Liked 37 Times in 17 Posts
Default

Thanks DanT. I just did a comparison and there seems to be no difference in the amount of play between the factory and the SL. I would have actually expected less play for both, but if it's good enough for my stock barrel, it should be good enough for my SL. If I can just find time to give it a "field test". Thanks again.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 11-19-2013, 06:16 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Your very welcome, I was happy to be able to help.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 11-20-2013, 09:09 PM
DanTana DanTana is offline
Member
Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels Storm Lake Barrels  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Liked 25 Times in 22 Posts
Default

Well, I just got off the phone with KKM to order a barrel and told them about my experience with the other barrel. They told me that the issues I had and the loose fit wasn't because of the collar, he said that made no difference? He said it was just a poorly made barrel. Anyway, there is no mistaking the difference in outward appearances and I can't help but think it did have something to do with it. Anyway, I am going to order a barrel from them. I've heard very good reports from owners who have bought the KKM for their M&P's. One thing I don't understand, they said they've been using this style of barrel for about a year now. If it didn't matter, why did they change it?

Last edited by DanTana; 11-20-2013 at 11:17 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Good Prices on Storm Lake M&P barrels retired2006 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 2 01-29-2017 01:46 PM
Storm Lake Conversion Barrels are fdw Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 3 12-16-2014 10:11 AM
WTS Storm Lake M&P Barrels Johnny Dollar Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 03-06-2014 09:48 AM
Storm Lake barrels dgates6120 Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 9 05-08-2013 01:11 AM
Hi-viz or Trijicon? & Storm Lake Barrels BrianE Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 8 08-09-2011 01:23 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:58 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)